As far-fetched as technology appeared years ago in cartoons such as "The Jetsons," now it doesn't seem out of reach.

Isaac Richmond Nettey, director of aeronautics at Kent State, says energy is becoming cleaner and more efficient because of the miniaturization of technology. The application of hydrogen-powered fuel cells could help create an easier, more productive future.

"Fuel cells are the first baby steps in the long power generation of energy use," Nettey says. "As technology improves, systems will become lighter, cleaner and more efficient. We'll be able to carry more, move faster and travel farther."

Fuel cells can act as a battery, generating electricity and replacing fossil fuel combustion that pollutes the environment, Nettey says.

In order to see 50 years into the future, John West, interim vice president for research and dean of graduate studies, says we should first look 50 years into the past. He reminisced about his youth when "2001 Space Odyssey" first hit the big screen and how people thought space travel would be common by now.

"It was the first thing that really blew my mind," he says. "But when I was a kid and people looked toward the future, I think they were wrong."

In West's eyes, imagination forgot to tell the tale of how wireless communications took over the flow of information in the world while it was reaching toward the depths of space.

The size of technological tools is getting smaller establishing more means for acquired use. For that reason, instead of focusing his thoughts on everyone having their own spaceship or extravagant flying car, West centered his attention on the advancements of biotechnology.

Researching liquid crystals has shown that the crystals can "almost mimic life" by growing and assembling themselves, West says. Using this, scientists can explore means to spur life and study new medicines. While it may extend life expectancy, West says it will most likely bring about heavy questions of moral value.

"Capabilities of improving life will be viewed totally different," West says," and quality of ethical issues will conceptually change."