Robot Nurses and Tractor Beam May Be Here Soon

In another example of Star Trek influencing real-life technology/research, NASA is spending $100,000 to analyze tractor beam techniques at its Goddard Space Flight center.  The article referenced discusses past research and intial successes with "optical tweezers" that can trap objects in small lasers.  Near-future applications could include installation of such devices on rovers to be sent to other worlds or deep space probes - allowing them to collect samples that otherwise would not be obtainable.  Personally, I like the idea of the "optical tweezers."  This could be a good term/technology for writers to use, especially if they want a credible tech basis for their writing.  When I first heard it, I was thinkinging mainly about healthcare applications - like optical surgery, but you make your own decisions.

Speaking of healthcare, Roomba owners might find this interesting.  Toyota and iRobot has developed a home-use "robot nurse" named Ava which could be available for purchase as early as 2013.  I must admit that the video attached to the article isn't exactly something to ooh and ah about.  Ava looks like a mobile broomstick/post with a tablet computer on top.  That tablet would seem to be the key as the iRobot CEO mentions can show the face of a doctor or actually connect to a real physician.  What isn't really mentioned is that this device could probably be easily adapted for healthcare monitoring.  I mean basic vitals could be taken with attachments (automatic blood pressure cuff, pulse sensor, pulse/ox meter, respiration...) that are currently used by medical professionals.

The robot article also shows an example of another device attached to a patient's leg from the knee to the foot.  The caption shows the device as something that could help patients walk, but not just by giving support and possible muscle enhancements.  Patients who undergo knee surgery could use this device as part of their rehab and reduce the time needed with a physical therapist.

I've discussed bigger examples of this type of technology in my Iron Man 1/2 post last year.  One thing I find interesting is the size difference between the device shown in the post developed last year and the picture of the device on the person's leg.  While there are obvious differences in functionality, it's still interesting how much more streamline the medical device is and it's technology is only one year newer.

Researchers Grow Brain Cells.

According to an article I read through the Fox News web site, researchers have reported success in growing brain cells.  That's right, brain cells.  The cells in are called astrocytes and can play an important role in diseases like dementia and others effecting the central nervous system (astrocytes are found in the brain and spinal cord).

Naturally I'm sharing this for what it could mean to writers of science fiction.  Technology to regrow brain cells could eventually lead to curing many brain-related illnesses, correcting brain damage suffered from accidents...

On another note, this article shows how quickly things we see as possible only in science fiction can quickly make the sci-fi technology obsolete.  Fans of Star Trek:  The Original Series will no doubt remember the episode "Spock's Brain" where Spock's brain is stolen and used to run an underground complex.  McCoy, with the help of an alien teaching device eventually puts Spock's brain back.  But with this technology, perhaps it would be possible in 200-300 years to regrow the brain.  Perhaps they could just download the consciousness. 

Another Star Trek reference is the Next Generation episode when Worf's spine is broken and an experimental treatment is used to regrow his spine.  In about 300 years, that could be more common than shown.

Okay, Worf and Spock aren't human, but that's not relevant.  In both shows, it was indicated that the situation would have been as dire for humans (or worse).  Who knows.  By the time those dates really come around, such repairs could be as routine as an appendectomy is now. 

Trying to Regroup and Recoup

How do you regroup and restart writing when faced with a loss of past work/edits?  I figure that one is to do the same thing I did when I finished my first novel draft - have some fun with a short story.  When I glanced at some of my recent blog stats, I noticed my post on the Star Trek fanfic contest had some recent hits. 

The good and bad of it is that I've got a couple of ideas for stories, but I'm not sure which to choose.  Contest rules limit to one story.

One idea follows the last Next Generation cast movie - Nemesis.  With the Romulans becoming friends, all of the Trek villains are now allies.  Starfleet wants to promote Picard to admiral and make him a figurehead in the Federation.  Some high ranks in Starfleet are worried that with all the known Trek villains now friends, that this will actually split the Federation.  Why?  You'll have to read it and find out.

