World of Ptavvs by Larry Niven:
Science Fiction Inventions, Technology and Ideas

This is Larry Niven's first novel (or novella); it explains a lot about the Known Space technologies seen in his later work. The novel begins two billion years ago, when a member of a telepathically powerful race (the Thrintun, later called Slavers in Niven's stories) has drive problems and puts himself in a stasis field hoping to be rescued soon. However, ages pass until he is discovered in the modern era. Select an invention:

Autodoc - automated medical device
An automated physician, a fully autonomous surgical robot.

Ramscoop - pull in hydrogen
An enormous magnetic field precedes a spaceship moving through space, directing interstellar hydrogen inward for use as fuel.

Slaver Sunflowers
Plants evolved to reflect light to burn natural enemies.

 

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Science Fiction
in the News

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re: Percy Greg
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Bambot Open Source Cheap Delivery Robot
re: Robert Heinlein
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Robot Collective Acts Like A Smart Material
re: Jack Williamson
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Vipera Electric Skis From Frigid Dynamics
re: Ursula K. Le Guin
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Pixel Watch 'Loss of Pulse Detection' And Philip K. Dick
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SpaceX's Starman Tesla Roadster In Space
re: Theodore Sturgeon
(4/2/2025)

Pivotal Blackfly Electric Aircraft Lifts And Hovers
re: R.H. Roman
(3/29/2025)

More SF in the News

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