We witnessed the world being brought to its knees in 2020 with a global pandemic, but innovation soured to new heights. Although the world was at a standstill, scientific discoveries dominated our news feeds and kept us on the edge of our seats.
Researchers documented the impact of global warming on the planet, private companies are strutting their stuff in space exploration, and innovative medical advancements are changing the world. So, let’s explore the top 10 scientific breakthroughs of 2021 that continue to inspire us.
We witnessed the world being brought to its knees in 2020 with a global pandemic, but innovation soured to new heights. Although the world was at a standstill, scientific discoveries dominated our news feeds and kept us on the edge of our seats.
Researchers documented the impact of global warming on the planet, private companiesare strutting their stuff in space exploration, and innovative medical advancements are changing the world. So, let’s explore the top 10 scientific breakthroughs of 2021 that continue to inspire us.
1: Artificial Intelligence in construction
In the construction industry, artificial intelligence can now assist participants in gaining value throughout the project lifecycle. AI is utilized to track machinery, the real-time interactions of staff, and warn supervisors of any possible safety concerns. By using AI, unskilled machine operators can now complete complex tasks that they would otherwise be unable to do.
2: Mixed Reality continues to advance
The physical and virtual worlds collide and interact in Mixed Reality. Advancements in MR are allowing for better interactions between people and machines. MR enables users to safeguard digital assets in the real world, resulting in an ideal environment where physical and digital objects coexist. Although still in the infant stages, Mixed Reality holds a world of possibilities.
3: Sodium-ion batteries as an alternative to lithium batteries
Researchers have been using mammal bones as inspiration in constructing a porous system of NVP structures encased in a dense shell of reduced graphene oxide. This new bone-inspired method has solved previous issues of unstable cathodes. With the abundance of sodium, we are set to see a new earth-friendly electrical energy storage option.
4: Evidence of water on Mars
The ESA-Roscosmos ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter has advanced research on Mars. The recent discovery of water at the Mars Grand Canyon has made researchers wonder if other water stores are covered by soil. The current discovery of water is said to be the size of the Netherlands. Future Mars expeditions will land at lower latitudes in search of similar reservoirs.
5: Sterilizing Medical equipment using solar-powered heat
Regular sterilization of invasive medical equipment must be done to reduce infection risks. With fuel becoming more expensive and power being unreliable in some parts of the world, traditional ways of running autoclaves have become more difficult. A team of researchers has found a way of generating steam using just sunlight.
6: Breaking down Carbon Dioxide using sunlight
Scientists have developed a new method that uses sunlight to transform waste carbon dioxide into essential chemicals. This method will potentially lower emissions slowing down global warming. CO2 is broken down using photocatalysts, which revolutionized the drive for a sustainable future. The aim is to reduce our use of fossil fuels by using unwanted gas.
7: Sustainable future for aviation
Airbus has always been a leader in improving fuel emissions; their latest design is nothing short of that. This current design is an aerodynamic plane shaped like a manta ray, which reduces carbon emissions by 20%. A dynamic new plane design like this will create a sustainable future for aviation.
8: Eco-friendly living spaces
The Sunflower Tower in Quito, Ecuador,is an ecosystem tower with lush, self-sustaining plants on every floor. With cities growing fast in Latin America, many natural habitats have disappeared. The structure is built, so every balcony is covered with a mini forest. This, in turn, reduces the tower’s carbon footprint.
9: NFTs, the latest financial craze
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are the latest financial craze. NFTs are a unique computer depiction of goods such as art, much like a certificate of authenticity that is recorded on a blockchain. Transactions on a blockchain can be validated and do not need a central authority. NFTs have changed the world of art by changing how art is bought and sold.
10: Covid-19 vaccine
This latest vaccine has been recorded as the fastest developed vaccine ever. Vaccines usually take years to be developed, but scientists have created Covid-19 vaccines in less than a year. Revolutionary technology is currently being used for vaccine development; it uses materials synthesized in a laboratory to allow faster development. This is a step forward for disease research. The year 2021 has given scientists much reason to cheer. These developments are proven advances for humankind and have propelled research that is set to protect our ecosystem. More projects like these could see our world progress from the many challenges we face in the years to come