The second story idea takes place about a year after the JJ Abrams Trek movie.  The Enterprise has spent lots of time touring the Federation with the crew being more like celebrities than Starfleet officers and explorers.  Kirk finds things becoming very routine and actually getting dull.  When a chance for action comes about, he jumps at the chance - too quickly and people die for the first time as a direct result of his orders.  How will he react?  Think about it.  His situation is really no different than a Navy Academy Senior going from the classroom directly to command of an aircraft carrier.  Is he truly ready to command?

So, which to write?  I think both have potential.  Obviously I think they do or I wouldn't consider them!  I'm open to input.  Which sounds more interesting?

Share your feedback and

Write On.

Rest In Peace William Campbell

Actor William Campbell died today.  Star Trek fans will remember Mr. Campbell as Trelane, The Squire of Gothos and (more importantly) as Captain Koloth from what many consider to be the best of the original series episodes, The Trouble With Tribbles.

I'm sure that true Klingon fans will stare into the eyes of death and howl a warning to the dead for one of the greatest Klingon warriors has joined them.

Rest In Peace Mr. Campbell and thank you.

Blind Driver

That's right, I just heard about a blind man demonstrating a new technology that would allow blind people to drive.  I heard about it and read the story on Atlanta Radio Station Star 94.

The car, obviously is loaded with high tech equipment like laser range finders, cameras, and more that will apparently map out the environment.  The technology "communicates information non-visually to a blind person allowing them to safely drive an automobile."  The driver wears special gloves (you can see wires/cables on the gloves) that help with steering/let the driver know how far to turn.

The system would probably need safeguards that would automatically slow or stop the vehicle in certain instances like if someone stopped abrupty or something/someone moves suddenly in front of the vehicle.  Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if that is added to cars for sighted people. 

For a direct link to the Youtube video, check this out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UdCJDEkTXcI

Now think about this technology for science fiction writers.  Sure, in space opera or futuristic science fiction, you can discuss technologies that let the blind function like sighted people.  One of the best known is Geordi LaForge's VISOR from Star Trek:  The Next Generation.  But what about something more like science fiction in the modern world - urban science fiction?  I could see this type of technology brought up for a blind character, or even a blind protagonist.

So keep researching and

Write On.

Innovations for Space Flight

I just saw a slideshow on FoxNews' Tech link focusing on 10 new innovations for future space flight.  Some are pretty much what you'd expect.  There's a slide for a new Mars rover, discussion of what kind of transport vehicle will replace the space shuttle, exercise equipment for astronauts and other things that I've been hearing about for a couple of years now.  But then there are a few that I haven't heard about as much.

Examples:  Nantennaes.  Billions of tiny antennae on the wings of unmanned aerial vehicles that would help provide electricity and power for an engine.  While this sounds like a high-tech version of solar panels, the technology is much more advanced and worthy of note to science fiction writers.

A robot motor that could operate in extreme heat, like on Venus.  Again, while not necessarily something people haven't heard of before in sci-fi, it's still interesting to know that there is currently such a device that could operate in temps allegedly up to 932 degrees.  According to the article, the nearest competitors can only withstand half that temperature.  This is a good example of how sometimes tech takes a massive leap forward before returning to incremental advances.

Whoever came up with this one must have been a 7 of 9 fan.  Skin tight space suits.  Apparently this type of attire helps to reduce the bone loss for astronauts in space for extended periods by simulating the effects of gravity.  When you think of the fact that astronauts going to the ISS often spend months there and considering a recent post I made regarding an article on a manned trip to Mars.  A one-way trip would take months - almost a year IIRC, this is an important development.

Is the Military Going to Have Invisible Vehicles?

Star Trek fans might be hoping we have a cloaking device ready for the Klingons and Romulans.  According to an article on Fox News' tech page, the answer is yes.  Invisible tanks, planes, and armor could be in use within 5 years.  Rather than the whole "bending light" theory, this tech would use cameras and a high tech display to project the surrounding environment onto the hull of the vehicle rendering it effectively invisible - similar to a chameleon blending into the surrounding. 

One thing I found cool is that I use a tech like this in my draft sci-fi novel, but not for military applications.  The tech is used on the roof of an flying limousine and effectively makes the roof disappear so the occupants can stare at the stars.  I one-up it by adding some touch-screen tech (like an iPad).  Touch a star visible and get the info on it.

