48 Hours

The Future of Everything (13x13)

Air date: Dec 30, 1999

What will life in the next century be like? Are we on the brink of a technological and social revolution? And who will decide the knotty moral questions that science brings to the fore? With the new century just a few days old, 48 Hours takes a probing look at the future of medicine, technology and lifestyles. Correspondent Peter Van Sant reports on the latest in haute couture: clothing that lets people compute while they strut - or just go about their daily lives. Correspondent Bill Geist profiles an innovative filmmaker, part of a new breed creating movies with the latest in digital technology - and cutting costs in the process. At age 82, Mary Bowermaster is a world-class athlete, in better shape than many people a third her age. Correspondent Mike Wallace spends some time with her, to find out how she does it. Correspondent Richard Schlesinger reports on the latest research on how the brain works, and how it can be improved. One day, we may be able to artificially augment our intelligence with microscopic computers implanted in our brains. Afflicted with a deadly disease, 12-year-old Amy Frohnmayer is hoping that a cutting-edge treatment known as gene therapy will save her life. Correspondent Jerry Bowen examines the controversy behind risky gene therapy. Three years ago, with the help of a new procedure, Judy Bershak had her first child. She was almost 50 and past menopause. As researchers learn more about human genetics and reproduction, cases like hers are becoming more and more common.