From revolutionary medical treatments to advancements in energy, 2024 has been a landmark year for science and technology. Here are six breakthroughs that are reshaping our world:
1. Injectable HIV Protection
A new injectable drug called lenacapavir offers hope in the fight against HIV. Targeting the virus’s capsid protein, a single shot can provide protection for up to six months. Recognized as the “Breakthrough of the Year” by Science magazine, lenacapavir could be a pivotal step toward ending the global HIV/AIDS crisis.
2. Quantum Leap in Computing
Alphabet, Google’s parent company, unveiled a quantum chip named “Willow”. This chip increases the number of qubits while reducing errors, making practical quantum computing applications more attainable than ever before. “Willow” could revolutionize computing, solving complex problems beyond the reach of traditional computers.
3. AI Cracks Protein Folding
DeepMind’s AlphaFold 3 has made unprecedented strides in predicting protein structures. By accurately mapping the building blocks of life, this AI model accelerates drug development and enhances our understanding of diseases. The team even made its source code and database freely available, fostering open scientific collaboration worldwide.
4. Oldest Multicellular Life Found
Scientists discovered 1.63-billion-year-old fossils in North China, marking the oldest known complex life forms. These multicellular eukaryotes push back the timeline of life’s complexity by 70 million years, offering new insights into the evolution of life on Earth.
5. New Hope for Autoimmune Diseases
Innovations in CAR-T-cell therapy are providing relief for patients with severe autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis. By using genetically engineered T-cells from healthy donors, doctors are achieving promising results where conventional treatments have failed. This breakthrough could transform how autoimmune conditions are managed.
6. Milestone in Controlled Nuclear Fusion
Chinese researchers at the Huanliu-3 tokamak, known as the “artificial sun,” achieved a significant advancement in controlled nuclear fusion. By developing an advanced magnetic field structure, they’ve enhanced control capabilities of fusion devices. Controlled nuclear fusion holds the promise of a clean, safe, and abundant energy source, critical for sustainable development.
These breakthroughs not only highlight human ingenuity but also pave the way for a brighter future across the globe, especially in regions where these innovations can make the most impact.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
