The Most Mind-Blowing Scientific Discoveries of the Last Decade

The last ten years have seen a period of advancements covering various areas, like astrophysics and genetics. These findings have not just broadened our understanding. Have also paved the way for new avenues, in research and practical use. In this exploration we uncover some of the standout accomplishments of the decade.

1. Gravitational Waves

Gravitation waves around black hole in space 3D illustration

In 2015, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) made a historic discovery by detecting gravitational waves, ripples in spacetime caused by the collision of two black holes. This confirmed a major prediction of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity and provided a new way to observe the universe. The ability to detect these waves has revolutionized astrophysics, offering insights into phenomena such as black hole mergers and neutron star collisions. For a detailed explanation of gravitational waves, check out this YouTube video.

2. CRISPR-Cas9 and Gene Editing

The advent of CRISPR-Cas9 technology has transformed genetic engineering. This tool allows scientists to precisely edit DNA, making it possible to correct genetic defects, create genetically modified organisms, and potentially cure genetic diseases. Since its development, CRISPR has been applied in various fields, from agriculture to medicine, heralding a new era of biotechnology.

3. First Image of a Black Hole

In 2019, the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration captured the first-ever image of a black hole, located in the galaxy M87. This achievement was made possible by synchronizing radio telescopes across the globe, effectively creating an Earth-sized telescope. The image provided visual evidence of black holes and enhanced our understanding of these mysterious objects. Watch the unveiling of the black hole image here.

4. Discovery of Proxima b

In 2016, astronomers discovered Proxima b, an Earth-sized exoplanet orbiting the star Proxima Centauri, the closest star to the Sun. Proxima b is situated within the habitable zone of its star, where conditions might allow for liquid water. This discovery has significant implications for the search for extraterrestrial life and the study of exoplanets.

5. Quantum Supremacy

In 2019, Google announced that it had achieved quantum supremacy with its Sycamore quantum processor. This milestone means that their quantum computer performed a complex calculation in seconds that would take classical supercomputers thousands of years. This achievement marks a crucial step towards practical quantum computing, which could revolutionize fields such as cryptography and material science. Learn more about quantum supremacy in this video.

6. Human Microbiome

Research into the human microbiome—the trillions of microbes living in and on our bodies—has exploded over the past decade. Scientists have discovered that these microbes play crucial roles in digestion, immunity, and even mental health. This new understanding is leading to novel treatments for conditions ranging from obesity to depression.

7. New Horizons and Pluto

NASA’s New Horizons mission, launched in 2006, provided humanity with its first close-up images of Pluto in 2015. These stunning photos revealed a diverse and geologically active world, challenging our understanding of dwarf planets. The mission continues to send back valuable data as it explores the Kuiper Belt. Explore New Horizons’ journey and discoveries in this documentary.

8. AI in Medicine

AI is transforming medicine, from diagnosing diseases to predicting patient outcomes. Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast amounts of medical data, identifying patterns and making predictions that can improve patient care and treatment strategies.

9. Interstellar Visitor ‘Oumuamua

In 2017, astronomers detected ‘Oumuamua, the first known interstellar object to pass through our solar system. Its unusual shape and trajectory sparked debates about its origin and nature, with some speculating it could be a fragment of a distant planetary system. ‘Oumuamua’s discovery has opened new avenues for studying interstellar objects.

10. Advancements in Immunotherapy

CAR T-cells attacking a cancer cell, 3d illustration

Immunotherapy has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment for cancer, harnessing the body’s immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. Treatments like CAR-T cell therapy have shown remarkable success in treating certain types of cancer, offering hope to patients with previously untreatable forms of the disease.

11. Higgs Boson Discovery

In 2012, scientists at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider announced the discovery of the Higgs boson, a fundamental particle that gives other particles mass. This confirmed a crucial part of the Standard Model of particle physics and earned François Englert and Peter Higgs the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2013.

For an in-depth look at the Higgs boson discovery, watch this video.

12. Martian Water

NASA’s Curiosity rover and other missions have found compelling evidence of liquid water on Mars, both in the past and present. Discoveries of ancient riverbeds, deltas, and even recurring slope lineae (potential seasonal water flows) suggest that Mars once had conditions suitable for life.

13. Artificial Intelligence Milestones

AI has made incredible strides over the past decade. From AlphaGo’s victory over a human champion in the game of Go to AI systems capable of generating human-like text and images, these advancements are transforming industries and raising important ethical questions.

See how AlphaGo changed the game in this documentary.

14. Synthetic Biology

Advancements in synthetic biology are allowing scientists to design and construct new biological parts, devices, and systems. This field holds promise for creating sustainable biofuels, developing new medical treatments, and even engineering organisms to clean up environmental pollutants.

15. First Living Robots

In 2020, scientists created the first living robots, known as xenobots. Made from frog cells, these tiny organisms can move, work together, and even self-heal. Xenobots represent a new frontier in robotics and regenerative medicine, with potential applications ranging from targeted drug delivery to environmental cleanup. Discover more about xenobots in this video.

16. CRISPR Babies

In 2018, a Chinese scientist announced the birth of the first CRISPR-edited babies, sparking a global ethical debate. While the potential to prevent genetic diseases is immense, the experiment raised serious concerns about the safety and ethics of human genetic modification.

17. Organoids

Scientists have developed organoids—miniature, simplified versions of organs grown from stem cells—that mimic the structure and function of real organs. These tiny models are providing new insights into human development and disease, and they hold promise for personalized medicine and drug testing.

19. Dark Matter and Dark Energy

The study of dark matter and dark energy, which make up most of the universe, has seen significant advancements. Projects like the Dark Energy Survey have provided new data on the distribution and behavior of dark matter and dark energy, offering clues about the universe’s expansion and structure.

20. Photonic Chips

Photonic chips, which use light instead of electricity to process information, are set to revolutionize computing. These chips offer faster data transfer and lower energy consumption, promising significant advancements in fields ranging from telecommunications to quantum computing.

21. Human Brain Atlas

The creation of a detailed atlas of the human brain has been a monumental achievement. This comprehensive map, created using advanced imaging techniques, provides unprecedented insights into the brain’s structure and function, aiding research into neurological diseases and brain disorders.

22. Renewable Energy Innovations

The past decade has seen significant advancements in renewable energy technologies. Innovations in solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems are making renewable energy more efficient and affordable, playing a crucial role in the transition to a sustainable energy future.