Taltanic has put together a compilation of 15 amazing recent discoveries that are mind boggling and can dramatically change the way we perceive the universe.
15. New Planet in the Solar System
The planet, codenamed RR245, was discovered just last year. It appears to be a dwarf planet orbiting the Sun and takes a hundred times longer to complete its orbit. Scientists are working to determine its chemical makeup and physical properties.
14. Medicine Delivery Nano-Machines
Scientists have been able to deliver medicine in the stomach lining of mice simply by injecting nano-robots carrying drugs into their bloodstream. The mice were left unharmed by the procedure. This discovery could pave the way for non-invasive surgeries in humans.
13. Epigenome Mapping
Scientists have accurately mapped the entire human epigenome. Since the epigenome contains instructions for our genomes when scientists decode this information they can better understand how genes are expressed.
12. Anti-HIV Antibodies
Synthetically-produced protein antibodies tested in monkeys have been found to be HIV resistant. Monkeys injected with the anti-bodies proved to be immune to significant doses of the virus.
11. Ancient Replicators
Scientists believe they have discovered an ancient single cell organism that might have been the starting point of all life on Earth. Named Gk-PID, the self-replicating organism might have been the very beginning of cell division 800 billion years ago.
10. 5-D Glass Storage
Researchers from the University of South Hampton have devised a technique of using glass to create nano-storage systems. Utilizing 5-dimensional storage, a piece of glass as small as a quarter can store 360 TB of data and can last for 13 billion years.
9. Synthetic Leaves
A student from the Royal College of London has developed synthetic leaves from silk protein that can carry out photosynthesis like natural leaves. The discovery is particularly important as it can be used as a source of oxygen for manned deep space exploration missions.
8. Water on Mars
With the help of the MRO, NASA has revealed that water might have existed on Mars by inferring that the reoccurring ridges on its slopes may have been formed by flowing water. This discovery is of extreme importance in the human search for extra-terristrial life.
7. New Human Species
A 2015 discovery revealed the existence of an earlier unknown species of human, Homo Naledi. The discovery, which was made in an underground cave in South Africa, is considered one of the largest collection of human remains. Also intriguing is the arrangement of bones, which suggests that these humans ritualistically buried their dead.
6. Bionic Lens
Ocumetics Technology Corp has developed a bionic lens that is capable of augmented vision. It not only enhances human vision up to 20/20 clarity but enables people to see an otherwise hidden spectrum of colors.
5. Harder Than Diamond
A recently discovered substance named Q-carbon has been confirmed to be harder than diamond. What gives diamonds their excellent hardness are the chemical bonds that hold them together. Scientists manipulated carbon atoms to create a bonding that produced a material 60 times harder than diamond.
4. First Mammals
The University of Edinburgh has funded research that proves the existence of an ancient species of mammals that survived the extinction of the dinosaurs over 65 million years ago. The beaver-like, warm-blooded animal is key to understanding how mammals had an adaptive advantage over cold-blooded reptiles.
3. Whale Gene Mapping
Scientists have remapped the entire genome of the Bowhead Whales to unravel how they can live up to 200 years. After comparing it with other mammalian genomes, the researchers discovered that the increased lifespan of the animal is due its the ability to repair deterioration. The findings could revolutionize cancer treatment.
2. Second Earth
Following NASA's discovery of Kepler-452b, scientists have been fascinated to discover that the planet's orbit falls in the "Goldilocks Zone." The fact that Kepler-452b IS situated in a habitable region in space and bears a rocky surface as well as traces of liquid water makes it a likely second Earth.
1. Animal Re-animation
Attempts are being made to bring extinct species like the Wooly Mammoth back to life. Since DNA samples are available, usually preserved in ice, it is possible to recreate these extinct species through genetic cloning.