A number of interesting stories have appeared in the news over the past couple of days showcasing the weird and wonderful world of technology we are currently living in. The benefits of the technological advances in the stories that follow are enormous, both societal and economic. However, the chances of abuse and misuse of these advances are also quite evident, and that is why we should be all become aware of them and what they could possibly mean for us in the future.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts have discovered that bacteria used for cleaning toxic waste are creating nanowires as a byproduct. The bacteria, known as Geobacter, use metal for a power source instead of oxygen. Here's the link Bacteria grow conductive wires. The possibilities seem endless as do the potential rewards, especially from owning the right nano-technology stock.
Wired News is reporting that the British will soon be testing new car license plates with microchips embedded in them. The microchips will contain the vehicle identification number and other data which will be transmittable to readers about 300 feet away. The United States is also experimenting with similar "active RFID technologies" which are currently used in "electronic toll-collection". The technology can also be used by national security and law enforcement agencies in their fight against terrorism and crime. The other side of the coin is that these "smartplates" can be used to invade the privacy of drivers.
This RFID technology is also currently being tested in passports, according to Wired News, with airline pilots and flight crew as the test subjects. The chip-embedded passports will be used for security purposes at airports and international crossing points as part of governments' attempts to fight to fight the rise of supranational terrorism. Of course there are critics here as well. Since the chips will not be encrypted, those carrying these types of passports "could serve as a beacon to thieves and terrorists targeting Americans traveling abroad". This flaw can be easily corrected by encrypting the chips or enhanced with "optical technology" which will allow the chip to be read only after the passport has been opened.
For more information on the RFID technology, also described as "the mark of the beast", the obvious reference from the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, I refer you to the following article, To Tag or Not to Tag.
Peace and Love.
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