Visions

Additional Visions Information

In Visions, Dr. Kaku examines in vivid detail how the three scientific revolutions that profoundly reshaped the twentieth century--the quantum, biogenetic, and computer revolutions--will transform the way we live in the twenty-first century. The fundamental elements of matter and life--the particles of the atom and the nucleus of the cell--have now been decoded, closing one of the great chapters of scientific history. But this is just the preface to an even more far-reaching scientific revolution, as we make the transition from being passive observers of the mysteries of nature to becoming masters of nature, able to manipulate matter, life, and intelligence to remold the world around us.

In the first part of Visions, Dr. Kaku discusses the cyber future, when millions of microprocessors are scattered throughout our environment; when the iron principle that has ruled the computer industry, Moore's Law, finally collapses, forcing scientists to adopt startling new designs like DNA computers and quantum computers; and when artificial intelligence systems finally arrive.

In the next section, Dr. Kaku shows how the decoding of DNA will allow us to conquer devastating genetic diseases, defeat many cancers at the molecular level, synthesize new medicines using virtual reality, grow new organs, conquer aging and reshape our genetic inheritance.

Finally, he explores how quantum physicists will perfect new ways to harness the cosmic energy of the universe--from molecular machines to supermagnets that may energize a second industrial revolution, to powerful fusion engines that one day may take us to the stars.

What makes Michio Kaku's vision of the future of science so compelling and authoritative is that it is based on the groundbreaking research already underway at leading laboratories around the world. Weaving interviews with over 150 scientists--several of them Nobel laureates--into a rich, inspiring narrative, Dr. Kaku reveals the growing consensus among key scientists about how science will likely evolve through the early, middle, and late years of the twenty-first century.

An intimate, thrilling tour through the next century of science, Visions is a riveting, essential map to how scientists will reshape our future.

What Customers Say About Visions:

Again about Kaku he writes books so even people with little understanding of the subject can understand it. No he doesn't get indepth of subjects such as quantum computing because even the experts will tell you they do not completely understand it IE how paired particles can communicate faster than light. If you keep up with cutting edge science then you are ahead of the game but it is fun to imagine the future possibilities

He leans towards optimism: he thinks that science will triumph in most endevors. Clear, simple writing. PROS: Sweeping overview of many technological and scientific endevors. He rarely mentions the dark side of science and the evils it may lead too. Good organization. I loved reading it.CONS: The copyright is 1997, which means he wrote most of it in 1996, which means that his predictions probably won't be as good as the predictions made today. CONCLUSION: It's fun to read about what people in 1996 thought life would be like, just like it's fun to read Jules Verne today. However, it's probably better to search for a more up to date book.

As a teacher Visions has promoted a vast number of discussions in my classroom. Personally the book was stimulating and thought provoking. Since Visions was printed in the late 90's it is very interesting to see the early predictions as part of our life. The kids love it and there is something that engages all of my students. It is also written in such a way that you do not need to have a degree in Physics to understand it, at least throught the first 2/3 of the book.

Visions can be broken down into 2 different "main" subjects.computer technology and the medical field, and how they will evolve in the near future; as well as in the distant future.If you read this book, one of your thought processes should be about investing; especially when the computer chip is no longer made on silicon wafers and tranistors. If you are a person who thinks outside the box, and if you invest in certain companies.you'll see when you done reading this one.I read this book a few times. My wife also read this, and it sparked an interest in science that she never had. I certainly recommend this book.

the same year I entered UCB engineering grad school. Michio Kaku was a high school legend in Santa Clara County, long before it was deemed Silicon Valley. I never did meet him, but I kept up with his research, and I have every book he ever wrote.This book is mind-expanding, with minimal mathematics knowledge required.It is not bedside reading recreation but a genuine exercise for your imagination. His science projects were grandiose and attention-grabbing. He might have been known as the penultimate nerd had that derogatory term existed in the early-1960's.In short, he was my role model; he left UC-Berkeley with a Ph.D. I've had a four decades-long admiration for this great intellect. Jump on his bandwagon and hang on for the wild ride.