With this new tech coming out, I may have to tone down the surprise or make a comment that the characters hadn't heard of the tech used on anything besides military vehicles.  Something to incorporate the science facts of this tech.  Regardless, it's cool to see this tech really coming about.  It's one of the great things about sci-fi. Things we dream can become reality.

Keep researching for your stories to include credible tech and

Write On.

Acceptable SyFy

I don't know if someone at SyFy was listening to me or not.  Probably not, but I noticed this morning that SyFy is airing Merlin Marathon.  Personally, that series hasn't exactly drawn me in.  No surprise, I'm not big on the series, but it is at least part of the genre that built up SyFy.  While the marathon will be unfortunately interrupted by WWE wrestling, immediately following that action-based sitcom will air the season premier of Merlin.

Sunday, I just found out, is TrekDay on SyFy.  If they air some of the good stuff, I'll forgive them for showing Star Trek:  Nemesis.

After I made my first post about SyFy vs. History Channel, I was contacted by an old friend who said that BBC also has some good stuff.  SyFy is apparently checking them out also - January 17, SyFy airs Being Human.  Based on a critically acclaimed BBC series, SyFy places three 20-something roommates - a ghost, vampire and werewolf - trying to keep their secrets and help each other.  Sounds a little like an urban fantasy Melrose Place (the original one).  I'm willing to give it a chance.  I love the werewolf's line in the advertisements - "We'll have full moon parties.  We'll invite the neighbors over and eat them."  Funny, but I don't know if the ghost eats.

And for the retro and Bruce Lee fans, I saw a commercial that SyFy will air a Green Hornet Marathon Tuesday, January 11.  That's right, the original Green Hornet and Kato will be back.  It will be fun to see Kato kick some @ss.

It's nice timing.  Seeing some of the greats is inspirational as I kick my own Tae Kwon Do training into a higher gear as I practice routines for my next black belt test.  I've lost about 3 pounds and I tried to make my sparring in regular class more intense.

New Weapon Tech and Teleportation Theories

Despite my recent rant on Transformers 2, one cool scene was the use of the rail gun on Devastator.  Well, it appears that it's not just sci-fi or a rumor.  On December 10, a Navy test produced a 33 megajoule finding.  To quote the article, "A single megajoule is roughly equivalent to a 1-ton car traveling at 100 mph."  Remember, the rail gun does not use an explosive projectile.  The destruction uses nothing but kinetic energy.  The weapon is expected to be able to hit a target 100 miles away (compared to the current range of about 13 miles by current Navy guns.

So, if you're writing an urban science fiction story with a rail gun.  I'm sorry, but it's no longer science fiction.


Next.  For all the Star Trek, fans here's an article that has found new plausibility in teleportation/transporter theories.  But rather than breaking down a subject's molecular structure, transforming it to energy and transmitting/beaming it to a location where it's reassembled, the theory follows new quantum physics theories on parallel universes.  Not only do these theories bring new light on teleportation, but time travel.  To be honest, it's all a bit too complex for me to really translate but I plan on keeping my eyes open for more articles like this.

Now think of the application in science fiction technology.  Not only do you have a credible basis for teleportation technology, but you could bring parallel universes into it. 

So, do your research and

Write On

New High Speed Rail Record and Technological Advancements

Today a Chinese train set a new world record for the fastest unmodified passenger train with a speed of 302 miles per hour.  The train ran on a high-speed line between Beijing and Shanghai.  Although the train will not begin regular operations until next year, it is already being hailed as revolutionary as it will cut the 10 hour trip between the cities down to 4 hours.

Radical changes like these make science fiction writers practically salivate.  Typically, we see technology change our lives a bit more incrementally.  Of course, in the US we don't seem to see this technology at all, but that's besides the point.

Another point I'd like to make is how fickle techology is in its advancement.  Some scientists and science fans (including science fiction fans) will look at this new record and hypothesize on what it means for the future.  Remember when the iPads came out?  Some quickly compared it with data devices used in shows like Star Trek (Next Generation, DS9 and Voyager to be more specific).  But can these leaps also lead to unrealistic explanations?

