3 Questions. 3 Hints. 3 Answers.
October 27, 2015
1.Working remotely but feel you are missing out on the real-time experience of truly connecting with your co-workers at meetings, around the office water-cooler, etc? What are your options in terms of being more “present”?
Hint:
Answer: in a hilarious part article, part diary, Wired’s Emily Dreyfus recounts her days as a robot. Looking nothing like her pregnant human self in Boston, in Wired’s San Francisco office she wore wheels instead of shoes, a rod instead of a body and an iPad instead of a face. Nonetheless, despite some funny, embarrassing and silly moments, it is obvious she becomes attached to her other self, thousands of miles away. Read about the the pros and cons of being a telepresence robot here. Thanks to Greg Wilmoth, a Center Community Board member, for suggesting this humorous yet poignant piece.
2. Progress in this area is moving very quickly. When the time comes, where will we choose to spend most of our time?
Hint:
Answer: the reality is that virtual and augmented reality may become the new reality for many. These advanced systems will bring opportunities that most of us are not able to come close to experiencing in the current reality. Easy access to destinations and situations will prompt most to forgo trying to attempt the same experiences in the real world. These emerging realities will save the user money (why pay to fly to South America when you can experience it in your own living-room — without the jet lag?) and allow entry into areas where we can ignore the “authorized personnel only” signs. There are still a few kinks to be worked out but once on the main scene, our concept of reality will never be same. Read the details here.
3. That age-old comparison between human years and dog years likely did not have this in mind way back when.
Hint:
Answer: scientists are studying several dogs’ responses to a drug called rapamycin (originally developed to prevent organ rejection) to determine whether it increases their life spans. If successful, human trials are expected in the near future. Rapamycin is one of a handful of drugs shown to possess one or more anti-aging components. One side effect of rapamycin is that it may increase the risk of diabetes. But not to worry, metformin, used to treat diabetes, is yet another drug believed to contain anti-aging properties. How do these drugs work to potentially increase longevity and reduce common age-related diseases? According to researchers, they “trick the body into acting as if it’s running out of energy and putting more effort into long-term survival.” Read more here.