(Science is a systematic study of anything that can be examined, tested, and verified. The word science is derived from the Latin word scire, meaning “to know.” From its early beginnings, science has developed into one of the greatest and most influential fields of human endeavor. Today different branches of science investigate almost everything that can be observed or detected, and science as a whole shapes the way we understand the universe, our planet, ourselves, and other living things.) (Microsoft Encarta)
Science is a multi-dimensional complex system comprising a community of scientists occupied in research using scientific methods in order to produce new latest information.
All the successive improvements relating to Science could be track down from hot-air balloons to our modern airplanes with their smooth and shiny forms, from bows and arrows to our up-to-date weapons, from undersized bungalows to extensive and colossal infrastructures and from wooden carriages without horses to our state-of-the-art cars with their sleek bodies of plastic and steel.
We could talk about the advancements of modern-day electronics or to mention about computers or airplanes or television or robots or any of the other cutting-edge and forward-looking marvels of nowadays.
Isn’t it amazing? We live in a time when we have some of the most technologically leading-edge pieces of machinery at our beck and call.
These modern-day products are the result and combination of countless small steps along the way. Take the automobile for instance. The very first step along that road was the invention of the wheel.
Fact is here are some of the up-to-the-minute innovations and discoveries in the different fields of Science since 2009 up to the present time.
Bioethics
-The study and application of moral values, rights, and duties in the fields of medical treatment and research.
- Autonomous Contraception
SOURCE: iStockphoto
(Researchers at Oxford University recently discovered that a genetic defect with the PLC zeta protein in sperm leads to infertility in men because proper functioning of this protein is needed to allow fertilization. It could be an effective male contraceptive drug, were it not for social factors that enable women but not men to effectively regulate their fertility outside of sexual activity and without their partner’s participation or knowledge. This discovery is not only important to men suffering from this type of infertility; it also presents the possibility that researchers could develop a male contraceptive that would inactivate the PLC zeta protein, and that would probably have fewer unpalatable side effects than other male contraceptives under research.)
(http://www.scienceprogress.org/2009/08/autonomous-contraception/)
- One Step Closer to Designer Babies
SOURCE: Flickr/o5com
(This new noninvasive prenatal genetic testing could change human pregnancy forever. This technique being developed analyzes fetal DNA that is collected from women’s blood as early as five weeks into a pregnancy which is so-called “noninvasive prenatal diagnosis,” or NIPD. Because NIPD would be less invasive, less risky, and less expensive than the kinds of fetal gene tests now available, and because it relies on a simple blood draw so early in pregnancy, it is poised to become a prenatal game changer. In other words, NIPD might soon be able to present you with the kind of genetic information about your five-week-old fetus that you can get today about yourself by sending a couple hundred dollars and a wad of spit to one of the “direct-to-consumer” gene test companies peddling their wares online. In both cases, you’d get a report that claims to predict risk for scores of common diseases and “conditions.”)
- A Life Sciences Crucible
Stem Cell Research and Innovation
SOURCE: AP/Paul Sancya
(A research specialist expands human embryonic stem cells under a microscope at the University of Michigan Center for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Scientists need to conduct research on embryonic stem cells so that they can discover how these all-purpose cells can change into any one of the more than 200 different cell types in the human body. Moreover, by studying the development of embryonic stem cells scientists will be able to discover how the human genome goes about manifesting itself and creating unique individual persons. These efforts will provide us with unprecedented insights into human development, how it can go wrong, and how it can be fixed.)
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
-Deals with the processing and distribution of data using computer hardware and software, telecommunications, and digital electronics.
- The Uncertain Future of Moore’s Law
SOURCE: Intel Corp. Intel's rendition of a traditional 2-D transistor, at left, alongside their new 3-D transistor, right.
(This conviction about the future of digital electronics—silicon microchips—is widely known as “Moore’s Law,” named after Gordon Moore (a chemist and co-founder of both Fairchild Semiconductor and the Intel Corporation) for his explication of this developmental dynamic in silicon microchips in 1964. We have already entered into an age of uncertainty about Moore’s Law itself. This conclusion is somewhat ironic, since Intel announced that it had succeeded in developing a new innovation that will extend Moore’s Law for at least another six years.)
