The Year In Science 2018

TL;DR

A look back at 2018 in science, covering advances in robotics, DNA editing, space exploration, physics, biology, medicine, and climate change.

Transcript

as we reach the end of the year it's good to take time to look back and appreciate the fact that that we're still alive as this year's news articles have been dominated by stories of gross incompetence it might be tempting to think that the world is going backwards but that's completely not true there's actually been loads of advances in the world ... Read More

Key Insights

• 😀 Robotics saw advancements and ethical dilemmas in 2018 with robots excelling in tests and facing the first automated system fatality.
• 🛀 CRISPR gene editing showed both promise and concerns in 2018, with breakthroughs in skin cell conversion and t-cell modification, but issues like accuracy and ethical implications.
• 🛰️ Space exploration in 2018 was marked by significant missions and discoveries, including satellites, spacecraft launches, exoplanet detections, and fascinating space phenomena.
• ⚡ Physics in 2018 brought innovations like a single lens focusing all colors, high-temperature superconductors, advanced photovoltaic cells, and quantum entanglement between living bacteria and light.
• 💁 Biology highlights in 2018 included mapping the fruit fly connectome, wheat genome sequencing, discovery of unique life forms, and advancements like 3D printed corneas.
• 😷 Medical breakthroughs in 2018 featured a blood test for early cancer detection, Alzheimer's research advancements, and lab-grown organ transplants.
• 😮 Climate change updates in 2018 showed progress in ozone layer recovery but also highlighted rising CO2 levels, carbon emissions, and environmental impacts requiring urgent global action.

Questions & Answers

Q: What were some notable advancements in robotics in 2018?

In 2018, robots made significant progress, excelling in tests against humans and undertaking tasks like jumping and running. However, ethical concerns arose with the first fatality caused by an automated system and genetic engineering of humans using CRISPR.

Q: What were the key developments in CRISPR gene editing technology in 2018?

In 2018, CRISPR showed potential in converting skin cells into stem cells, modifying t-cells for cancer treatment, and editing pig genomes for virus resistance. However, concerns were raised about accuracy, immune responses, and unethical human embryo editing.

Q: What were the major highlights in space exploration in 2018?

Space exploration in 2018 saw NASA launch new satellites, spacecraft, and discoveries like exoplanets, water plumes on moons, and mysterious space phenomena. Notable missions included Mars Insight, Dawn, and Parker Solar Probe, paving the way for future space exploration.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Robotics advanced with robots beating humans in tests, while also facing ethical dilemmas like the first automated system fatality.

• CRISPR gene editing showed promise in turning skin cells into stem cells and trials on modifying t-cells for cancer treatment, with concerns about accuracy.

• Space exploration saw major highlights like NASA launching new satellites and spacecraft, discovering exoplanets, and intriguing space phenomena.