TRICORDERS Scifi, or will they become reality?

[jeffbert]

A Gizmag article Two teams close in on Star Trek tricorder-like device dated 12/13 is rather interesting, perhaps even fascinating. They really are making these things that must diagnose some 10 specific ailments plus 3 of 5 others. While I doubt these will work without physical contact, the idea is still cool!

[DrFrag]

In a similar vein, portable mass spectrometers are a pretty cool development. They seem to have briefcase sized ones already.

I expect in decades to come we'll see portable DNA readers, which would revolutionise field biology and medicine. Edit: Haha, a quick search tells me they already exist.

I hope the new Star Trek series has some cool technology, cause we seem to be running out of inventions to copy from the show.

[Tetsuwan Penguin]

Plans are available for building your own!
http://www.tricorderproject.org/

[jeffbert]

interesting links!

I just realized-remembered, Tricorders were used to detect presence of aliens & such. There was a separate medical scanner used to detect injuries & illnesses. :d evil: I do not know if it was a part of the tricorder, though.

[jeffbert]

AI-powered diagnostic device takes out Tricorder XPrize
But I still say it is confused with Dr. Mc Coy's medical scanner.