We Were Promised Jetpacks . . .

Jetpack demonstration at the Calgary Stampede circa 1966; image © 2015 Edward McHale, all rights reserved

. . . And We Are Getting Amazing Things. Recent Tech Developments:

Quantum Computers:

Scientists Achieve Critical Steps to Building First Practical Quantum Computer – Phys.Org

IBM Brings Quantum Computing a Step Closer – Wall Street Journal

What Can We Do with a Quantum Computer? – Institute for Advanced Study.

We’re Entering a Golden Era of Quantum Computing Research – SmarterPlanet

Electromagnetic Space Drives:

New Test Suggests NASA’s ‘Impossible’ EM Drive Will Work In Space – i09

Evaluating NASA’s Futuristic EM Drive – NASASpaceflight.com

Medical Diagnostics:

New Test Can Predict Cancer up to 13 Years Before Disease Develops; People Who Develop Cancer have Shorter Telomeres, the Caps at the End of Chromosomes which Protect the DNA – The Telegraph

Gene Modification:

Chinese Scientists Genetically Modify Human Embryos; Rumours of Germline Modification Prove True and Look Set to Reignite an Ethical Debate – Nature

Full Text of the Chinese Scientists’ Research Paper

Editing Human Embryos: So This Happened – National Geographic

These are the Countries Where it’s ‘Legal’ to Edit Human Embryos (hint: the U.S.A. is one) – Business Insider

Military Tech:

The US Military Is Getting Closer to Creating Self-Guided Bullets – Vice