If you've watched one of the few entertaining science fiction shows left on SyFy - Eureka, you saw the addition of James Callis to the cast last year.  His character was accidentally brought to 2010 from the late 1940s.  I remember one interesting quote his character had about the 21st century - "I thought there would be more flying cars by now."  Speaking of flying cars, we're only 5 years away from the flying cars shown in Back To The Future II.  Granted, that was a comedy, but a few decades ago, people probably did expect flying cars not only to be a reality, but a regular form of transportation.

Another example of science fiction technological timelines missed can be found right in the title of one example - Space 1999.  11 years after the moon was blown out of orbit, we still are really not significantly closer to Moon Base Alpha.

Will we get there some day?  Perhaps, but keep in mind when reading and writing science fiction that, as I just said, technological advances can be fickle and unpredictable.  But sometimes that's what makes them really cool.  Let's face it, if we had regular and scheduled technological revolutions, I'd probably have nothing to blog about!

Have a good weekend and

Write On.

Starfleet Fanfic Contest 2011

Last year, Starfleet International opened a new website dedicated to Star Trek Fanfic.  Recently the website has opened for submissions to the 2011 STARFLEET Short Story Contest.  Those wishing to submit must be members of Starfleet International.  The top entries (I believe the top 4 or 5) are published in the Starfleet Communique - official publication of SFI read by members around the world.

I believe submissions are accepted until June, but check the web site for details. 

Live Long and Prosper and


Write On

Antimatter Captured.

This was a cool article.  Scientists have created and captured antimatter.  It's not necessarily the creation, but the capture and manipulation that's so revolutionary.  According to the article, the first antimatter was actually created in 1955 by University of California, Berkeley physicists Emilio Segre and Owen Chamberlain.  They created antiprotons in an atom smasher.

In this study, physicists at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva not only created antiprotons, but used them to form antihydrogen for about 1/6th of a second.

This type of research brings up questions about how antimatter could be used.  In Star Trek, starships used antimatter as an energy source, primarily for the warp drive and for weapons (photon torpedoes).  Although with current technology scientists probably couldn't create enough antimatter to launch anything much bigger than a bottle rocket (if that big), as research progresses they might find more efficient/effective ways to create antimatter.

In the meantime, it gives more scientific credibility to the use of anitmatter in science fiction writing and fuel dreams that we might see some type of practical application in our lifetime.

Until that happens,

Write On.

Star Trek Drabble

I was in a Trekkie mood, so I tossed together this drabble - exactly 100 words.

“Are you two still arguing about that damned test?”  McCoy asked entering the conference room while Kirk and Spock spoke.

“I would hardly call it arguing, Doctor,” Spock replied in almost monotone.  “I was reminding the captain that the purpose of the Kobyashi Maru scenario to test a commander’s character in dealing with the fear involved in a no-win scenario.”

“Spock, you aren’t qualified for that.” McCoy countered.  “How can somebody  with the emotional capacity of a tricorder be qualified to design a test to evaluate a person’s fear?”

“Why thank you, Doctor.”

McCoy shook his head.  “I give up.”

TrekTrax Writing and Klingon Weapons

The first annual TrekTrax, Star Trek Convention in Atlanta is over President's Day weekend.  For details, you can go to the web site at http://www.trektrax.org/.  I registered over a month ago.

Aside from the main TV/movie guests, including Tim Russ (Tuvok), Barbara March (Lursa), and Gwynyth Walsh (Be'tor), there are several Star Trek authors attending.  Even better is that one of them, Ms. Diana Botsford, will be running a writing workshop where she will provide a critique of a one-page summary submitted.  Well, I'm not waiting.  I put together a one-page synopsis of LEGACY SOLDIER:  HYBRIDS DEPLOYED and emailed it today. 

Aside from that, I'm talking to some local Klingons to see if I can borrow some Klingon weapons - Bat'leth and Mek'leth.  If I have enough time, I plan to try to adapt my Tae Kwon Do school's bo and sword forms to the Bat'leth and Mek'leth respectively.  Maybe I'll even try to put on a weapons demo.

If I do that, I've got about 3 months to borrow the weapons, practice, get a Klingon costume, and

Write On.