ATLANTA (CNN) -- Advances in the construction of metamaterials will allow us to build composites with properties unlike anything offered by nature, creating the prospect of invisibility technologies. What are the practical and ethical considerations we need to consider in developing such materials?
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That is amazing that scientists are so close to how to make things invisible. I can't wait until they do, I hope it is soon. (:
Ashlee, New Fairfield (Aug. 30)
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This idea of bending light around an object to make the object invisible was described in the early 1970s by Arthur C. Clarke, in the book "Profiles of the Future."
Blawson, FL (Aug. 22)
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This is ludicrous. This kind of science is bad science I don't think the benefits will outweigh the negative aspects.
Roxanne, NJ (Aug. 22)
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Just as it states in the article, the Invisible Woman's forcefield already utilized this concept. The concept was already put forth, and practical means were not put forth in this article. No materials were verified to exist within this article. On the issue of the object being trapped in darkness, a robot with a pre-programmed map of its surroundings could navigate easily -- barring any unknown or moving obstacles.
C. Gerard, Anderson, IN (Aug. 21)
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I think in the future invisibility will be possible but on a scale like the "Predator" movies. I don't know, the materials just seem like they aren't a tangible thing right now.
Patrick Schlotterer, Tucson, AZ (Aug. 21)
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Visible light makes up only a small portion of "light" bandwidth. Behind a cloak of transparent material that bends visible wavelengths of light around it, one would see objects illuminated by non-visible light wavelengths, such as infra-red, by wearing lenses designed to pick up those usually non-visible light wavelengths.
Michael, Ottawa (Aug. 16)
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I think this is an amazing idea with endless possibilities. However; in the wrong hands or with the wrong intentions, we could be creating the worst weapon of mass destruction. Technology needs to be monitored and governed accordingly to ensure the safety and well-being of this planet and its inhabitants.
Sabrina C.M., Miami, FL (Aug. 16)
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Invisibility would make an excellent tool for the military. It would have to be tightly controlled because of those who would misuse this ability, causing problems in society, such as theft, murder and all manner of crimes.
Don Shively, CA (Aug. 16)
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I have another idea for making invisibility work. Create a box with 4 LCD screens (one on each side of the box). Then fit 4 cameras on the box (one on each side). The LCD screen should show the video of the camera fixed on its opposite side. Example, the right LCD should show the video from left LCD. From a distance, a person will not see the person inside the box because the LCD screen will show the picture as if there is no obstruction. Isn't this a fantastic idea :-) ?
Ganesh K. Eswaran, Lansdale, PA. (Aug. 16)
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You could possibly have something behind the material that emits light. If the material works the same in all sides then theoretically the light would be bent around the material from the inside as well allowing the person inside to look out. Maybe like a pair of goggles that have a light in them so you could see out the material if worn as a suit. The physics are kinda mind boggling. I think the only other solution would be to cut like eye holes or something.
Brian, VA (Aug. 16)
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Who cares! Spend the money on something worth while, like finding a cure for MS.
Stu Samsel, Red Wing, MN (Aug. 16)
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What if you have a satellite dish on the top of a tank. Modern tanks use cameras or satellite dishes to see. The camera or satellite is safely on the outside while the operator of the tank watches where he is going through the TV screen in the tank. If you have a satellite or camera on the outside of the vehicle or tank and this "invisible technology" over the camera or satellite dish than it can still have the technology to be completely invisible because it will still bend light around it. So instead of using it for everyday life, for now we could use it for our army. If we put it around tanks, transportation vehicles, jets (preferably stealth), and maybe even army bases than we would be able to prevent terrorist operations. Do you see my point? I know it's much easier to say than do but if you really do have this type of technology at hand than it would work.
Bryce, Florida (Aug. 16)
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I hope they never invent invisibility technology. It'll all be militarized! Can you imagine invisible armies? Sheesh. War would never end and be many times more vicious than it is now. And we all know human nature is such that people are more willing to do questionable things if they are not being watched.
Julia, Princeton, NJ (Aug. 16)
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Focusing only on the light aspect would be useless unless you found a way to block, shield, or curve all electromagnetic radiation around a given targeted area. Besides nanotechnology should be focused on saving people's lives medically.
Phil, Menlo Park, CA (Aug. 16)
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Watching for something invisible? Worth looking out for...
Cheeta Gauba, Canada (Aug. 16)
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