Intelligence Amplification researchers are creating systems that approximate Artificial Intelligence by using actual human beings as part of computer programs. Humans are asked to perform quick actions (such as identifying a photo or song clip) that are trivial for humans but very difficult for computers. The resulting human input is then combined with computer algorithms to create smarter search engines or databases.

Biotech firms are tantalizingly close to unraveling the mysteries of memory. On the way are drugs to help fading minds remember and let haunted ones forget.

James Martin predicts that we will soon have machines that are a billion times more intelligent than we are, but only in narrow, specific ways. He likens them to human idiot savants, and as such, he believes we can keep them under control - ``a person with general intelligence will always find ways to control a person without such intelligence.''

Researchers hope to use advances in computers, communications and neuroscience to medically enhance the mental acuity of future soldiers, while connecting their body and minds to smarter machines.

Not to worry about superintelligent machines taking over, says AI pioneer Dr. Raj Reddy. A more likely scenario: people who can think and act 1000 times faster, using personal intelligent agents.