Here are10 science breakthroughs of 2021
Although the development of the COVID-19 vaccines is technically part of the science news of 2020, it was in 2021 that they were rolled out on a large scale. In an unprecedented timeframe, the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines were approved for emergency use in adults in December 2020. This remarkable achievement was closely followed by the release of Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot vaccine in February 2021. These vaccines have played an integral role in the global efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, science delivered groundbreaking discoveries and advancements. The James Webb Space Telescope, the most powerful space telescope to date, was launched in late December, paving the way for unprecedented astronomical observations. Additionally, studies of Mars’ geology by the Perseverance rover revealed the presence of water on the planet in the past, bolstering theories of potential life beyond Earth. Vaccine research, spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, made significant strides, with mRNA technology demonstrating promise for future vaccine development. Climate science also made headlines, with COP26 highlighting the urgent need for global carbon reduction commitments and putting the spotlight on the pressing issue of climate change.
- AI Designs Quantum Physics Experiments Beyond What Any Human Has Conceived: In 2021, artificial intelligence (AI) designed quantum physics experiments that surpassed human capabilities, opening up new horizons for scientific exploration.
- First Successful Pig-to-Human Heart Transplant: This year marked a significant milestone in medical science with the first successful heart transplant from a pig to a human.
- COVID-19 Vaccines: The rapid development, testing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines showcased the power of modern biotechnology.
- Perseverance Rover Landing on Mars: NASA’s Perseverance rover successfully landed on Mars, collecting valuable data and setting the stage for potential future manned missions.
- CRISPR for Sickle Cell Disease: CRISPR gene-editing technology has been used to treat a patient with Sickle Cell Disease, demonstrating its potential to revolutionize medicine.
- James Webb Space Telescope Launch: The successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, was launched, promising to bring unprecedented clarity to our view of the universe.
- Discovery of a New Force of Nature: Physicists at CERN discovered a potential fifth force of nature, challenging the Standard Model of particle physics.
- Artificial Kidney Trials: The first human trials of an artificial kidney have begun, potentially offering hope to millions suffering from kidney diseases.
- Neuralink’s Brain-Machine Interface: Elon Musk’s Neuralink demonstrated a monkey playing a video game using a brain-machine interface, signaling a leap forward in neurotechnology.
- Breakthrough in Fusion Energy: A major advancement in fusion energy was made with the UK-based company, Tokamak Energy, achieving a plasma temperature of over 100 million degrees Celsius.
