WIRED Livres

Genome sequencing is one of the most exciting scientific breakthroughs of the past thirty years. But what precisely does it involve and how is it developing? In this brilliantly wide-ranging, one-stop guide WIRED journalist Rachael Pells explains the science behind genomics. She analyses its practical applications in medical diagnosis and the treatment of conditions that range from cancer to severe allergic reactions to cystic fibrosis. She considers its potential to help with advances in agriculture and environmental science. She explores the ethics of genetic modification and the dangers involved when humans 'play God'. And she addresses the fundamental to what extent will future advances transform human longevity and the quality of life.

Fossil fuels may be keeping the world running, but they're also destroying the planet. What viable alternatives do we have, and what technological breakthroughs are on the horizon? In this brilliantly wide-ranging, one-stop guide WIRED journalist Nicole Kobie outlines the environmental threats we face through our reliance on carbon-based energy, and considers whether and when sustainable energy can take its place. She looks at the major technologies currently available - solar, wind and geothermal among them - explaining how they work and what potential they possess. She shows how electricity supply is being transformed by advances in storage and distribution. She assesses how each form of energy is being adapted to serve our industrial and domestic needs. And she addresses the fundamental can the world's energy supply become fully sustainable within the next decade?

We love to imagine the future. But why are groundbreaking future technologies always just around the corner, and never a reality? For decades we've delighted in dreaming about a sci-fi utopia, from flying cars and bionic humans to hyperloops and smart cities. And why not? Building a better world - be it a free-flying commute or an automated urban lifestyle - is a worthy dream. Given the pace of technological change, nothing seems impossible anymore. But why are these innovations always out of reach? Delving into the remarkable history of technology, The Long History of the Future introduces us to the clever scientists, genius engineers and eccentric innovators who first brought these ideas to life and have struggled to make them work since. These stories reveal a more realistic picture of how these technologies may evolve - and how we'll eventually get to use them. You may never be able to buy a fully driverless car, but automated braking and steering could slash collision rates. Smart cities won't perfect city life, but they could help empty bins on time. Hyperloops may never arrive, but superfast trains are already here. We always believe current technology is the best it could be. By looking to the past and the future, Nicole Kobie shows how history always proves us wrong and how what lies ahead may not be what we imagine, but so much better.