Buzz
Scientists are often like the average person with a curiosity for exploration. While some might enjoy experimenting with themselves, scientists prefer experimenting with DNA, matter, and the very essence of space and time. Get ready for their astonishing scientific breakthroughs:
10. Exploding Microbes
Researchers in synthetic biology have come up with a new method to fight diseases... though by 'came up with' I mean they've been inspired by Michael Bay’s explosive Transformers films, where everything seems to go kaboom.
Scientists have engineered an Escherichia coli cell that, upon encountering certain pathogens, literally detonates, eliminating both the pathogen and itself.
Yes, you heard that correctly: scientists have devised a method of curing you through explosions. Speaking of bizarre remedies...
9. Luminous Canines
“A dog is man’s best friend” – whoever said that clearly hadn’t encountered the true best friend: a hidden collection of glow-in-the-dark gadgets. In South Korea, scientists have combined these two to fight Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by creating a dog with genes that make it glow in the dark.
That’s right, scientists have created glow-in-the-dark dogs, and they now walk among us on this planet.
8. Anti-Malaria Mosquitoes
After a generous dose of irony, US scientists have concluded that the best way to combat malaria and dengue fever is by using mosquitoes.
By genetically altering mosquitoes to live longer and develop a natural resistance to malaria, scientists aim to halt its spread and ultimately wipe it out. Science prevails.
7. Bomb-Sensing Plants
After tiring of using creatures like bees and mice, scientists have been working to modify plants so they can detect bombs.
Dr. Jane Medford is creating plants that will turn white when exposed to explosives or environmental pollutants. And they thought Poison Ivy was too far-fetched for the Dark Knight films…
6. Silk Worms Producing Spider Silk
Apparently not fans of B-grade horror films, scientists have decided that combining silkworm genes with spider genes is a brilliant idea.
On one side, you have spider silk, one of the strongest natural materials known to man, stronger than steel in terms of tensile strength. On the other, silkworms are nature's mass producers of silk. So, researchers – clearly in need of more bulletproof vests made from sticky bug goo – have created the Amazing Spiderworm!
5. Synthetic Jellyfish From Rat Cells
Not content with simply turning animals into glowing figurines, scientists have combined rat cells and silicone to create an artificial jellyfish. Named the ‘medusoid’ – though it can’t turn people to stone – it swims and moves just like a real jellyfish when placed in an electric field.
The jellyfish was created by Harvard biophysicist Kit Parker, who now plans to develop other life forms. If he’s taking suggestions, I’d like to cast my vote for Sharktopus.
4. Artificial Telepathy
Since it’s often hard to comprehend what people say, science has come to the rescue by granting us one of the most desired superpowers – telepathy.
The military is working on a synthetic device that can detect brain activity, interpret thoughts, and then transmit them as voicemails or text messages – essentially creating an army of Professor Charles Xaviers.
3. Regeneration
Scientists have found a way to help people regenerate lost body parts – dignity included.
Corporal Isaias Hernandez, a soldier who had over 70% of his leg destroyed in combat, returned home to be told that his right leg muscle wouldn’t heal and amputation was his best option. Choosing to keep the leg, Hernandez teamed up with clinical researcher Steven Wolf to try a new solution – a small amount of pig’s bladder.
Known as the extracellular matrix, or ECM, this substance has the ability to awaken the body’s natural healing powers. By applying the ECM to his leg – combined with physical therapy – Hernandez was able to regenerate most of the muscle; today, it’s as strong as his other leg.
Pig’s bladder is essentially the secret to Wolverine-like regenerative abilities.
2. Bulletproof Gel
In its ongoing mission to protect us from ourselves, science has developed a liquid gel that solidifies upon impact. It can be placed between layers of Kevlar, providing lightweight, bulletproof protection for soldiers. But just in case that isn’t enough:
1. Laser Weapons
After years of ignoring my emails, military scientists have finally developed lasers that can shoot down mortars and missiles.
The Laser Weapon System, or LaWS, boasts a longer operational range than existing naval missile defenses and will provide a significant upgrade to the U.S. Navy.
And just in case you think this technology is still in the experimental phase, they plan to mount it on ships next year. That’s right: just one more year until the world has to contend with floating Death Stars. One more year…
