Anathem by Neal Stephenson:
Science Fiction Inventions, Technology and Ideas

Fascinating novel by Stephenson details the lives of scientist monastics; centuries of scholastic arguments by nerd avouts take place against a background of the rise and fall of civilizations. Vast clocks set the pace for the intervals at which the avouts interact with the rest of the world. Until something unexpected happens. Select an invention:

Allswell
An organic compound found (or placed) in food that calms and mellows those who partake of it.

Blithe
A plant engineered to produce a substance that brought out compliant behavior in those who consumed it.

Fuel Tree
Plants raised as fuel.

Kinagram - moving letters
Small print-size icons that presented a moving image.

Photomnemonic Tablet - blank recording slate
A device that both records and displays images with the same element.

Spine-Clamp - restraint bolt for humans
A device that constrains the movements of convicted criminals.

 

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Science Fiction
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re: HG Wells
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re: Iain M. Banks
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Origin F1 Humanoid Robot's Facial Skin
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Why Not Move A Warehouse District?
re: Jane Webb Loudon
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Will An AI Found A New Religion?
re: Frank Herbert
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Terraformer Industries Make Methane
re: Jack Williamson
(5/5/2026)

I Need An Outdoor Spherical Display
re: Iain M. Banks
(5/3/2026)

Worm Disrupts Physics Simulations Undetected For A Decade
re: Philip K. Dick
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Muxcard Redditor's DIY Credit Card-Sized Computer
re: Various
(4/29/2026)

'Soft Assembly' Fashions That Fashion Themselves On The Wearer
re: JG Ballard
(4/27/2026)

Orwell's Nightmare Of AI-Written Novels Comes To Pass
re: George Orwell
(4/25/2026)

More SF in the News
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