The predictions range from miracle cures and world peace to economic ruin and nuclear war. If there is a theme to the World Questions 2009, an online survey of some of the world's top thinkers, it would seem to be inconsistency.

 

Published yesterday on intellectual website edge.org, the survey asked 150 leading scientists, artists and commentators for their views on the single biggest change likely to affect the world during their lifetimes.

 

The wide range of answers they gave provides a snapshot of the hopes - and fears - that may come to define our times.