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Minnesota Futurists 2011 Home Page
Current Meeting & Topic Schedule
Regular Meetings are Saturdays from 9:30-11:30 AM Directions
Knights of Columbus Building - Meeting Room, 1114 American Blvd West, Bloomington, MN
Special Assessment: Members are requested to contribute $20 each for the specific purchase of copies of audio tracks from WFS 2010 and 2011. Send your check to Hank Lederer, Treasurer, 3132 County Road 101. Minnetonka, MN 55391. Thank you. David K., Chapter President. Update July 23, 2011: half way point surpassed, 2011 set has been ordered. drk
December 03, 2011
Topic: Future Studies
Title:The Future of Science Fiction as ‘Dangerous Literature’
Presenter:George Kubik, PhD
Abstract:
Will science fiction retain its role as ‘dangerous literature’ in the future? Or, will accelerating change continue to overtake science fiction, and perhaps displace it as the primary source of information about alternative futures? Should science fiction engage you in thinking about possible futures, or function primarily as a futures-oriented form of entertainment? Or, should it serve in still other roles!
Science fiction has long been regarded as the literature of change and a major precursor of evolving science, technology, and cultural futures. But rapidly accelerating change appears to be challenging the ability of science fiction writers to prepare us for alternative futures. Join us this Saturday as we address the history and future(s) of science fiction--and be prepared for engagement in a lively discussion.
December 10, 2011
Topic: TBD
Title:
Presenter:
Abstract:
December 17, 2011
Topic: The Mind Body Connection
Title: Brain Gate
Presenter: Brian Toren and Hank Lederer
Abstract: This topic addresses the insertion of microchips in the brain to enable paraplegics and individuals who have received of prosthetics to control their environment through their thought process.
The SIG will begin with the playing of the 2011 Gustavus Adolphus Nobel presentation on the subject by John Donoghue: Henry Merritt Wriston Professor, Department of Neuroscience, and Director, Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, R.I.
The following quote from the Gustavus Adolphus web site: "For more than 20 years John Donoghue has conducted research on brain-computer interfaces, and his laboratory is internationally recognized as a leader in this field. His research investigates fundamental and translational aspects of cortical information processing that lead to skilled motor behavior and the way ensembles of neurons represent and transform information through their interactions within local regions and between the primary motor cortex and its major cortical input areas. His work helps to explain how networks of neurons compute motor actions and transform sensory and internal plans into specific movements of the limbs. One of the most significant breakthroughs in the field of neural interface systems occurred when Donoghue’s group restored the ability of a quadriplegic patient to operate computer cursors and robotic arms by imagining the movement." The session will begin with a showing of the video of Dr. Donoghue's presentation
Their will be a discussion afterwards addressing:
What the participants got from the video.
What the future holds (possible, probable, preferable)
And what unexpected consequences there may be.
See.
Gustavus 2011
Dr Donoghue's presentation video
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Topics Pending for 2011
Future schedule work in progress
Roundtable: Tech Breakthrough Forecasts for 2015-2020
See topics awaiting dates above.
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