2024 Infra-red signals are detected coming from the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. They are obviously the product of a technologically advanced civilization, but all attempts to decipher them fail. 2025 Neurological research finally leads to an understanding of all the senses, and direct inputs become possible, bypassing eyes, ears, skin, etc. As the Braincap can only function properly on a completely bald head, wig-making becomes a major industry. 2026 Singapore becomes the world's first country to enforce Truth in Advertising.
China overtakes the U.S. in gross national product to become the world's largest economy.
Diamonds or gourmet meals can, literally, be made from dirt. There is an explosion in arts, entertainment and education. Young people can now discharge their aggressive instincts by using cross-bows to stalk big game, which is robotic and frequently dangerous. Any additional carbon needed for food synthesis is obtained by extracting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 2047 Hong Kong celebrates its 50th year as an SAR by completely eliminating border controls and barriers between itself and the rest of China.