There are many aspects of our everyday life whose development was driven by an intense need or crisis. There is perhaps no time of crisis greater than that of war, least of all a world war.
Bombs
World War II saw a massive increase in research into nuclear technologies, the primary outcome being the obliteration of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Then the Cold War almost saw the annihilation of the planet as communism and capitalism tried to see who could design the most destructive nuclear weapons. Ironically, the positive side of this research has been the wonders of nuclear medicine, the use of radioactive isotopes (radio-isotopes) to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease - specifically different types of cancer. Many people suffering from cancer that would once have a definite death sentence have been given a new lease on life by this incredible technology.
On another positive front, The United Nations' Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty has sought to eliminate future development of nuclear weapons. Sadly, a number of major players, including the USA, India, Pakistan, Israel and China have still not ratified the treaty.
As the USA gears itself for war by throwing billions of dollars at its war-machine, one can only guess at what 'benefits' society might receive as a result of the impending invasion into Iraq. Somehow I doubt that the Iraqi people will really appreciate these reimbursements.
Cars
Motor racing has also been a significant contributor to our lifestyle. Take for example anti-lock breaking systems (ABS) that are fitted to a high proportion of motor-vehicles on the road. This ingenious safety feature was initially designed for use in Formula One racing vehicles. Motor racing is also credited with the invention of traction control systems, launch/acceleration control systems and the use of ceramic components in engines. Recently the governing body of motor sport, Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, (FIA) decided to embark on what it euphemistically called 'measures to cut costs'.
Amongst other things, the new rules will prevent the F1 teams from using:
* telemetry between the cars and the pits,
* radio communications between the team and the driver,
* ABS, traction control, launch control and fully automatic gear boxes,
* any 'exotic' materials in any part of the car.
The new rules also insist that by 2006, engine life must be extended from one to six races. Imagine if your motor-vehicle's manufacturer was able to extend the life of your car's engine by a factor of six. The rules are allegedly intended to reduce the costs involved in F1 motor racing. Ironically the knock-on effect might well be that the teams just come up with more fiendishly cunning (and unbelievably expensive) ideas to give their cars the leading edge. One can just imagine what new gadgets will become available to the standard production car in the next few years.
Space
The destruction of the space shuttle Columbia could well have a devastating impact on new technology research. NASA's space program suffered a major dent following the 1986 destruction of the Challenger. It has been estimated that it took almost 30 months for the program to get on its feet again.
There is little doubt that the USA's prolific spending on its space program has resulted in significant benefits to mankind. From the development of alloys that have a zero temperature-expansion co-efficient to breakthroughs in medical science, NASA keeps churning them out. As the administration grapples to find the cause of this latest tragedy, it will be interesting to see if state funding to this American icon will be cut or increased.
Hopefully, the pending middle-eastern war will not be the only thing driving us towards a technologically brighter future.
Graeme Bell
Editor: SA Instrumentation & Control
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