Year in Science

The year 2023 has proven to be a phenomenal time for advancements in science and technology. The speed at which we are acquiring knowledge and making improvements is astonishing. So much has happened this year that you might have overlooked some extraordinary developments. If you're eager to revisit the remarkable scientific achievements of 2023, continue reading to uncover the Top 40 coolest scientific and technological breakthroughs of the year.

40. Major Health Risks Linked to Gas Stoves

At the start of 2023, a heated debate arose concerning gas stoves. A study published in MDPI Open Access Journals in late December prompted regulatory bodies in the U.S. to further investigate the health risks associated with these appliances, leading to significant political and cultural backlash. Although the issue has faded from the headlines, research into the health impacts of gas stoves continues to show concerning results.

39. Discovery of a New Fish Species, Pyrolycus jaco

I must admit a personal bias towards this topic. Found in January within the hydrothermal deep-sea regions of the Eastern Pacific, this Ray-finned fish, related to lionfishes and sculpins, is exclusive to this specific locale. It thrives in the ocean's depths, well-suited for life amidst methane and extreme volcanic activity. I find them fascinating.

38. COVID-19 Declared Not a Global Health Emergency

After three long years of challenges, the WHO announced in May that COVID-19 is no longer classified as a Global Health Emergency. While the disease remains a concern, we should take a moment to celebrate the progress made. For now, at least, we seem to have moved past the worst of it.

37. Launch of Euclid for Dark Matter Research

In November, the European Space Agency unveiled stunning initial images from its new telescope, Euclid. This telescope is designed to investigate dark energy and dark matter, making its launch an exciting milestone in our quest for knowledge about the universe.

36. Parrots Enjoying Video Calls

A delightful study published in April revealed that teaching pet parrots to video call each other enhanced their learning and overall well-being. It's impressive that these birds could master technology to such an extent and even engage in communication with their feathered friends on the other side of the screen.

35. Osiris Rex Returns with Bennu Samples

I must be honest; this entry would rank higher if the Bennu sample container had been opened sooner. As of this writing, the container remains sealed, and scientists have only begun to analyze its exterior. However, the discoveries from this mission are expected to make headlines in 2024, making it noteworthy that we successfully collected samples from an asteroid and returned them to Earth.

34. Advances in Solar-Powered Desalination

With water scarcity projected to increase in the coming decades, the field of desalination is making impressive strides towards sustainability and cost-effectiveness. In 2023, research into solar desalination gained momentum, indicating that this technology could provide a viable solution to water scarcity.

33. AI Designs 2.2 Million Crystal Structures

In late November, Google DeepMind introduced an innovative AI tool that facilitated the discovery of millions of theoretical crystal structures. Named GNoME, this tool has enabled scientists to identify new materials that could enhance efficiency across various fields, including renewable energy and computing.

32. Revival of a 46,000-Year-Old Nematode

A nematode, Panagrolaimus kolymaensis, was frozen in Siberia's permafrost 46,000 years ago. In 2018, a Russian scientist thawed the specimen, and in 2023, she published findings on its successful regeneration with an international team. All it required was a little water, and the nematodes resumed their wriggling behavior. This discovery has greatly influenced our understanding of species survival in extreme conditions.

31. Evidence of Early Human Art

Archaeological findings have pushed back the timeline for when humans began creating images. Researchers now estimate that Paleolithic humans started making "non-figurative signs" at least 42,000 years ago and figurative images, particularly of animals, from at least 37,000 years ago. For further insights, refer to the Guardian article on this topic.

30. Redirecting Lightning with Lasers

At the start of the year, Swiss scientists successfully redirected lightning strikes by shooting powerful lasers at thunderclouds. Beyond the impressive sci-fi aspect of manipulating lightning, this technology could lead to protective methods in areas prone to thunderstorms.

29. New Method for Carbon Dioxide Removal

Engineers at MIT made a significant breakthrough in carbon dioxide removal, creating a large battery-like device that uses electron charging and discharging to capture CO2 from the air. This method is deemed more energy-efficient compared to traditional carbon capture techniques, making it a more practical solution for industries.

30. Synthetic Human Embryos Created from Stem Cells

In September, researchers in Israel successfully generated synthetic human embryos using embryonic stem cells. These lab-created embryos could provide valuable insights into early human development and genetic disorders.

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