Smitten by SciFi, Scientists Discard Warnings to Build the Future

Check out this segment from NPR on how scifi has inspired younglings to pursue careers in science and turn fiction into fact. Amit Singhal of Google talks about how he's helping to make search into something as easy as talking to the Enterprise's computer. An even more direct line has already been drawn between author Neal Stephenson's Snow Crash and Philip Rosedale's invention of Second Life. Snip:

"Science fiction helps cubicle-bound engineers and programmers see the meaning of their work, Stephenson says. It makes it "possible for these people to see a coherently realized vision of what all of their efforts could eventually lead to. But Snow Crash is a dark book. The world it depicts is filled with petty criminals, violence, environmental problems and greed. In fact, talk to most science fiction authors, and they will tell you that their work is usually cautionary. 'While the futurists are plowing ahead and excited about this possibility or that possibility, we're always standing there going, 'Hang on just a second. Let's think about this a little more,' author Connie Willis says."

In related news, Nike has filed for a patent for Back to the Future-style power laces. Can disgruntled car jackers named Griff be far behind?