The Big and the Small discussion

Where will the next breakthrough come?

For myself, I believe it will be in the form of the quantum computer. Or otherwise called, the universal quantum simulator proposed by Richard Feynman. The idea of a computer that uses principles such as quantum entanglement and superposition as the primary data processing elements. Okay, really, really hard to explain, check out this book by Seth Lloyd, Programming the Universe: A Quantum Computer Scientist Takes On the Cosmos, it more or less gives a good idea of Feynman's idea of how a quantum computer would work. In many ways it is much like our own brain in it's ability to handle multiple chaotic tasks simultaniously. This in essence is what makes it the best candidate for a sentient neural network. And here is the kicker, researchers are already working on them! Princeton Researchers have now shown they can isolate and manipulate the properties of lone electrons without disturbing the trillions of surrounding electrons.

Entanglement and decohesion. This is quantum computing!

It better come in energy technology. I think the world needs a bit of a makeover.