WiTric Boogaloo

MIT scientists are demonstrating once again the importance of scientific independence. Sick of forgetting to plug in his cell phone to a charger, Marin Soljacic and his team of researchers have developed "WiTricity" or wireless electricity. So far they can only power a light bulb from about seven feet away but they are putting the fledging technology up for sale to be developed further.

Imagine never having to worry about the battery life of a cell phone or laptop. Imagine having fewer cords behind your entertainment center. Imagine maintaining power after--or even during--a hurricane. It's a wild idea and there still is a lot of work to be done but the technology is easily worth billions.

Some people say that new technology comes from tinkerers, and that's partly true. But widespread revolutionary technology comes from profit-seeking. And all of them essentially come from fulfilling a need consumers demand.