Innovative Sci-Tech Milestones of 2021
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In reflecting on the rapid advancements in science over the past year, it is clear that humanity has made extraordinary strides, particularly in combating diseases like Covid-19. This year has been marked by remarkable discoveries, ranging from innovative scientific methods to the identification of new animal species and previously unseen celestial bodies.
1. Mapping Dark Matter
An international team of researchers, led by a Penn State astrophysicist, has successfully created a new map of dark matter within our local universe. This groundbreaking map unveils previously hidden structures that link galaxies.
Using a comprehensive set of galaxy simulations known as Illustris-TNG, the team refined an earlier model to better understand the characteristics of galaxies necessary for predicting dark matter distribution. One researcher noted, > "Given specific data, our model can effectively fill in the gaps based on prior observations… While the map from our models doesn't perfectly align with simulation data, we can still create highly detailed structures. We found that including the motion of galaxies significantly improved the map's quality, revealing intricate details."
2. Discovering the Mechanics of Spider Webs
After extensive studies, Johns Hopkins University researchers uncovered how spiders, despite having tiny brains, intricately weave their webs with remarkable precision and sophistication. They set up an arena equipped with infrared cameras and used night vision along with AI to meticulously track the movements of the spiders' eight legs, documenting each phase of the web-building process.
3. Creating Carbon-Neutral Fuel for Aircraft
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a facility that produces carbon-neutral liquid fuel for aircraft using sunlight and air. This innovation plays a pivotal role in making air and sea transportation more sustainable.
The facility efficiently generates synthetic fuels that release an equivalent amount of CO2 during combustion as was removed in production. By harnessing carbon dioxide and water from the atmosphere, they utilize sunlight to create syngas, which can be further processed into kerosene, methanol, and other hydrocarbons. The team aims to scale this technology for industrial use shortly.
4. Detecting a Planet Beyond Our Galaxy
Astronomers have recently identified potential signs of a planet situated just outside the Milky Way using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory. The exoplanet candidate was detected in the Whirlpool Galaxy (Messier 51).
Previously, all known exoplanets were found within the Milky Way, located less than 3,000 light-years from Earth. This discovery marks the first instance of a planet being detected at such a vast distance. Astronomers expressed their intent to, > "explore new avenues for locating other worlds by searching for planet candidates using X-ray wavelengths, allowing us to identify them in other galaxies."
5. Unusual Radio Signals from the Galactic Center
Recently, astronomers detected peculiar signals emanating from the Milky Way's galactic center. The nature of these radio waves remains a mystery. Lead researcher Ziteng Wang remarked, > "The most unusual feature of this signal is its high polarization, indicating that its light oscillates in a single direction that changes over time… The brightness varies dramatically, fluctuating by a factor of 100, and the signal appears to activate and deactivate unpredictably. We’ve never encountered anything like it… Initially, we considered it might be a pulsar or a star emitting massive solar flares, but these signals do not align with our expectations for such celestial bodies."
6. Ensuring Secure Data Transfer via Relativity
In an effort to combat hacking, a team of researchers from the University of Geneva devised a novel system grounded in 'zero-knowledge proofs,' leveraging the principle of relativity: information cannot travel faster than light. This system enables secure data transfers, allowing users to authenticate themselves without revealing personal information. One researcher explained, > "The concept involves assigning a unique graph to each user… This system could already be implemented, for instance, between two bank branches without requiring complex technology."
7. Enhancing Cognitive Function via Targeted Brain Stimulation
A collaborative study between the University of Minnesota’s Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital demonstrated the potential for enhancing specific cognitive functions through a combination of artificial intelligence and targeted electrical brain stimulation. The study involved 12 patients undergoing epilepsy surgery, allowing scientists to monitor cognitive control abilities based on their actions and brain activity.
Stimulation boosts were administered when patients struggled with cognitive control tests, providing them with the necessary support to overcome challenges. This research validated that targeted electrical stimulation could enhance mental functions affected by disorders and identified key brain areas for cognitive improvement.
8. Determining the Age of Lunar Rocks
The Chang’e-5 lunar probe, launched by the Chinese space agency, returned with lunar rock samples. An international team led by a Washington University expert established that these rocks are approximately 1.97 billion years old. One researcher noted, > "We achieved a precise age estimate of around 2 billion years, plus or minus 50 million years… This is an incredible finding. In planetary terms, it's a very accurate determination, sufficient to differentiate various chronological models."
9. Teaching Robots Social Interaction Skills
MIT researchers have developed a framework to instill social reasoning in robots. In simulated environments, robots observe their peers, anticipate the tasks they must perform, and either assist or impede their companions based on their objectives.
This model fosters realistic social interactions, paving the way for more seamless human-robot collaborations. For instance, robots in care facilities may be equipped to offer a supportive atmosphere for the elderly. The scientists involved remarked, > "Robots will soon integrate into our society and must learn to communicate effectively with humans. They need to discern when to assist and when to prevent issues. This research is in its infancy, but it represents a significant initial attempt to understand social interactions between humans and machines."
10. Developing Biofuel for Martian Rockets
Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have proposed a novel approach to produce biofuel for rockets on Mars, potentially facilitating the return of astronauts to Earth. Currently, rockets launching from Mars require methane and liquid oxygen, neither of which naturally occur on the planet, necessitating transport from Earth.
The proposed bioproduction method would utilize carbon dioxide, sunlight, and frozen water, all available on Mars. Additionally, algae and engineered E. coli would need to be sent to Mars to produce sugars and convert them into propellant. One scientist explained, > "Carbon dioxide is one of the few resources found on Mars, and biology excels at converting CO2 into useful products, making it ideal for producing rocket fuel."