World of Ptavvs by Larry Niven:
Science Fiction Inventions, Technology and Ideas

This is Larry Niven's first novel (or novella); it explains a lot about the Known Space technologies seen in his later work. The novel begins two billion years ago, when a member of a telepathically powerful race (the Thrintun, later called Slavers in Niven's stories) has drive problems and puts himself in a stasis field hoping to be rescued soon. However, ages pass until he is discovered in the modern era. Select an invention:

Autodoc - automated medical device
An automated physician, a fully autonomous surgical robot.

Ramscoop - pull in hydrogen
An enormous magnetic field precedes a spaceship moving through space, directing interstellar hydrogen inward for use as fuel.

Slaver Sunflowers
Plants evolved to reflect light to burn natural enemies.

 

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Science Fiction
in the News

Wearable Energy Harvester
re: Frank Herbert
(11/23/2023)

Drones Participate In Buddhist Rites
re: Roger Zelazny
(11/21/2023)

Anna Indiana AI Singer-Songwriter
re: William Gibson
(11/19/2023)

Video Manicuring ala Schismatrix
re: Bruce Sterling
(11/17/2023)

'Feel the AGI' OpenAI Leader Now OpenWorship
re: Miles Breuer
(11/15/2023)

NASA Tests Prototype Europa Lander
re: Various
(11/13/2023)

Tailsitter Drone Aircraft For SAR
re: RH Roman
(11/11/2023)

Forward CarePod The AI Doctor's Office
re: Robert Silverberg
(11/9/2023)

Mika The Robot-Boss
re: David C. Cooke
(11/7/2023)

Yamaha Motoroid 2 No Handlebars Self-Balancing Motorcycle
re: Bruce Sterling
(11/5/2023)

San Francisco Autobus
re: Stanley G. and Helen Weinbaum
(11/3/2023)

Should Your Car Decide If You Can Drive?
re: Philip K. Dick
(11/1/2023)

Lucid Dreams On Demand From Prophetic and Card79
re: Clifford Simak
(10/29/2023)

Honda UNI-ONE Hands-Free Wheelchair Follows 100 Year-Old Design
re: David H. Keller
(10/27/2023)

More SF in the News

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