The Science of the Next 150 Years

Scientific American asked leading scientists and science writers to look forward to what the world will be like in the years 2063, 2113 and 2163, and tell us what role science and technology will play in our future

By The Editors

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

What scientific and technological milestones can we envision 50, 100 and 150 years hence?

Each month we have the luxury of being able to look back into the past, to what people were writing 50, 100 and 150 years ago. We can do this because Scientific American has put its readers at the forefront of science and technology for more than 167 years. To mention just one example, our October 1962 issue featured Francis Crick, co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, explaining the meaning of this wondrous molecule, and psychologist Leon Festinger writing on what he meant by the term “cognitive dissonance.”

A strong past is a good foundation from which to look into the future. In that spirit, we asked our authors to train their imaginations on what the world might look like 50, 100 and 150 years from now. Will cars fly? Will we still have computers, and if so, what will they do? Will nuclear weapons be banished? Will our technology save us from a changing climate or make things worse? What is the fate of tigers and other wild creatures on an increasingly crowded planet? To what extent will we master our genes to stave off disease? And if we ever leave this planet, how will the journey change us? In the following pages, you will find answers. Not the answers—we are not making predictions but rather doing thought experiments, grounded in science fact, with an eye to illuminating today's world and provoking thought about what comes next.

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

—The Editors

The Future in 50, 100 and 150 Years The Flying Car Will Finally Fly—And Drive Will We Come To Grips With Nuclear Weapons? Gene Therapies Will Cure Many A Disease Extinction Countdown: The End For Many Species Will High Tech Cool A Hot Earth? Computing In 2165 How Humans Will Evolve On Multi-Generational Space-Exploration Missions

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American