Despite the controversy that comes with every new gadget, there are some things that we can all agree on. We want safety and security alongside advancements in technology, we want a more efficient way to reach our destinations, and we want to be able to relax at home and have some fun. Engineering and technology are changing the way all of these work, and will hopefully help consumers find the balance between innovation and safety.

During a time of penny-pinching and political turmoil, many countries are disjointed in terms of national pride and unity. However, the organizers of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London are using the opportunity to improve infrastructure and the economy, all while paying close attention to the chemical and environmental engineering that must be observed when altering one of the most densely-packed cities in the world. Through methods such as bioremediation, the once polluted soil and waterways of the chosen construction area may give way to a site of unity and uplifting spirits.

Of course, those who can’t travel to England to see the Games may soon be able to experience the thrill within their own homes. 3D technology has been around since the 1800s, but has exploded in popularity with new advancements and box office hits. Television, film, and videogames are particularly taking advantage of the improvements within 3D technology, transforming the way we see pictures on a screen. Even cameras have changed to harmonize with this new genre, bringing new and exciting experiences to those eager for their next entertainment fix 4D technology may also be on the horizon, incorporating other sensory details to a 3D environment.

Yet, growing alongside this technological boom is a concern over safety. The Olympic Games has been a victim of terrorist attacks and despite the steps taken to prevent harm, there is no guarantee that all measures will work. But, not all fears stem from bombs or explosions. Tracking and information gathering from unwanted third parties is becoming a major concern in engineering, bringing to light a boundary between feeling safe and being intruded upon. This concern is emerging in new advancements in healthcare, where tiny microchips inserted under a patient’s skin can keep information such as medical records, track glucose levels, and even detect viruses. This can forever change the way doctors and patients interact, possibly preventing the thousands of deaths a year attributed to medical errors. Yet, the fear of having intimate information stolen has prevented widespread implementation. Engineers have yet to find the answer that balances security with sharing; even if we want to streamline processes such as medical care, what cost are we willing to pay?

Although the concern over tracking through implanted microchips makes many people uneasy, we may welcome some forms of information gathering. Traffic-actuated signals are transforming the way that stop lights respond to cars on the road by calculating how many vehicles there are and adjusting the lights for traffic flow. Although a more efficient system of traffic lights may not solve every problem on the road, engineers are working to help drivers reach their destinations as quickly as possible.

Technology is changing the way we see pixels on a screen and is shrinking microchips to smaller than a grain of rice. Although we are excited to see new gadgets being produced, we also feel wary of the possibility that someone may be watching our every move. Growing concerns over privacy and security are challenging engineers to produce innovative and efficient products that will turn pollution into gold medals, a movie into an experience, a microchip into a life-saver, and a traffic light into a faster commute. We are still unsure where the balance between security and privacy is, but as the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology and information sharing, engineers are working to improve what we have while limiting the ethical costs. If your new phone can knit a sweater while cooking breakfast, would you mind if it sent your shirt size and food preferences to the company that made it?