Science Saturday: Significant Scientific and Technological Advances in 2024
Science Saturday: Significant advancements in science and technology for 2024
TroibNews 
In this week's Science Saturday, we reflect on the significant advancements in science and technology that have taken place over the past year.
**Injectable HIV drug**
The injectable HIV drug lenacapavir has demonstrated exceptional promise in the prevention of HIV infection. It specifically targets the structural and functional aspects of HIV's capsid protein, offering protection for as long as six months with each injection. Honored as the "Breakthrough of the Year" by *Science*, the publication stated it represents "a pivotal step toward diminishing HIV/AIDS as a global health crisis."
**Quantum computing**
Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has introduced a novel quantum chip named "Willow," capable of performing "below threshold" quantum calculations. Typically, adding more qubits to quantum systems increases the likelihood of errors. However, "Willow" not only expands the number of qubits but also improves their reliability, setting the stage for practical applications in quantum computing.
**AI protein-prediction**
DeepMind, a subsidiary of Google, has launched AlphaFold 3, an AI model recognized with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for its innovation in predicting protein folding. AlphaFold 3 replicates the structure and interactions of all biological molecules with remarkable precision, drastically cutting down the time needed to map protein architectures. This "game-changer" is enhancing the scientific grasp of protein functions and paving new avenues for research and drug discovery. DeepMind has also made its source code and database available for free to the scientific community.
**Multicellular fossils**
A team of researchers has discovered the oldest known complex life forms in North China. These 1.63-billion-year-old fossils represent the earliest record of multicellular eukaryotes, pushing back the timeline for the emergence of complex life by approximately 70 million years. Coupled with recent findings of similar-age simple multicellular eukaryotes in India, Canada, and Australia, these fossils indicate that eukaryotes took early steps toward developing multicellularity.
**Autoimmune disease treatment**
A significant breakthrough in CAR-T-cell therapy is providing renewed hope for patients with severe autoimmune diseases. Originally developed for cancer treatment, this therapy is being adapted to manage conditions such as lupus, scleroderma, and multiple sclerosis. By utilizing genetically modified T-cells from healthy donors, doctors are reporting promising outcomes for patients who have not responded to standard treatments. This innovation may present a novel strategy for managing autoimmune disorders while potentially minimizing disease progression and the side effects associated with traditional therapies.
**Controlled nuclear future**
Chinese researchers have reached a key milestone in the realm of controlled nuclear fusion. At the Huanliu-3 tokamak, also referred to as the "artificial sun," scientists have created an advanced magnetic field structure that outperforms earlier designs. This advancement significantly enhances the control capabilities of nuclear fusion devices. Controlled nuclear fusion is hailed as a clean, safe, and abundant energy source, essential for addressing global energy challenges and facilitating sustainable development.
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
**Injectable HIV drug**
The injectable HIV drug lenacapavir has demonstrated exceptional promise in the prevention of HIV infection. It specifically targets the structural and functional aspects of HIV's capsid protein, offering protection for as long as six months with each injection. Honored as the "Breakthrough of the Year" by *Science*, the publication stated it represents "a pivotal step toward diminishing HIV/AIDS as a global health crisis."
**Quantum computing**
Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has introduced a novel quantum chip named "Willow," capable of performing "below threshold" quantum calculations. Typically, adding more qubits to quantum systems increases the likelihood of errors. However, "Willow" not only expands the number of qubits but also improves their reliability, setting the stage for practical applications in quantum computing.
**AI protein-prediction**
DeepMind, a subsidiary of Google, has launched AlphaFold 3, an AI model recognized with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for its innovation in predicting protein folding. AlphaFold 3 replicates the structure and interactions of all biological molecules with remarkable precision, drastically cutting down the time needed to map protein architectures. This "game-changer" is enhancing the scientific grasp of protein functions and paving new avenues for research and drug discovery. DeepMind has also made its source code and database available for free to the scientific community.
**Multicellular fossils**
A team of researchers has discovered the oldest known complex life forms in North China. These 1.63-billion-year-old fossils represent the earliest record of multicellular eukaryotes, pushing back the timeline for the emergence of complex life by approximately 70 million years. Coupled with recent findings of similar-age simple multicellular eukaryotes in India, Canada, and Australia, these fossils indicate that eukaryotes took early steps toward developing multicellularity.
**Autoimmune disease treatment**
A significant breakthrough in CAR-T-cell therapy is providing renewed hope for patients with severe autoimmune diseases. Originally developed for cancer treatment, this therapy is being adapted to manage conditions such as lupus, scleroderma, and multiple sclerosis. By utilizing genetically modified T-cells from healthy donors, doctors are reporting promising outcomes for patients who have not responded to standard treatments. This innovation may present a novel strategy for managing autoimmune disorders while potentially minimizing disease progression and the side effects associated with traditional therapies.
**Controlled nuclear future**
Chinese researchers have reached a key milestone in the realm of controlled nuclear fusion. At the Huanliu-3 tokamak, also referred to as the "artificial sun," scientists have created an advanced magnetic field structure that outperforms earlier designs. This advancement significantly enhances the control capabilities of nuclear fusion devices. Controlled nuclear fusion is hailed as a clean, safe, and abundant energy source, essential for addressing global energy challenges and facilitating sustainable development.
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
