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Superconductors' Super Breakthroughs

I don't pretend to understand how superconductors work, but I'm happy as heck that we have them, especially when I hear about the breakthroughs expected next year. Hypres Inc., a superconductor vendor, has 10 predictions. First up, cheaper MRI machines. For anyone who ever paid for a back pain or muscular injury diagnosis, this is great news. Not to mention that the less-privileged might be able to afford this amazing diagnostic tool.

On a less profound but perhaps no less important note, superconductors may pave the way for a new class of super-speedy Internet switches, quantum computers and ultra high-speed workstations.

Superconductors may also drive a new class of efficient propulsion systems for ships, meaning Larry Ellison and Paul Allen will some day dramatically increase the gas mileage on their mega-yachts!

Posted by Doug Barney on December 20, 2006


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