The Big Idea: How Breakthroughs of the Past Shape The Future is an excellent work on the emerging technologies in nanotechnology, regenerative medicine, nuclear power generation at the neighborhood level, underwater submersible vehicles and much more. The format of the presentation is by order of advances in medicine, transportation, communications technologies, biochemistry and the
environment. The Big Idea traces how global human life expectancy has evolved from 30 years to nearly 70 years of age in just 2000 years.
Many of the newest ideas in science are discussed together with the people who gave birth to the ideas. For instance, Nicola Tesla conceived of the wireless transfer of energy. Thomas Edison set forth all encompassing ideas in electrical engineering and the nationwide power grid.
Medical advances in nanocapsules include an antibiotic immersed in a dye. Tiny capsule bursts occur when exposed to toxins secreted by pathogenic bacteria. Just the right amount of antibiotic is delivered to the site of the pathogens to avoid overburdening the body with powerful medications.
The idea behind CytImmune’s tumor-targeted delivery of TNF is attributable to the miniscule size and composition of the nanoparticles. TNF and PEG-Thiol bind to the surface of gold (AU) nanoparticles. The therapeutic payload travels safely through the blood. Immune detection is bypassed. The payload is delivered to the disease site expeditiously. Aurimune, a mere 27 nanometers leaves the circulatory system via leaky, newly formed vasculature at tumor sites. Gaps in the blood vessel walls are bypassed .
Regenerative medicine is reaching an advanced stage; whereby, sheets of skin can be grown to graft onto wounds. Lab grown bladders are being contemplated, as well as stem cells to regrow cardiac muscle damaged by severe heart attacks.
The Hyperion Power Generator produces a 25 megawatt reactor. It costs nearly 50 million dollars and can be transported easily by truck. Less engineering maintenance is involved than a standard fossil fuel plant. One module provides energy for 25 thousand homes. The generator is housed in an underground vault for security purposes.
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