Everyday there are new scientific discoveries that we should be excited for. May it be drug development, getting further in space or discovering more about ourselves and the world around us, science is amazing.
Already this year there have been lots of exceptional scientific breakthroughs – here are 15 of the most amazing science discoveries of 2015:
1. There might be two more planets beyond Pluto
It’s pretty exciting to think that there are least two more planets in our solar system, orbiting our sun. The news comes from new calculations from scientists in Spain and the UK.
2. Scientists discover the first new antibiotic in 30 years
With bacteria becoming more and more resistant to our current batch of antibiotics, the news of a new antibiotic is very exciting. Teixobactin was discovered with a new method of culturing bacteria within soil.
3. Researchers grew a working human muscle in the lab
For the first time ever scientists at Duke University managed to grow a human muscle that contracts to impulses. Using 3D scaffolding and pre-muscle cells, the muscle will help scientists in the treatment of muscle disorders.
4. A new method of initiating hair growth has been discovered
Using pluripotent stem cells, scientists have been able to induce hair growth. This could be revolutionary in treating with hair loss.
5. Monkeys successfully kept free of HIV using lab-made molecule
The molecule, which mimics an antibody used in our own immune, prevented the monkeys from contracting HIV despite the fact the were injected with large doses. If human trials are successful then this will be a serious step forward in the prevention of HIV.
6. SpaceX launched the satellite DSCOVR
The satellite has been launched to monitor the sun for solar eruptions. These eruptions can effect power grids, global positioning systems and communications networks.
7. A bacteria that can turn sunlight energy into fuel
The bacteria uses hydrogen atoms, that are split from water using energy from the sun, the bacteria converts the hydrogen into an alcohol-based fuel.
8. Scientists have discovered a black hole that is 12 billion times bigger than the sun
Just take a moment to contemplate how big that is.
9. Watching internet cat videos has health benefits
Scientific reasearch at Indiana University has discovered that people who watch funny internet cat videos have higher energy levels and increased positive thoughts.
10. Scientists have managed to chill molecules to just above zero for first time ever
By managing to cool molecules down to this temperature, physicists hope to be able to study the weird way in which molecules behave at cold temperatures.
11. Eye colour might be linked to alcoholism risk
According to the latest research, people with light coloured eyes are more likely to develop problems with alcohol than people with dark-coloured eyes. It’s still not known why this is true, but it will make for interesting research.
12. Scientists have managed to map the human eppigenome
This discovery will look at why certain genes in the human body turn on and off. It’s hoped a greater understanding of the human epigenome will help combat diseases like cancer in the future.
13. The unveiling of a microscope that can pinpoint the location of atoms
This super powerful microscope has the ability to examine objects that are a million times smaller than a single human hair. It allows scientists to look at specific atoms and the bonds between them.
14. Scientists have found proof of a mass extinction 260 million years ago
The mass extinction may have killed up to 80% of land vertebrates at the time. It is thought that this may have occurred due to volcanic activity.
15. Britain voted to allow the first three parent IVF treatment
The vote to allow three-person babies via IVF is very important to science. It means that mothers who have genetic defects in their cell’s mitochondria can use a donor woman’s mitochondria.
