What are some of the fields in Computer Science?

What are some computer science fields that don't involve solving "first world problems"?

• While computer science is fascinating, I find that most cutting edge research is just solving "first world problems." What are some examples of CS research that is really tackling critical or practical issues (anywhere in the world, not just in developing countries)? (Not good examples, for reasons I can elaborate on if requested: OLPC, edX, many SMS based medical initiatives. I am already aware of some of the good work that http://Google.org is doing.)

• Answer:

  Technology in Emerging Markets at Microsoft Research is an arm of Mircrosoft that deals with scalable low cost solutions. It's located in India but the solutions are scaled across the globe. Updating answer based on modifications in your question: -  Green technology is a key area that falls in this category of critical  issues, there are companies in this sector that are working on smart  grids such as SSN, electric vehicle companies such as Tesla motors and many more. Most of these  companies don't have a research lab per say, but they definitely have  ongoing research hand in hand with actual implementation. These are critical issues, the massive power failures as a result of snowstorms should make that evident. Green technology both attempts to prevent environmental damage by reducing consumption and improves smart grids to prevent blackouts. Companies and labs in the energy domain deal with practical critical issues. They deal with both computer networks and electrical engineering. - Biomedical engineering. There are labs in several universities that deal with improving cardiac processes ranging from reducing intrusive procedures to improving accuracy of detection of heart diseases as early as possible. Honestly, there is a lot of practical cutting edge research. You just need to find the area that you care most about and stick with it. You have to avoid being cynical and stop thinking that the cause isn't important enough. There are going to be many more over time that seem more exciting, but you need to stick with one.