Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Futurism.
The Five Holy Wounds of a Second Coming
9:00 am –– Thursday, April 14th 2033 There wasn't any room for the light. It could echo and bounce with no destination beyond entropic, move along little light. Presenter understood this, he felt most at home in the shadows, and their molesting reach dimming the flesh, dimming the speckled reminders. Pushing his sweat damaged linens off his gaunt frame, Presenter’s now upright body took aim at its beckoning stage. Joints cracked, or were they bones? Doesn't matter. He moved onwards, rising from the bed. The cracked and crusted eye sockets of his pale face were wiped and cleared, christened with the softness of the escaping sunlight. He wet his eyes with a yawn and unburdened himself with a throat clearing cough; reluctant to focus his sight, the parabolic flight of expulsion went unknown. Firmly composed, a blasé pace took Presenter over the refuse and across the threshold; entering the open concept kitchen, obeying his mandate.
By Joseph Somers9 years ago in Futurism
Octopus Facts
Researchers at the University of Chicago and a group at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology in Japan combined forces in the Octopus Genome Project. This huge undertaking maps out the entire DNA structure of this complex cephalopod. The Octopus facts, which were published in the science journal Nature, are simply incredible. Octopuses, not octopi, are so vastly different in their genetic makeup that they might as well be considered aliens from outer space. In uncovering the sequence, scientists found that octopuses have a significant expansion of a family of genes that play a role in neuronal development. A similar set of genes are found in humans, and until the Octopus facts were published, this gene expansion was believed to be a unique characteristic of vertebrates. Now, thanks to this research, we know that similar processes happened in octopuses.
By Stephanie Gladwell9 years ago in Futurism
What Is the Bahai Faith?
As long as there has been religion, there has been conflict over which is the true religion. Humankind has been going to war over gods and customs for tens of thousands of years. Sometimes religion is a convenient mask for secular disputes over land, such as in the Israeli conflicts with Egypt and Syria. Sometimes it is the backdrop of cultural conflicts like terrorist activity in Afghanistan and Pakistan, or an old grudge like India and Pakistan. From ancient times to suicide bombers on the streets of Peshwar, the major religions have struggled against each other over claims of being the one true religion.
By Joshua Samuel Zook9 years ago in Futurism
Ex Machina's Robot Future
Media perpetuates visions of robotic futures and people are dreaming of silicon-based lovers. As technology advances, so too do humanity's most primal desires. Sex continues to be one of the final frontiers for humankind. Sexual exploration never stops. Exploration has led to evolution. Robots may not end the world through violence like in the Terminator films. The world may end between the sheets of people's homes, going out with a quiet, or loud bang, from Ex Machina's robot future.
By Izzy Erlich9 years ago in Futurism
Greatest Space Opera Books of All Time
The space opera has become a staple sub-genre of science fiction. Funnily enough, like all things unusual, the term 'space opera' began as a mockery. The term referred to them being typical, dramatic 'soap operas' with the added specialty of having some 'spaceship yarn' woven into the uninspiring plot. However, this sub-genre has now evolved into something much bigger and has produced some true masterpieces. For this list, we will be considering 'space opera' as a work of science fiction with the bonus of occurring or relating to space. So sit back, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to be blown away by this unique spatial ride with our list of the greatest space opera books of all time.
By Emily McCay9 years ago in Futurism
History of the Planet of the Apes Timeline
The idea of the Planet of the Apes franchise began with a somewhat satirical French novel by Pierre Boulle called La Planète des singes, published in 1963, about a human astronaut landing on a planet full of intelligent apes and devolved human beings. Since then, the series and franchise have expanded into a full-fledged ape-universe and even a great reboot. Let’s take a look back on the history of the Planet of the Apes timeline.
By Natasha Sydor9 years ago in Futurism
World's Most Deadly Viruses
In the face of deadly viruses the only weapon humanity has is proper hand washing and disinfectant, but preventive measures may not be enough for the 10 deadliest viruses. A virus is a small infectious agent that replicates inside the living cells of other organisms. Viruses can infect all types of life forms, from animals and plants to bacteria and archaea. Science has not yet determined whether viruses constitute life because they lack key characteristics of life, such as cell structure. They have often been described as 'organisms at the edge of life.' What is known about viruses is that they cause serious illnesses and can destroy lives if not dealt with properly. The following viruses are not listed in any particular order but don't be fooled, they are all equally deadly. Also they are not just the only most dangerous, there are many more viruses that have brought humanity to its knees causing panic and terror in the hearts of many.
By George Gott9 years ago in Futurism
Controlled Experiment
This fictional story has been repurposed from the November 1978 issue of OMNI Magazine. Standing alone on the podium, in the glare of the camera lights, the old man spoke wearily: "I have called this press conference to announce my resignation from the American Psionic Institute." The audience of scientists and reporters buzzed excitedly. "As cofounder of this organization, I am reluctant to leave it; but my continued presence here can only cast a cloud of doubt over honest men's work. For recently, in my zeal to demonstrate the existence of psychic phenomena, I committed the one unpardonable sin in science: I deliberately manipulated an experiment to yield the desired results.”
By Rick Conley9 years ago in Futurism
Carl Sagan Inspired Curiosity
Carl Sagan's enthusiasm and ability to convey ideas, such as humanity's place in the universe against the backdrop of a cosmic scale, inspired countless people to pursue their own curiosity. As the author of more than 600 scientific papers, editor of more than 20 books, and creator of Cosmos: A Personal Voyage, Sagan worked tirelessly to push science into the spotlight. He advocated heavily for scientific skeptical inquiry, pioneered exobiology, and promoted the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). The name Sagan is inseparable from the word "curious."
By George Gott9 years ago in Futurism
