Astrophysicist Erin Macdonald discusses the influence of ‘Star Trek’ on real-world technology, highlighting advancements like the flip phone inspired by the series. While replicators, akin to advanced 3D printers, can create food but not living matter, the idea of food replication is explored. Innovations like 3D-printed meals enhance dining experiences for the elderly. The article also mentions the ‘Genie’ kitchen assistant project, which aimed to streamline meal preparation but faced challenges. Exciting developments in food technology continue to emerge.
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“It’s a fascinating interplay,” explains astrophysicist Erin Macdonald, “between scientists inspired by the ‘Star Trek’ universe and the real-world technology that emerges from that inspiration. This dynamic continues, with advancements in science influencing science fiction, prompting questions about future possibilities.” Since its inception in the 1960s, this iconic sci-fi franchise has envisioned a vibrant future where challenges like hunger, poverty, and discrimination have been conquered.
Take, for instance, the design of the flip phone by Motorola, which was influenced by the technology seen on the ‘Starship Enterprise’. While there are certain concepts, like teleportation, that we have yet to realize, the question remains: could we ever have food from a replicator?
How Do Replicators Work?
Replicators function in a manner reminiscent of transporters. In a transporter, an individual or object is disassembled and stored in a pattern buffer. This buffer can later be accessed to reassemble the individual or object elsewhere.
Similarly, replicators store patterns that serve as blueprints for materialization. Think of it as akin to a 3D printer, where designs are inputted and used to shape ‘formless’ matter.
Unlike a 3D printer, however, replicators do not rely on cartridges; they generate their own energy, providing enough power to create matter.
Starfleet’s replicators are limited in that they cannot produce living matter. In the original ‘Starship Enterprise’ series, a precursor called the food dispenser could only synthesize food. It wasn’t until ‘Starship Enterprise – The Next Generation’ that replicators were capable of producing a variety of objects.
Is Food Replication Possible Today?
As previously mentioned, 3D printers can indeed create edible items. They can produce intricate cookie designs, like castles and turtles, by meticulously layering cookie dough.
There are also innovative techniques that enhance the appearance of pureed food for nursing home residents, using a method similar to piping bags to create visually appealing shapes. This approach aims to improve the dining experience for elderly individuals who may struggle with chewing and swallowing.
The intention is to provide these individuals with meals that are not only nutritious but also visually enticing. Unlike traditional pureed options, 3D-printed meals offer an aesthetically pleasing alternative, which studies suggest lead to a more enjoyable eating experience. This information was highlighted in a December 2018 report by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, though the technology has yet to gain widespread acceptance.
The Rise and Fall of the Genie Kitchen Assistant
In 2015, Israeli entrepreneur Ayelet Carasso-Sternberg captured media attention with her project, ‘Genie’. This kitchen assistant was designed to prepare a full meal in under 30 minutes, drawing inspiration directly from the ‘Star Trek’ replicator concept.
Genie devices even promised to whip up certain dishes in less than a minute. Initially launched in Israel, the plan was to expand into the U.S. market in 2019. However, since then, there has been a notable lack of updates regarding Carasso-Sternberg and her innovative product.
Despite the potential of this technology, a key difference remains: ingredients must be provided for the food to be created, whether in cartridges or other forms. The idea that this requirement could one day be eliminated remains unlikely for now.
Engineer Jonathan Blutinger remarked in a 2023 interview with Science News Explores that while we may not yet be at ‘Star Trek’ levels of advancement, “very soon, children will grow up with these food robots in their kitchens.” Erin Macdonald echoes this sentiment, suggesting that “it’s something people will adapt to in the future.”
The evolution of this technology is thrilling, and today, there are even chocolate 3D printers available for consumers.
Looking ahead, the next installment in the ‘Star Trek’ franchise, ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Season 3, is on the horizon, although an official premiere date on Paramount+ has yet to be announced. Stay tuned for our comprehensive list of upcoming ‘Star Trek’ releases!