In recent months, many new discoveries and innovations have been made in the field of technology and science that have not received much mainstream attention. New products have been developed that could replace the current products on the market, and scientists have discovered new phenomena and potential new sources of energy.
In a recent study conducted this year, it was discovered that ice, the same type that exists in your fridge, is a flexoelectric material. This means that when ice is bent, it can generate electricity. While pure ice can produce electricity, salty ice produces significantly more electricity. This discovery has led to more theories on how lightning is able to form in clouds and research into whether this form of energy can be used for energy production.
For a more practical product, scientists have discovered a way to make contact lenses that let people see beyond the visible light spectrum that we normally see. This even allows people to see while their eyes are closed. The most notable use is that these lenses could fill a similar function to night-vision goggles without requiring a power source.
In the medical field, a form of gene therapy has found a way to cure sickle cell anemia, an inherited disease. The treatment is called Lyfgenia and relies on IV transfusions. However, the price of the treatment is around $3 million, making it inaccessible to the majority of patients.
There are many more discoveries that should also be taken note of, such as the designing of a sunlight reactor, monkeys using names like humans, and a vaccine for pancreatic cancer for recovering patients. There have been many amazing innovations over the past year, and it is a shame that they don’t get as much mainstream attention as they deserve.
