As scheduled, Livescience magazine has introduced the top 10 scientific stories of 2005, ranging from nanotechnology, gene decoding to protecting Earth’s civilization from asteroids…
1. In the World of Nanotechnology
In the realm of nanotechnology, engineers created tiny machines in 2005. Various research teams developed the world’s smallest cars, robots, refrigerators, and fountain pens.
Their hope is that these machines, invisible to the naked eye, will one day be used to deliver drugs into cells to destroy cancer cells or cure diseases. In a new development, scientists have integrated bacteria with machinery for the first time, creating gold-coated bacteria that can detect humidity.
2. The World is Heating Up
We can stop debating whether the climate is changing. There is now abundant evidence—glaciers are shrinking, polar ice caps are melting, and sea levels have doubled compared to pre-industrial levels. The migration and mating patterns of animals are changing. 2005 was the hottest, driest, and stormiest year on record. The big question is how much of this trend is natural and how much is due to greenhouse gas emissions.
Meanwhile, a series of studies have presented grim forecasts: temperatures are certainly expected to continue rising, and coastlines will be submerged in the coming century. The world will also suffer from stronger storms, more severe droughts, skyrocketing allergies, and summers in the Arctic without ice… In light of this situation, over 150 countries participating in the Climate Change Conference have committed to addressing the issue, though the United States has yet to participate.
3. Defending Against Asteroids
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Impacting Tempel |
One day, humanity will have to deal with an asteroid or comet on a collision course with Earth. In the worst-case scenario, they could destroy civilization or at least devastate a city. Major impacts have occurred in the past and will occur again. However, we currently know very little about asteroids and their structures to plan for deflection or destruction.
A significant milestone occurred when NASA’s Deep Impact spacecraft fired a copper bullet at comet Tempel 1 on July 4. Meanwhile, a group of astronauts and scientists urged NASA to explore asteroid Apophis—a celestial body that may collide with Earth in a few decades. NASA’s response: it may launch a probe, but we still have ample time to deflect Apophis if observations confirm it will indeed hit Earth.
4. Signs of Life on Mars
This story takes us back to 2004 and seems like a mystery that will puzzle scientists for years to come. Early in 2005, European astronomers reported that the atmosphere on Mars appeared to contain a small amount of methane. This gas may be produced by microbes living near the planet’s surface. Recently, they strengthened this viewpoint with new evidence of buried ice in methane-rich areas. Ice could provide valuable liquid water, necessary to support life. However, other scientists argue that this claim is speculative.
5. Discovery of Exoplanets
Astronomers expect to discover many Earth-sized planets orbiting other stars. However, current technology is not yet capable of detecting such small celestial bodies. Pushing the boundaries of current methods, researchers have detected a planet with a mass only 7.5 times that of Earth, orbiting a star. They believe this planet is entirely rocky. 2005 marked the 10th anniversary of the discovery of the first exoplanet. So far, astronomers have gathered enough data on about 150 planets.
6. Decoding the Software of Life
2005 was a remarkable year for gene decoding. Scientists decoded the DNA of the chimpanzee, our closest relative. Such research results have become so familiar that few notice that the rice genome has also been decoded. Now, the scientific community is studying human DNA and revealing that identical twins are not entirely identical after all. Other researchers have reported that about 9% of human genes are evolving rapidly.
7. Towards Immortality
Eccentric researcher Aubrey de Gray believes aging can be halted. He also runs the Methuselah Mouse Prize, which aims to promote advancements in extending the lifespan of mice, thereby slowing human aging. The prize fund exceeded $1 million in 2005.
A scientific study indicated that the accumulation of mutated DNA causes aging in mice. Another study found that stimulating a specific gene in mice appears to delay osteoporosis, arterial blockage, and muscle loss. Modern medicine is also helping people extend their lifespans. Ray Kurzweil, a computer scientist, plans to live to be a hundred by taking 250 different supplements, as well as drinking alkaline water and green tea.
8. Human Re-Engineering
Scientists have enabled monkeys to use their thoughts to control a robotic arm through a computer linked to their brains. The research showed that the monkeys treated this device as a natural extension of their bodies. Meanwhile, the U.S. military announced a priority in developing prosthetic limbs. Other scientists are focusing on creating electronic eyes… However, these studies were overshadowed by the world’s first face transplant, performed in France.
9. The Birth of a Black Hole
In 2005, light from an explosion that occurred 2.2 billion years ago reached Earth. A series of ground-based and space telescopes detected and monitored this light. Scientists suspect they have witnessed the birth of a black hole, just as it occurred 2.2 billion years ago. The explosion happened when two neutron stars merged.
10. Superstorms Become Reality
The busiest hurricane season in history recorded the strongest storm in the Atlantic. Meanwhile, scientists provided the first solid evidence: global warming is likely a factor creating stronger storms. While many powerful storms occurred, the most memorable and terrifying was Hurricane Katrina. Katrina struck the United States and devastated New Orleans. The force of nature forced authorities and scientists to reassess human preparedness for natural disasters.
Minh Sơn
