Star Trek captured the imagination of physicist Ethan Siegel, through the show’s depiction of how science and technology were used to not only benefit all of humanity, but available for all–a vision that he likes, and hopes becomes a reality in our world.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the original Star Trek, Ethan looks at some of the technology featured on the show–in areas ranging from medical to weapons to communications and more–and talks about which technologies already exist, such as the tractor beam and the teleporter, which are in development, like the phazer, and which are unlikely, such as artificial gravity.

Ethan also discusses some ethical issues posed by scientific developments, such as the creation of copies/destruction of the original during the teleportation process, and cyber security for implanted microchips in the brain that would allow blind individuals to see.

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