Science Breakthroughs

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.

Science Kits

Children who are interested in the field of science often grow up to be doctors, scientists, and researchers that make a large impact on our society through their breakthroughs, innovation, and provision of health care. Individuals focusing on science education can work in almost every field, applying the scientific knowledge they have learned to industries such as electronics, architecture, automobiles, and engineering. Whether a child is 6 years old or 18 years old, an interest in science should be cultivated and encouraged by the child’s parent.

One way to encourage an interest in science and learning in your children is to buy them a science kit. A science kit is an educational tool that can be very entertaining for children and adults alike. Science kits offer fun and education in one package, allowing parents to teach and entertain their children at the same time. These science kits will include all that a child needs to conduct certain experiments and learn the scientific processes that cause, say, a play volcano to “erupt” or a light bulb to light up. Listed below are 5 types of science kits that your child will love:

1. Chemistry Kits

Chemistry science kits would be perfect for children who are interested in chemistry. Children interested in why soda bubbles or why Pop Rocks pop may be interested in a chemistry kit that will allow them to learn about chemical reactions, magnetism, surface tension, acids and bases, and many more. Some kits may require adult supervision, to take advantage and help your kids learn!

2. Animal Science Kits

Animal Science Kits may include ant farms, aquariums, or mock dissection kits. Children interested in nature and animals may find it exciting to manage their own ant farm or feed fish. These kits can help children learn about biology, animals, and other scientific issues.

3. Renewable Energy Kits

As the world continues to move towards renewable and sustainable energy, buying a renewable energy science kit can help your child be prepared for the future. These sets may include a mini wind turbine, fuel cells, or solar panels to help your child better understand energy and what types of energy are renewable and sustainable.

4. Plant Kits

Plant kits may include miniature terrariums, greenhouses, or gardens. These plant science kits can help children better understand how plants grow from a seed, to a seedling, and into a fully grown plant. The child can also watch the progression of how plants grow, and how animals and insects may interact with the plants.

5. Electricity Kits

For the intelligent child, electricity kits may be the perfect way to satisfy their inner need for experimentation and learning. These kits may include circuit boards, batteries, or mock computers. Children can learn how electric current powers a light bulb, and may even power a light bulb or clock with the electrolytes in fruits!

Science News

Science helps us understand the brilliant world that we live in. Without the commitment and investment our society has put into the field of science, we would not have the many technologies that we take for granted today. For example, fiber optics has made it possible for phone companies to transfer information quickly and inexpensively, something that would be impossible if Narinder Singh Kapany had not studied and invented it. The green technologies that are making their way into our society today are a result of thousands of scientists studying the detrimental effects of pollution and other contaminants, as well as studying renewable energies and researching ways to lessen the carbon footprint of our citizens. All of these technologies and breakthroughs, while known to the scientific community, make their way to the public through science news.

Science news provides the public with information about new breakthroughs and technologies found in the field of science. Today, science news is generally found on the Internet, just like many other publications. Beyond the Internet, however, science news can be found in the newspaper (in a particular science or technology section), or in print magazines such as Popular Science. For the many people interested in science, science news is relatively accessible, especially when considering the increase of Internet usage in the United States. From children who read science news for school projects to scientists keeping up with their field, science news informs the public and keeps them up to date with what is happening in the science world.

There are many different fields of science that science news may cover. These fields range from news about new findings in the human brain to new technologies found in energy. Here are some of the common fields of study in science news:

• Plants and Animals – in this field, scientific journalists may cover new species or interesting facts discovered about other living things on the planet.

• Health and Medicine – this field focuses on the human body and the many health issues that humans face on a daily basis, including the medicine we use to treat disease.

• Climate – this field is experiencing growing interest with the concern of global warming and climate change.

• Earth – focusing on geology, ecology, and other issues related to the planet Earth, this field helps the public better understand the world they live in.

• Energy – this field also is experiencing increased interest, as corporations and politicians are striving for new energy technologies that are both affordable and renewable.

• Computers – this field focuses on the math and technology related to computers, as well as other electronics and new technologies.

• Space – humans are naturally interested in space which, in essence, is everything that exists outside of our own world.

No matter what type of science news interests you, you will be able to find it all over the Internet, in the newspaper, and in print publications such as magazines.