Current science trends have shown that technology and innovation continue to grow at a steady rate, bringing our society many new science breakthroughs that range from new elements to the Large Hadron Collider. Many of the current science professionals work unendingly in laboratories in hopes of finding the next science breakthrough that will improve our quality of life. Some of these breakthroughs are in the field of medicine, while others may relate to anthropology, biology, or chemistry.

For the people who live life with little to no regard of the work of the scientific community, learning about new scientific breakthroughs rely on current science news. Without current science news, the general public would have little knowledge about new science breakthroughs, findings, and inventions. To save you from the trouble of looking through newspapers, journals, magazines and websites to find new science breakthroughs, 5 current science breakthroughs are listed below:

1. A Vaccine for Dengue Fever

Dengue fever effects over 200 million people every year in the developing countries. The disease shows no cure, and can be very painful and long lasting. However, several vaccines were created for the prevention of dengue fever in 2009. The vaccines’ worth is still unproven, however. By 2012, researchers will have a better idea of their efficacy.

2. A Breathalyzer that Detects Lung Cancer

Researchers from the Israel Institute of Technology have developed a sensor that has the ability to detect cancer. It checks for organic chemicals emitted by cancerous cells by using gold nanoparticles. The sensor can be used for early detection, very important in the treatment of cancer.

3. Immortal Jellyfish

A jellyfish named Turritopsis nutricula that reverts completely to a sexually immature stage after reaching maturity. Through a cell change in their external screen, the jellyfish are able to return to a polyp stage, essentially making the jellyfish immortal.

4. BPA = Poison

The commonly used plastic additive Bisphenol A was found to cause severe sexual dysfunction. In the past, BPA was considered potentially dangerous due to its qualities that were thought to cause cancer in laboratory animals. It wasn’t until this year that scientists found proof the high levels of BPA can damage humans as well.

5. Gene Therapy

Gene therapy had been under much scrutiny due to its history of damaging more than it fixes. However, in 2009, scientists and doctors working to treat blindness, immune system deficiencies, brain disorders, and skin conditions found success in using gene therapy. As a result, gene therapy is continually tested as a treatment, especially for the treatment of inherited diseases such as cystic fibrosis, as well as treating cancer, viruses, and high cholesterol.

These current science breakthroughs are an example of how investment in research and experiments can improve the quality of life for all human beings. Gene therapy now stands as a possible treatment for many different diseases, while health is improved through the recognition of BPA as a poison and the ability to detect lung cancer through a breathalyzer.