Surprising Science — February 1, 2011

Energies of the Future

By 2030 the physicist expects that we will have hot fusion reactors.

Every Wednesday, Michio Kaku will be answering reader questions about physics and futuristic science. If you have a question for Dr. Kaku, just post it in the comments section below and check back on Wednesdays to see if he answers it.

Today, Dr. Kaku addresses a question posed by Davis Tan: What future energy source will solve our energy crisis?

Starts With A Bang

The big idea of Grand Unified Theories of physics

If the electromagnetic and weak forces unify to make the electroweak force, maybe, at higher energies, something even grander happens?

Microscopic image of a small electronic component with clear details of its structure and connections against a gray background.

The Future

Making microbots smart

What would it take to create a truly intelligent microbot, one that can operate independently?

A philosophers' interpretation of a man's joyous life depicted through the painting of him holding a globe.

Thinking

4 philosophers on how to live a happy life

From Taoism to hedonism, philosophers have devised all sorts of ways to live your best life.

A striking view of a blue planet, similar to earth, seen from space with part of its surface illuminated by sunlight against a starry background.

13.8

A new theory for how oceans form on other worlds

Explore how the study of exoplanets is transforming our understanding of ocean formation.

A collage of various international banknotes featuring portraits of historical figures.

The Learning Curve

How scientific thinking can fix collaboration in a mixed-up world

A physicist, a psychologist, and a philosopher walk into a bar and discuss a framework for thinking better in the 21st century.

Up Next

Technology & Innovation

When Is a Prostitute Not a Prostitute?

Do anti-prostitution laws discriminate against women near the bottom of the income distribution while ignoring similar behavior by women near the top?