Next technology after Planetary Economics

AdamTG02 · February 10, 2003, 13:25

Vote for the two technologies you would most like to see our faction research. You have five days.

Neural Grafting is a line of research prompted by the relentless drive toward efficiency which swept our faction with the discovery of Industrial Automation. This technology would use our understanding of the Secrets of the Human Brain to implant computers in the human brain itself. Our electronic engineers and neurobiologists believe that a linkage of the human mind to a computer, allowing the processing power of a machine to be wedded to the creativity of a human mind, is possible. If so, this would radically increased computational speed, reaction time, and sensory awareness for those citizens who elected to take part in such a procedure. The boon to our military preparedness would be such that we would be able to train troops with two special abilities. Our technologists also look forward to a true Mind/Machine Interface linking human thoughts with any computerized device, such as a Gatling Rover, and Biomachinery that would assist human metabolism at the cellular level.

Superstring Theory attempts to explain the fundamental forces of the universe by exploring the initially counterintuitive idea that fundamental particles, such as quarks and electrons, are not single points but five- or seven-dimensional "strings." While this idea was theorized as early as the late 20th century, it was only with the development of Nonlinear Mathematics that this theory could be modeled and tested. The increased scientific debate following our discovery of Cyberethics provided the stimulus. Understanding the properties of strings is expected to bring new understanding of fundamental forces such as electromagnetism, allowing the prototyping of a Chaos Gun based on the new physics. This understanding might also lead to a way to industrially manufacture Monopole Magnets -- currently theoretical particles which are believed to have a single-directional magnetic charge.

Applied Relativity would update Einstein's theories of based on our understanding of Advanced Subatomic Theory, as well as data gleaned from our use of Superconductors. The stimulus this discovery would bring to our understanding of physics is expected to allow the construction of a Supercollider where these theories could be tested and refined. Understanding the fundamental forces of the universe would place us well on the way to constructing a Unified Field Theory quantifying and explaining those forces. New ideas on the nature and makeup of light might furthermore point the way to a theory of Photon/Wave Mechanics.

Silksteel Alloys are a new compound developed with techniques based on Advanced Subatomic Theory, intended to fulfill the demand for durable materials from factories employing Industrial Automation. These substances mimic the fibers of a spiderweb to attain tensile strength greater than any substance yet known. Even aside from the industrial applications, our generals believe that these metal fibers could be woven into a Silksteel Armor of great resilience. The refined industrial techniques involved in this research might be invaluable for developing Monopole Magnets; furthermore, the use of these compunds on a molecular level could provide tools for unraveling Photon/Wave Mechanics.

Organic Superlubricants are lubricants which act like simple life forms, naturally responidng to stimuli and "learning" the best places to apply themselves. These substances, refined from Synthetic Fossil Fuels, are much in demand among engineers working to implement Fusion Power. Our military also hopes to apply this technology as a coolant in an experimental device referred to as a Fusion Laser. The increased efficiency which these lubricants would bring is expected to be invaluable in the development of Nanominiaturization techniques; it also might allow the infrastructure necessary for Advanced Spaceflight.

Orbital Spaceflight would allow us to launch missions into planetary orbit, the first step toward mankind's return to the stars. Our Aerospace Complexes would be able to launch Sky Hydroponics Labs to grow food for the entire faction in the deeps of space. On the military front, the same infrastructure that supports spaceflight would allow the creation of Missiles, carrying either Conventional Payloads or the "ultimate weapon of last resort" -- an enormous thermonuclear "Planet Buster." Our engineers also hope to develop techniques of Advanced Spaceflight, allowing our return to the interplanetary void.

Note: The option labeled "Advanced Spaceflight" on the poll refers to Orbital Spaceflight. It was a typo; apolgies for the confusion.

Maniac · February 10, 2003, 13:43

Neural Grafting and write-in: anything that leads to Bio-Engineering as fast as possible.

Pandemoniak · February 10, 2003, 13:57

Applied relativity.

Cedayon · February 10, 2003, 15:39

NG: We. Need. Clean. Reactors.

.

(we'll still need to get bio-eng afterwards, but we need NG first)

Method · February 10, 2003, 19:53

what maniac said

Archaic · February 10, 2003, 20:09

Neural Grafting

GeneralTacticus · February 11, 2003, 02:47

NG or Orbital Spaceflight, I don't care a whole lot which, although it looks like NG is going to win.

Jamski · February 11, 2003, 03:59

OS, for the obvious reasons.

-Jam

Hercules · February 11, 2003, 08:11

NG

Could we ask the D Foreign Affairs to try to trade with Morgan for PE

Hercules · February 11, 2003, 08:18

We are discovering techs at the rate of 1 per 5 years at the moment. So advice on 1 new tech per 7 days, is not now quick enough.

We need a priority list of say the 5 top polled techs maintained

Cedayon · February 11, 2003, 08:57

Quote:

Originally posted by Hercules
NG

Could we ask the D Foreign Affairs to try to trade with Morgan for PE

Sunspots make that, ah, "difficult". We could probably steal it, mind you... but we're probably going to get PE next turn anyway, right?

GeneralTacticus · February 12, 2003, 02:29

Yes, we are.