May-June 2012, Vol. 46, No. 3

Articles

A Thousand Years Young

By Aubrey de Grey

An “anti-aging activist” identifies the medical and biochemical advances that could eventually eliminate all the wear and tear that our bodies and minds suffer as we grow old. Those who undergo continuous repair treatments could live for millennia, remain healthy throughout, and never fear dying of old age.

Engineering the Future of Food

By Josh Schonwald

Tomorrow’s genetically modified food and farmed fish will be more sustainable and far healthier than much of what we eat today—if we can overcome our fears and embrace it. Here’s how one foodie learned to stop worrying and love “Frankenfood.”

Unlimiting Energy's Growth

By Tsvi Bisk

As costs decline and sophistication increases, smart materials could help unlock limits to growth.

VISIONS: Futurists Review the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show

By Patrick Tucker and Thomas Frey

Two Futurist editors rate the gadgets that may soon make a big difference in our lives.

The Future of the Commercial Sex Industry

By Emily Empel

As new technologies impact the products and services of the sex industry, other businesses will find new opportunities in the world’s oldest professions.

Anticipating an "Anything Goes" World of Online Porn

By Roger Howard

Increased exposure to more-intensive pornographic imagery and content online will make future generations less sensitive to its effects.

To Predict or to Build the Future? Reflections on the Field and Differences between Foresight and La Prospective

By Michel Godet

A pioneer from the French school of la prospective discusses the development of futures-studies methodologies and the imperative of making methods accessible to all.

Departments

Tomorrow in Brief

  • Clean Water, New Industry
  • Tapping the Power of Rap
  • Robotic “Pack Mule” Offers Military Support
  • Arctic Plants at Risk
  • WordBuzz: Coveillance

Future Scope

  • Virtual Learning Environments
  • Through the Roof: Green-Home Boom
  • Six Media Megatrends
  • Electric Cars’ Side Effects
  • Drop in U.S. Teen Pregnancy

As Tweeted: 3-D Printing, Lunar Manufacturing, and LEGO Dreams

What havoc might amateur garage manufacturers wreak? And what great new gadgets might consumers come up with?

World Trends & Forecasts

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