Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance

This is the name of a report that suggests we should get the domains of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology and cognitive science working together to make the most of their possibilities and thus transform the human race's capabilities in the future. OK, it actually says "it is time to rekindle the spirit of the Renaissance, returning to the holistic perspective on a higher level, with a new set of principles and theories." This kind of talk always puts me off and although I've only had time to browse the overview rather than the full 400 page report, it's all rather hazily overly-optimisitc for my cynical tastes. But I guess someone has to be optimistic. (via Plausible Futures)