(http://www.scienceprogress.org/2011/06/the-uncertain-future-of-moore%E2%80%99s-law/)ENERGY INNOVATION
- Low-Carbon Innovation
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SOURCE: AP Photo/Jack Dempsey
(The Center for American Progress is proposing a low-carbon economic growth strategy to keep America the innovative industrial leader of the world. The strategy builds on our existing regional ecosystem of economic development policies and it aligns policies across different branches of government. The purpose is to put forth smart incentives that engage private capital markets in deploying essential low-carbon technologies and reinvigorating investment in cutting-edge infrastructure.)
GENOMICS
-The identification and study of gene sequences in the DNA of organisms
Addressing Race and Genetics
Health Disparities in the Age of Personalized Medicine
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SOURCE: istockphoto/danielschoenen |
(Personalized medicine is essentially “the use of genetic susceptibility or pharmacogenetic testing to tailor an individual’s preventive care or drug therapy,” although some definitions also include the development of patient outcomes research, health information technology, and care delivery models. Put more simply, it means the development of medicines and therapies tailored to patients’ unique genetic traits and risks. Personalized medicine can potentially alleviate discrepancies since it could allow physicians to prescribe medication that treats the disease more effectively.)
Top Inventions of 2010: Popular Science's 'Garage Invention' Awards
OneBreath: An Inexpensive Portable Ventilator
OneBreath portable ventilator system with inventor Matthew Callaghan: image via PopSci.com
(Inspired by the need to help more patients in a crisis situation, such as a pandemic, postdoc fellow at Stanford University, Matthey Callaghan developed a no-frills ventilator that runs on a 12 volt battery that works for up to 12 hours and can be easily transported. Because hospital ventilators typically cost from $3,000 to $40,000, hospitals generally would not have enough ventilators for patients who need them in a pandemic.)
KOR-fx: Ultra Sensation Gaming Device
KOR-fx shown by inventor Shahriar S. Afshar: Photo: John B. Carnett, image via PopSci.com
(The KOR-fx is a device that connects to gaming consoles, PCs, or music players. It sits around the shoulders, and the two transducers that lie on one's chest translate stereo sound into stereo vibrations. That way, gamers can feel complete immersion in their games without involving others who are not playing. “We can induce the sensation of rain, wind, weight shift, even G-forces,” he said. His company, Immerz, is in talks with several studios to add these effects to films.)
SmartSight: A Third Eye For Assault Rifles
SmartSight outfitted rifle, inventor Matthew Hagerty: Photo: John B. Carnett, image via PopSci.com
(After 10 years and many prototypes, inventor (and perfectionist) Matthew Hagerty finally is close to what he wanted his invention, the SmartSight, to be: a third eye for soldiers that enable them to see around corners and even behind their backs without putting themselves in the line of fire. SmartSight's latest design includes a 1.5 pound video camera positioned under the end of an assault rifle, a tiny computer that receives the video transmission attached to a soldier's vest, and a tiny display monitor worn on a soldier's protective glasses that receives video images in real time from the computer.)
EverTune: Guitar Tuning Revolutionized
EverTune, inventors Cosmos Lyles and Paul Dowd: Photo: John B. Carnett, image via PopSci.com
(Cosmos Lyles and Paul Dowd have invented a guitar tuner you only tune once. Right. Not in the middle of a song, not between songs, not between sets. Just once. EverTune, the pair's invention, is a bridge that keeps your strings in place by the action of six springs and levers that keep the strings' tension, even if your tuning pegs loosen or tighten accidentally.) http://inventorspot.com/articles/top_10_2010_popular_sciences_garage_invention_awards_42299
SoundBite: Non-Surgical Bone Conduction Hearing Aid For One-Sided Deafness
SoundBite invented by Amir Abolfathi: Image by Paul Wooten via PopSci.com
(For single-sided cochlea-involved deafness, there is a transplantable titanium device implanted to the base of the skull nicknamed BAHA. But Amir Abolfathi, former Invisalign vice president, came up with a new idea while sitting in traffic one day. Knowing that teeth are excellent sound conductors to bone, he thought why not create a bone conduction aid from the mouth. With the help of an otolaryngologist, Abolfathi developed the SoundBite, an acrylic tooth insert (a custom-molded retainer) with a receiver that picks up sound from an in-ear microphone and then transmits the sound from the teeth to the bone up the jawline to the cochlea. In clinical trials, typical reports from patients in tests if the device were that the SoundBite restored 80 to 100 percent of their hearing. ) (http://inventorspot.com/articles/top_10_2010_popular_sciences_garage_invention_awards_42299)
Top Innovations of 2010
OnStar Stolen Vehicle Assistance
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| David McNew/Getty Images |
(High-speed pursuits often end in tragedy. OnStar's Stolen Vehicle Assistance can help police stop car thieves before chases begin.OnStar helps drivers by providing in-vehicle security, turn-by-turn navigation, automatic crash notification, hands-free calling, remote diagnostics and other services. Now OnStar also provides stolen vehicle assistance, which could yield OnStar an Edison Award.) (http://science.howstuffworks.com/10-innovations-2010-edison-awards1.htm)
GE Voluson e Ultrasound
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Mario Tama/Getty Images GE's portable ultrasound equipment can be taken to the patient, rather than the other way around. |
(Thanks in part to GE and its Voluson ultrasound technology, professionals can perform an ultrasound procedure almost anywhere.The Voluson e is a compact ultrasound that's designed for specialties such as gynecology, delivery and other obstetrics-related purposes. And unlike traditional ultrasounds, this one is totally portable -- it's so small and light that one person can hand carry it wherever he or she needs to go.)
