3 Questions. 3 Hints. 3 Answers.
April 5, 2016
- What technologies may render ovulation calendars obsolete?
Hint:
Answer: with whole genome sequencing and stem cell technology, all we may need to make babies in the years to come is the intended mother’s skin sample and father’s sperm sample. The embryo created from the samples will then develop into a healthy baby. It will not be a so-called designer baby, as selection will be limited to the parents’ genetic makeup. However, it will allow parents to include and exclude from that makeup. The possibility to eliminate genetically diseased embryos will reduce the burden on the healthcare system as well as reduce the emotional and physical effects of caring for an ill child. Read the details here.
2. What is MasterCard up to these days besides sending out a monthly statement?
Hint:
Answer: MasterCard’s new data analytics system is said to be able to predict political, social and financial movements. Spending and purchase patterns are said to indicate where a nation is headed politically and otherwise. Read more here.
3. How are self-driving cars getting confused?
Hint:
Answer: either roads and signs will require updating, showing clear lane demarcation and signage, or the cars’ sensors need to be tweaked, increasing their sensitivity. Otherwise, the cars will simply refuse to drive themselves. Another issue is standardization – the more differences on the roads (e.g., traffic light positioning) the more complex a car’s sensors need to be. Read more here about all the issues, including expenses, faced by modern-day car manufacturers.