If the world existed according to the rules of science fiction, time travel, teleportation, aliens and humanoid robots would be commonplace. However, we live in the real world, where science fiction is not fact, but just fiction. Modern science has only slightly opened the door to a possible future. Let's take a look at how likely the phenomena are that are so common in science fiction.
Virtual learning
In the cult sci-fi movie The Matrix, viewers were introduced to the idea of instant learning. The main character received all the necessary knowledge about martial arts in a matter of minutes, and all because the data was loaded into his brain using a computer. Is this possible today or in the foreseeable future?
Canadian neuroscientist Bruce McNaughton argues that such learning is quite possible in the future, but he is not sure about the foreseeability of this very future. According to the scientist, in a hundred or two hundred years, perhaps science will allow people to implant technologies with information carriers filled with the necessary knowledge. However, such a development exists so far only in theory.
Robopocalypse
Promotional video:
This concept means the end of humanity due to the development of artificial intelligence, or, more simply, robots. A similar scenario is seen in the film "The Terminator" and in the already mentioned "Matrix". Given the modern dependence on the latest technologies, is the scenario of a robopocalypse possible in real life, or is it still not so robots and self-sufficient?
Most scientists working in the field of robotics and computer technology argue that the relationship between humans and machines will be harmonious, despite the level of development of artificial intelligence. However, among them there are also those who quite realistically assess the possibility of global destruction due to machines.
Catching or attracting rays
No self-respecting science fiction work can do without this necessary technology, especially if it has even the slightest relation to space. The grappling beams can be used as weapons, transportation and protection.
In fictional universes, the technology of these rays consists of exotic names and non-existent elements, but modern and very real science has managed to use ordinary rays of light to manipulate tiny objects, almost like the very grab rays.
In theory, today it is possible to envisage the development of technology slightly reminiscent of the capture beam on the famous fifth starship of the Federation "Enterprise".
Humanoid robots with artificial intelligence
Computers, machines, and robots have already proven their superiority over humans in several areas. However, no robot is capable of "being" human, simply because our brains are too complex. Despite the fact that a computer can solve a math problem faster or beat even a champion at chess, it will be difficult for it to simultaneously maintain a conversation and do mechanical work.
In the coming decades, modern technologies are ready to present robots with artificial intelligence that are not inferior to human intelligence for public approval. However, it is still not clear if robots will ever be able to become conscious beings with free will.
Living planets
The Earth is a kind of living planet, because on its surface life originated, exists and is maintained. However, the blue planet is far from the conscious form of sci-fi characters such as Mogo from the Green Lantern Corps or Pandora from Avatar.
A unified or collective consciousness on the planet in reality seems almost impossible. Based on the relationship and development of living and non-living tissues on Earth, scientists can say with a high degree of probability that evolution is not working in favor of the idea of collective consciousness.
Invisibility cloaks
For the opportunity to hide in plain sight, not only the military, but also ordinary people would give a lot. In science fiction and fantasy, there are various variations of invisibility from "The Invisible Man" to the Harry Potter robes.
So far, science has only managed to hint at such a technology and, according to the opinions of many scientists, the "cinematic perfection" of the invisibility cloak will most likely not be achieved. What is likely to become a real mantle is sophisticated technology that provides partial stealth, a kind of sophisticated camouflage.
Teleportation
Today, teleportation of large material objects and especially living beings is fundamentally impossible. There are such insurmountable obstacles on the way to the development of teleportation that even the brilliant Montgomery Scott would sink into despair.
To date, scientists have succeeded in teleporting quantum information over a distance of 16 kilometers. But even in spite of this achievement, quantum teleportation is completely different from the teleportation of matter. Today, there are several theories about the possible movement of objects, the main one being a wormhole, or worm-like channel. However, this is nothing more than speculation, without any practical confirmation.
Star Destroyers
One of the most destructive technologies in science fiction is weapons capable of destroying entire planets, stars, and star systems.
According to scientists, such an atrocity is theoretically possible and does not even take billions of years. Not that such a technology is already ready and waiting in the wings on the shelf, but theoretically it is possible to launch a black hole into a star. Feeding on its energy, the black hole will grow until it destroys all neighboring planets and stars.
Traveling faster than the speed of light
According to Einstein's general theory of relativity, on which all modern astrophysics is based, no object can move in space-time faster than the speed of light. However, the famous theory does not exclude the fact that space-time itself can expand at a speed that significantly exceeds the speed of light.
It is this proviso that theoretical physicists use when discussing the possibility of high-speed movement. Among them, such a hypothetical concept as a "warp bubble" is popular. Such a bubble around the spaceship will allow space around it to move at normal speed, theoretically several times faster than a ray of light, while the spacecraft itself will be at rest in relation to the bubble, but will move in relation to space-time.
Human-like aliens
The acclaimed Star Trek series features a host of aliens of various races who are united by what they resemble humans, such as the Klingons, Romulans or Vulcans. But what is the real probability of the development of life on another planet exactly in the form in which it developed on planet Earth?
Science has provided significant arguments both for and against the hypothesis that all intelligent aliens will look human-like, that is, they will be bipedal with bilateral symmetry.
For starters, the likelihood that another planet will show similar conditions for the creation and development of life, as on Earth, seems almost impossible. The history of the development of mankind as a species is too unique.
On the other hand, it is possible that the presence of limbs, fingers and the ability to walk vertically on two legs is a necessity for the successful and effective use of tools for survival. In this case, it is likely that intelligent representatives of alien civilizations will look like people.
Hope Chikanchi