Yes, absolutely. Take transistors and lasers - it took decades before we started seeing real applications. So now we start talking about atomic memory, nanotech and other such things - but we're only beginning to imagine applications.
Consider the computer! Prior to about 1970, there wasn't any such thing for the ordinary consumer - but in a mere 30 years, it has sparked a revolution in communication, commerce, and so forth.
And then there's life science. OK, we've recently built a polio virus from chemicals - fairly impressive, right? But suppose we really knew - deeply and in detail - all the implications of the various genomes and the proteins it creates. Now suppose that we can change them to get the results we want. You want your child to be 6'6", IQ 200, and live to 100? No problem, that's this week's special.
And what of robotics? What would it be like to have several personal assitants to take care of the details for you?
We're on the verge of an exciting time. You and I will see part of it - but the children and grandchildren of our generation will view us much as we look at the tribesmen of centuries past.
I wonder what those who are against cloning will say to genetic designer kids? Personally i see nothing wrong in 'designing' a child to possess qualities that are deemed favorable (eg a high intellect quotient, amazing looks, good height, genes without any hidden timebombs like cancer, a great personality etc). I see nothing wrong in that ....however i am sure there are many who would fight tooth and nail to ensure such science is banned and vilified!
Anyways that should be interesting. The current Stem Cell debate is going to disappear (as in even if it is banned in the US it will go at full steam in Europe, and due to competition among the medical industry players once it becomes fully established in Europe it will just be a matter of time before it is allowed in the US since US firms without Stem Cell research ....true cell stem research not the pseudo-study of a limited number of cells .....will not be able to compete with European medical firms). Hence Cell Stem research is here to stay even though currently thereis a whole brouhaha over it. Commerce and Capitalism will accomplish for Cell Stem research what Nancy Reagan, Christopher Reeves and others have failed.
However if genetic designing of kids happens then the outcry (from the same people who were against cloning) will be immense. But yet again capitalism and competition will ensure the practice becomes established.
It will be a Brave New World.