Every year Digital Journal takes a look back at the most interesting science and science related technology news that we’ve reported on (2018’s selections can be viewed here). This year Digital Journal’s science editor has selected one article of interest from each month of 2019.
Soundwaves used to levitate objects to improve surgery
Our first selection comes from January, where we reported how medical technologists successfully used soundwaves in order to levitate multiple objects. This opens to door for the technology to be used for techniques like surgery, enabling medics to undertake procedures without having to touch parts of the patient directly.
Artificial skin promises enhanced perception
To build better robots artificial skin needs to develop to become more sensitive. In February we discussed a new development where a more sensitive ‘skin’ has been fashioned. The enhanced sensitivity comes via sensor which has been built to copy the sensing properties of skin to touch and to temperature. The sensor is described as ‘super-sensitive’ because it comes with several additional features, such as the ability to assess for hazards in ‘real-time’.
Yeast can make marijuana compounds
From March’s stories we noted how biochemists have demonstrated that a type of yeast can be turned into a cannabinoid-producing factory, offering a low-cost and environmentally-friendly means to make cannabis products. This has the potential to produce compounds with a low environmental impact.
Applying AI to predict material properties
The use of artificial intelligence continues to advance and this extends into materials science. In April we learned how AI is being used to predict and engineer material properties. This could lead to creating new materials with special properties. This includes transforming diamonds into more effective semiconductors.
New treatment fully suppresses HIV infection
In May we reported on a major study into HIV has found that men with the infection had the virus completely suppressed by antiretroviral drugs. The importance of the study means that if each person with HIV was to be treated, then there would be no further infections and HIV infection could be virtually eliminated from the human population.
Video gamers help to design new proteins
Video gamers are assisting with the design brand new proteins by playing an interactive on-line application called Foldit. We reported in June how citizen scientists are aiding protein researchers to create novel vaccines and cancer therapies.
Would a master algorithm solve all our problems?
In July we noted that algorithms are with us, from predicting the music we may like to helping with medical diagnosis. This led to a review of some research that ponders that while this technology improves how far can it progress and is there a master algorithm that can unlock all mysteries? This is a a code that could be able to unlock the secrets to a more powerful form of artificial intelligence.
Advance with bioprinting brings 3D-printed hearts closer
A new 3D bioprinting method, developed by scientists, is our August pick. The technique pushes the field of tissue engineering closer to being able to 3D print a full-sized, functioning adult human heart.
New ocean-centric approach for detecting climate change
Climate change is our selection from September. A new study finds that various physical and chemical changes impacting upon the ocean linked with increases to atmospheric carbon dioxide as the result of human activities. The research indicates that over the past thirty years a number of changes have already taken place.
Aspirin combats air pollution on lungs
For October we found out how new research shows that the humble aspirin could help to reduce the adverse impact of air pollution upon the lungs. The effects were assessed against different forms of air pollution, across a 28-day period.
Cartilage re-growth technique to improve osteoarthritis
In humans it’s been discovered that cartilage can be re-grown through a process that closely follows the self-repair abilities of salamanders and zebrafish. This could, as our November story revealed, provide the foundation for new approaches to repair joint tissues.
Stormquakes found in powerful oceanic storms
For December we discussed stormquakes – newly discovered powerful oceanic events which have been categorized as a new meteorological phenomenon. This was based on research centered on the U.S. coastline. These are waves which have an acoustic signal, producing high-frequency signals.
Digital Journal will continue to report on science and technology news. Please check out our science and technology page.
