Science: The Trouble with the Future

Looking back at the track record of those who've attempted to predict the future leaves little hope that it can ever be done accurately. Major oversights of past future gazers include nuclear power, civil aviation and the laser. But the Foundation for the Future in Bellevue, u.s. isn't about predictions. Instead, says Sesh Velamoor, the deputy director of programs, its mandate is to diffuse knowledge about the long-term future of humanity. 'To serve that mission we have a variety of programs. tv is one of those,' he says.