The fact that there are handheld laser pointers that are strong enough to burn stuff gives me hope that scientists will be able to invent a working laser rifle.

@Chameloshi: Probably not useful against humans, we're made out of too much water that requires a ridiculous amount of heat to actually burn. Since our vital organs are all inside you'd need a lot of energy to get down to these to damage them.

@Chameloshi: On the other hand I fully expect those lasers to play a huge role in the creation of plasma weapons, use a laser to create the plasma, then use a rail gun mechanism to accelerate the plasma.

Though I'm unsure how useful those will be.

@Chameloshi:
http://4hv.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?177095
Laser relevant. Ignore the complete disregard for personal safety