GE GeoSpring Hybrid Water Heater
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Courtesy GE The GeoSpring hybrid water heater promises to save customers a lot of energy. |
(GE's GeoSpring hybrid is an advanced water heater that's designed to provide homeowners with massive reductions in water heating bills. GE says that the GeoSpring is a result of totally rethinking the concept of water heating and features major redesigns in most aspects of its construction.) (http://science.howstuffworks.com/10-innovations-2010-edison-awards3.htm)
Bounce Dryer Bar
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| Courtesy Procter & Gamble The Bounce Dryer Bar should especially appeal to people who always, always forget to buy dryer sheets. |
(You install this bar inside your dryer, where it remains for two to four months. As your clothes dry, they rub against the bar, which reduces static buildup and adds a fresh scent. As the bar wears down, you'll see the word "replace" appear, which indicates that you'll need to buy a new bar.) (http://science.howstuffworks.com/10-innovations-2010-edison-awards4.htm)
Purex 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets
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| Courtesy Henkel If you're tired of messing with various laundry soaps and chemicals, the 3-in-1 product from Purex may help. |
(A single all-in-one sheet contains enough detergent, softener and anti-static chemicals for one load of laundry. When you drop the sheet into your washer, it releases detergent designed to help clean your clothes, while another ingredient softens materials.When you transfer your clothes to the dryer, the sheet goes with them. Your dryer's heat output activates the sheet's anti-static properties, reducing cling. If you're tired of messing with detergents while doing laundry, or just sick of carrying bottles to the laundromat, these sheets may be a good investment.) (http://science.howstuffworks.com/10-innovations-2010-edison-awards5.htm)
3M MPRO150 Pocket Projector
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| Courtesy 3M 3M's Pocket Projector lets you project presentations without the use of a computer. |
(3M recently introduced an updated version of its Pocket Projector, the MPRO 150, which makes on-the-go presentations much simpler.The MPRO 150 is small enough to fit in a side pocket of your briefcase, but it comes with 1GB of internal memory, a memory card slot and the ability to open and project Microsoft Office and Adobe PDF files. You don't even need a computer to run your presentation -- you can simply transfer files directly from your iPod, smartphone or other storage device, point the projector at a wall and get to work.) (http://science.howstuffworks.com/10-innovations-2010-edison-awards6.htm)
3M/Littmann Electronic Stethoscope Model 3200
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| Courtesy Zargis Medical/3M Littmann The Model 3200 Electronic Stethoscope has a computer |
(With the Model 3200 electronic stethoscope, though, this old-school medical tool is getting a serious upgrade.The Model 3200 is equipped with ambient noise reduction technology, which means it filters out unrelated background noise to help doctors focus on sounds that matter most. It also has extra amplification when needed. And that's just for starters.)
(http://science.howstuffworks.com/10-innovations-2010-edison-awards7.htm)
(http://science.howstuffworks.com/10-innovations-2010-edison-awards7.htm)
It is indeed interesting and beguiling to come across and explore these discoveries and try to comprehend the procedures and methods that led to it. Frequently when I do, I caught myself impressed by the cleverness, passion and determination involved. Cheers for those scientists who committed their life for the improvement of the world with Science. For discoveries take an enormous amount of devotion and guts to bring about.
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