Science fiction often features futuristic technology that once seemed unimaginable. Yet, many sci-fi stories have accurately predicted innovations that eventually became real. Throughout history, countless fictional inventions have transitioned from mere ideas to actual advancements. This fascinating work from AI PRM illustrates the time gap between when these imaginative concepts first appeared in fiction and when they were finally brought to life.

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Their research examined sci-fi technology that exists today in these categories:

• Space Exploration
• Communication
• Robotics and AI
• Health and Biotechnology
• Weapons and Defense

When the 1927 film Metropolis became a hit, it was difficult to imagine that the video calls in the movie would ever become a reality, but today, this is a commonplace technology we rely on. The team shows us that the first real-world video phone was created by AT&T in 1964. In 2003, Skype made video calls widely accessible.

As for artificial intelligence in our lives, E.M. Forster’s The Machine Stops depicted a world where people had automated phones that could respond to their commands and help them manage their lives. This became a common trope in science fiction, but today, with the rise of devices like Alexa and Google Home, this technology doesn’t seem unusual at all. Believe it or not, when Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea was released in 1870, submarines seemed like a feat of imagination to the reading public. But the Nautilus was inspired by a French sub prototype. The first submarine was launched just a few years later by Isaac Peral in 1888. Explore more technology once thought impossible throughout the team’s article.

Even though approximately 10,000 babies are born each day, the act of naming holds significance. Some parents want a unique name for their child, while others want to follow tradition. Names serve as a window into the cultural zeitgeist, reflecting societal values, historical events, and pop culture influences of their time.

This chart from Kremp shows us that over the past century, we’ve witnessed a fascinating metamorphosis in naming preferences. In the 1920s, traditional monikers like John, William, and Mary dominated the charts, often inspired by religious figures or historical figures. Fast forward to 2023, and we see a shift towards more diverse options such as Liam, Noah, Olivia, and Emma.

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This evolution could reflect broader societal changes. The decline of once-ubiquitous names like John and Mary might indicate a move away from strict religious influences while the rise of names like Mateo and Luna suggests an increasing embrace of multiculturalism.

Interestingly, some names have displayed remarkable staying power. James, for instance, has maintained its popularity across generations, briefly falling out of favor only to resurge in recent years.

The world of girl names has seen even more dramatic shifts. The top names of 2023 are notably different to those of a century ago. As we examine the trends Kremp showed us on their colorful and fun chart, remember that names show us what parents valued when gifting their child with their name. Whether drawing inspiration from beloved fictional characters, honoring family traditions, or simply choosing a name that resonates, naming continues to be a deeply personal and meaningful act.

When it comes to automobile safety recalls, the manufacturers with the highest recall counts are most often those that have had recurring issues spanning multiple years. This chart created by Automotive Touchup highlights the auto manufacturers that have issued the most safety recalls in recent years.

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As stated in data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford Motor Company has had the highest number of recalls since 2010 with a count of 545 total. Many of these recalls had to do with Ford’s airbags, electrical systems, fuel systems, powertrains, and other components.

Not far behind Ford Motor Company is Forest River with a total of 527 recalls since 2010. Forest River is the largest manufacturer in the United States for recreational vehicles and trailers. The size and complexity of an RV means there are more areas throughout the vehicle where issues could arise. Therefore, Forest River’s vehicles are more susceptible to errors that could require safety recalls than traditional automobiles.

Chrysler, also known as Stellantis since a merger with brands like Dodge and Jeep in 2021, has had 514 recalls since 2010. As one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the United States, their number of recalls is nearly proportionate to their share of the U.S. automobile market. Daimler Trucks North America ranks fourth with 465 safety recalls, mostly due to the steering and electrical systems in their trucks.

Despite being the largest automaker in the United States and seeing increased sales in recent years, General Motors comes in only fifth place. Hopefully, they will continue this drop in the number of safety recalls of their vehicles in upcoming years.