These Are the Most Important Emerging Technologies in 2013 [PENDING SLIDESHOW]

3-D printing: This style of printing allows for the creation of solid structures from digital computer files. 3-D printing has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing by allowing virtual models to be turned into hard copies made from metal alloys, plastics and more. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) conversion and us: Biologically-engineered photosynthetic bacteria have the ability to turn waste CO2 into liquid fuels or chemicals in modular solar converter systems. These systems are projected to reach hundreds of acres within two years and be 10 to 100 times more productive as a unit of land area. Their output could reduce CO2 emissions from feedstock and supply low carbon fuel for airplanes and autos. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) Energy-Efficient Water Purification: Techniques like forward-osmosis, which uses low-grade heat or geothermal derived heat, can reduce energy consumption by 50% or more in the purification process. (Photo: Flickr // z_wenjie) Enhanced Nutrition: Modern genomic techniques can identify proteins at the gene sequence level, providing more information about supplies of amino acids, along with solubility, taste and texture. Production of human dietary proteins and applying them to molecular nutrition can boost muscle development and reduce obesity. (Photo: Flickr // aroberts) Nuclear Waste Recycling: Breeding uranium-238 into a new fissile material with an increased halflife and dramatically reduced long-term toxicity, making geological disposal easier and down the line, perhaps unnecessary. (Photo: Flickr // roadhunter) OnLine Electric Vehicles (OLEV): The next generation of electric cars will be powered whilst driving by an electromagnetic field broadcast from cables below the road. Electric cars will only need 20% of the battery capacity they have now to achieve the same mileage. Organic Electronics and Photovoltaics: Organic electronics, such as polymers, can be printed with simple processes like ink jet printing to create electronic circuits and devices giving way to a cheaper alternative to silicon and solar photovoltaic collectors, accelerating the adaption of renewable energy. (Photo: Flickr // arenamontanus) Precise Drug Delivery through Nanoscale Engineering: After almost a decade of research, precise delivery of pharmaceuticals via targeted nanoparticles could give way to more effective treatments while minimizing their impact on healthy tissue. (Photo: Flickr // ZaldyImg) Remote Sensing: Breakthroughs in wireless communication between devices have boosted the capabilities of sensors. Look for advances in vehicle-to-vehicle safety, along with sensors that monitor bodily functions and trigger responses, like an insulin provision as a response to blood sugar levels. (Photo: Volvo) Self-Healing Materials: This growing trend in biotech will allow non-living structural materials to repair damages from cuts, tears and cracks. It could have serious implications for construction, manufacturing and medicine. (Photo: Flickr // euthman)