Two Pioneering Ideas

Arthur C. Clarke passed away a few months ago. In November, an international conference will be held in Japan to talk about the possibility of building a space elevator. The idea for such a structure was first proposed by Clarke in his 1979 book, The Fountains of Paradise.

For you Gundam fans out there, aside from recognizing the importance of the year 1979, notice the following blurb in that Telegraph article.

Scientists hope that as well as carrying human passengers, the carriages could also haul huge, solar-powered generators that could power homes and businesses back on Earth.

Gundam 00 fans might find that idea sounds familiar.

The second pioneer, stem cell guru Robert Lanza, is fighting for the right to clone human embryos to create human spare parts. I for one support his efforts.