Is the World Ready for ... This?

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In four meetings we consider the basis for and consequences of three important science and technology areas that will impact us and our families in many ways in the coming years.

• Climate Change (2 meetings).  We will survey the main processes that drive climate, how climate data are measured and how trends are modeled.  We will see how complex the problem is and how modeling is necessarily simplified to get computational results in a reasonable time.  We will learn how uncertain model predictions are and how to see through rhetoric to underlying data for a balanced, realistic perspective of the challenges facing us.  Finally we look at mitigation and adaptation strategies.

• Genetic Engineering. We will review the learning curve of early pioneers that led to a deep understanding of the structure and function of DNA.  We then explore the multiple generations of sequencing technologies that have sped up the process from years to days and (now) even hours.  Finally we look at some important uses of genetic information, application of CRISPR to edit cells in treating diseases and the outlook and implications of engineering the genome.

• End of Moore’s Law.  For almost 50 years Moore’s law has accurately predicted ever more powerful, smaller and cheaper integrated circuit chips, enabling deep penetration of ICs into nearly all modern technologies, from toasters to automobiles. Continuation of such progress is now facing some fundamental physical limits.  We will review the enablers of Moore’s law and examine the current challenges facing its extension.  We will also examine the structure of the industry and address today’s shortage of chips.