Welcome to this week’s Science Saturday, where we spotlight the most remarkable advancements in science and technology from 2024. These breakthroughs are paving the way for a healthier, more connected, and innovative future.
Injectable HIV Drug
The development of lenacapavir, an injectable HIV drug, marks a significant stride in preventing HIV infections. By targeting the virus's capsid protein, each injection offers protection for up to six months. Celebrated as Science magazine’s \"Breakthrough of the Year,\" lenacapavir represents a critical move toward reducing HIV/AIDS as a global health issue.
Quantum Computing
Alphabet, Google's parent company, has unveiled \"Willow,\" a groundbreaking quantum chip. Unlike previous models, Willow enhances both the number and reliability of qubits, the fundamental units of quantum computing. This advancement addresses the common issue of error-proneness in quantum systems, bringing practical quantum applications closer to reality.
AI Protein-Prediction
DeepMind's AlphaFold 3 has revolutionized the field of protein folding, earning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. This AI model predicts the structure and interactions of proteins with unprecedented accuracy, drastically reducing the time needed for mapping protein structures. By releasing its source code and database to the scientific community, AlphaFold 3 is accelerating research and development in medicine and biology.
Multicellular Fossils
In North China, scientists have discovered 1.63-billion-year-old fossils, representing the oldest known complex multicellular life forms. This finding pushes back the emergence of multicellular eukaryotes by about 70 million years and suggests that the development of complex life began earlier than previously thought. Similar discoveries in India, Canada, and Australia further support this early onset of multicellularity.
Autoimmune Disease Treatment
CAR-T-cell therapy, initially used for cancer treatment, is now showing promise in managing autoimmune diseases such as lupus, scleroderma, and multiple sclerosis. By utilizing genetically engineered T-cells from healthy donors, this therapy offers new hope for patients who did not respond to traditional treatments, potentially slowing disease progression and minimizing side effects.
Controlled Nuclear Future
Chinese scientists have made significant progress in controlled nuclear fusion with the Huanliu-3 tokamak, often referred to as the \"artificial sun.\" The advanced magnetic field structure they developed enhances the control capabilities of nuclear fusion devices, bringing us closer to a clean, safe, and abundant energy source. Controlled nuclear fusion is considered essential for addressing global energy demands and environmental challenges.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
