--Albert Einstein

In their efforts to create an 'elixer of immortality', Taoists of ancient China unwittingly created it's antithesis -- a mixture of sulfur, realgar, saltpeter and honey -- a concoction known today as gunpowder. Innocently enough, the powder was used for entertainment purposes -- creating fireworks to dazzle and amaze.

Unfortunately, it didn't take long for some clever killer to realize the destructive potential of the new substance, making it's debut as the first weapon of mass destruction in 904 AD.

About 100 years ago, Albert Einstein discovered e=mc2 -- a discovery of unimaginable scope, importance, and meaning that would eventually be used as a platform for the most destructive devices ever created by humankind.

Two Months ago, news of a would-be invisibility cloak hit the global news cycle. And as with China's elixir of immortality, the viable future of this technology quickly found itself drifting into the world of war. Officials and nonofficials alike -- skirting past any serious thought at potential personal and commercial uses for such technology -- feverishly and deeply explored the vast possibilities the cloaks use for improved military effectiveness. Once again, a dream-like technology was morphed to a nightmare reality.

Of course these examples are but grains of sand on the infinite beach of technology. Unfortunately, many of the most high-profile grains have found their footing not in promoting life and protecting the Earth, but rather in seeking their destruction.

So when we finally come across something -- anything -- that works in favor of life, well... it's worth taking a pause to see what's up.

So imagine this... and I warn you, the setup is quite sickening. Nevertheless, it's necessary to show just how valuable this piece of military technology is at helping us preserve life -- you know, the kind that isn't waging war.