Buzz
Science has advanced at an unprecedented rate in recent centuries, turning what was once deemed impossible into tangible reality. Though it has solved many of humanity’s challenges, science is far from perfect and will never reach a state of finality. The beauty of science lies in its continual evolution, with countless discoveries still waiting to be made. Here are the top ten scientific milestones that remain to be achieved… for now.
10. DNA Computer
Picture an iPod that can store thousands of years’ worth of high-definition videos. A DNA computer could make such a device a reality. DNA, the molecule used by living organisms to carry genetic information, is an incredibly efficient medium for storing vast amounts of data in a small space. Just one milligram of DNA can store all the written content in the world. DNA computing is still in its early stages, with experimental models like MAYA-II only demonstrating the potential. If perfected, DNA computers could hold unimaginable amounts of data, far beyond what we can currently envision.
9. Permanent Lunar Settlement
The idea of colonizing space has long included the Moon as the first candidate, given its proximity to Earth. When humans first set foot on the lunar surface in 1969, the notion of establishing a permanent settlement seemed within reach. However, due to a mix of economic and technical challenges, the project was never fully realized. Despite this, NASA has plans to establish a Moon base by 2024, with the European Space Agency (ESA) aiming for the same by 2025. Japan and India have also set their sights on building bases by 2030. The greatest obstacle to this goal remains funding, and many within NASA, including Buzz Aldrin, have argued that the focus should be placed on other projects instead, such as the one listed as number five.
8. Head Transplant
This controversial procedure is likely to stir debates in the near future. In a head transplant, the patient is decapitated, and their head is surgically attached to a donor's body, allowing for blood circulation between the two. If successful, a head transplant could potentially cure any disease that doesn't directly impact the head. However, unless spinal cord regeneration is achieved, the patient would be left a quadriplegic. While head transplants have shown limited success in animals such as mice, dogs, and monkeys, the procedure raises significant ethical concerns. For example, in a scenario where organ donors are scarce, performing a head transplant could be seen as wasteful since it would only benefit one person. A greater fear is that the combination of head transplants and cloning could lead to unethical practices, such as individuals killing their own clones to extend their lives.
7. Clean Energy
Although numerous alternative energy sources have been explored, the path to fully renewable energy is still a long one. Currently, fossil fuels account for around 85% of the world's energy consumption. Clean energy is considered essential because fossil fuels are running out, they contribute to environmental pollution, and they have led to global conflicts. The challenge in transitioning to clean energy stems from the 150 years humanity has spent relying on oil, making it difficult to break free from that dependence. Some even believe that the technology to produce vast amounts of clean energy already exists but is being suppressed by major oil companies. Nevertheless, several European nations have successfully generated significant amounts of clean energy, and current methods include wind, solar, geothermal, tidal, hydropower, nuclear, and biofuels.
6. Cure for Cancer
Cancer remains one of the most lethal diseases of the modern era. Since the time of Hippocrates, humanity has been in search of a cure. Like the common cold, there are various ways to manage cancer, but modern medicine has yet to develop a cure. The challenge lies in the fact that, much like the common cold, cancer has numerous different types, each with its own characteristics. Unfortunately, unlike the common cold, cancer claims over seven million lives annually. A range of treatments have been proposed, including drugs, chemicals, stem cells, genetically modified viruses, and even arsenic. Despite these efforts, the second item on this list holds the most promise for a breakthrough.
5. Manned Mission to Mars
The concept of sending humans to Mars has long been a staple of science fiction. However, following the historic landing on the Moon, the possibility of a manned mission to Mars suddenly seemed attainable. Such a mission would represent a monumental step in space exploration, offering the chance for an in-depth examination of the Red Planet. Many argue that establishing a permanent base on Mars would be more practical than doing so on the Moon. While a Mars mission would mirror the challenges of the Moon landings, it would be far more demanding. The journey is approximately one hundred times longer, and issues such as Martian weather must also be taken into account. NASA plans to send a crew to Mars in the 2030s, with the European Space Agency (ESA) aiming for the same timeframe. Russia, on the other hand, has set its sights on a manned Mars mission by 2020.
4. Space Elevator
A space elevator would tower thousands of times higher than the tallest building on Earth. Surprisingly, building this monumental structure is more feasible than it sounds. The reason for this is that the structure's center of mass would be in orbit. While designs for the space elevator vary, they generally involve placing a space station into or above geostationary orbit, connecting it to the ground via a tether, and using elevator cars to transport people and cargo between Earth and the station. A space elevator would revolutionize space travel, making it more accessible, affordable, and safe. To build it efficiently, a highly durable material made from carbon nanotubes would need to be mass-produced. There are additional challenges to building such a structure, but despite these obstacles, the private company LiftPort Group aims to complete the project by 2031.
3. Journey to the Center of the Earth
In the 19th century, it was widely believed that humanity would reach the Earth's core long before making it to the Moon. This illustrates just how unpredictable technological progress can be. A trip to the Earth's center is far more challenging than it might appear. The pressure at the Earth's core is staggering because, quite literally, the weight of the entire planet presses down on you. There is no known material, not even carbon nanotubes, capable of maintaining its integrity under such intense pressure. The deepest man-made hole we've created is less than 0.2% of the depth needed to reach the Earth's core. While the Earth's interior may contain vast reserves of energy, it could be a long time before we are able to access it directly.
2. Nanomedicine
Nanotechnology holds incredible potential to revolutionize many fields, but its most remarkable application could be in the realm of medicine. The possibilities of nanotechnology in healthcare are virtually endless. For instance, molecules could be designed to specifically target and destroy cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. Advanced drug delivery systems could transport medication precisely to where it’s needed, eliminating harmful side effects. Tiny robots could be used to perform highly delicate surgeries, repair damaged tissues, or even seek out and destroy harmful cells such as cancerous ones or bacteria. Though nanomedicine is still in its early stages, it has the potential to be the most significant medical breakthrough since the invention of the first vaccine.
1. Theory of Everything
For centuries, people have speculated that all the events in the universe may ultimately be driven by a single force. Physicists have long sought to unify the known forces of nature. Currently, there are four fundamental forces: electromagnetic, weak nuclear, strong nuclear, and gravity. The Electroweak Theory has successfully unified the weak nuclear and electromagnetic forces, but a Theory of Everything would aim to unite all four forces. Proving such a theory would require studying matter at extraordinarily high energies. String Theory attempts to explain the fundamentals of nature, but a Theory of Everything would offer a more complete understanding. This theory would be the most significant breakthrough in physics since Einstein. The Theory of Everything is so named because it would unify all physical phenomena, but despite its name, it would not mark the end of discovery, as there would still be much more to learn.
