People often say things were much better back then; the grass was greener, and it was so much easier to live. Feeling nostalgic is good, but present times can also be great. We live in a world of constant technological progress, which positively affects both us and nature. Here are some positive changes that happened recently or that are happening now.
1 Space tourism is closer than ever
According to the forecast, the size of space tourism will reach $3 billion by 2030. A few companies are competing for the right to send tourists into orbit, and Elon Musk’s company SpaceX, is among them. Several successful trips happened in the 2000s, and until recently, space tourism was forgotten. But in 2021, new trips were planned, which means businessmen, scientists, philanthropists, and doctors will eventually fly into space. Who knows, maybe an ordinary person will be able to fly to the moon for the weekend in a few decades.
2 Technology is being developed that will level out our brain
Elon Musk’s project, Neuralink, is a microchip that will create a connection between the human brain and a computer. In the future, it will help treat Parkinson’s disease and can even give robotic prosthetics haptic feedback. In addition, Neuralink is capable of helping people with anxiety and depression who cannot get themselves to leave the house. According to Musk, the chip will ease the person’s condition so that they can at least begin their treatment.
3 Scientists succeeded at growing a human tooth
Dentures have a rich history. Long ago, people used ivory, beeswax, and wood to replace lost teeth. Nowadays, more modern materials are used and the tooth is still made of artificial materials and has to be attached to the jaw with a complex structure. Recently, scientists managed to grow a bio implant that is very close in structure to a real tooth, and this is a huge step in dentistry. In addition, this technology has already made it possible to grow tooth enamel.
4 Ophthalmology is not standstill either
Recently ophthalmologists invented an iris prosthesis combined with an artificial lens, which will help people with eye injuries to rehabilitate. The unique invention has already been patented under the name of ‘iris-lens diaphragm’, and put into practice. Other inventions include self-adjusting eyeglasses. Farsighted people will be able to customize the same pair of glasses without having to use different eyeglasses for reading, walking, etc.
5 There are more trees in the world than 100 years ago
It is logical to assume that deforestation and large-scale fires greatly reduce the percentage of trees on the earth. But as it turns out, despite natural disasters and human activities, there are much more trees on Earth now than they were 100 years ago. During this time, the number of trees has grown up by 400%.
6 There will be high-speed trains
Virgin Hyperloop is developing technology for passenger pods that will hurtle at speeds of up to 750 miles per hour (1200 km per hour) through almost air-free vacuum tunnels using magnetic levitation. According to forecasts, Virgin Hyperloop plans to start commercial operations as early as 2027.
7 Companies will develop biodegradable plastics
Up to 12.t million tons of plastic get into the oceans/seas every year-the scale of the pollution is terrifying. It is necessary to solve this problem at a global level and not only at the expense of individual activists. Greenpeace has already been researching biodegradable plastics. The material is made from sugar cane and is much easier to recycle. Scientists are developing cling film from gelatin. Already one Finnish company has launched the production of drinking straws from recycled wood waste.
8 3 D Printers
They are no longer perceived as innovative, but many people are not aware of their capabilities. It is also being used in medicine. A doctor can, for example, create an exact copy of a patient’s spine in order to plan a complex operation or make a perfectly fitted limb prosthesis.
9 Virtual trips will replace real ones when you can not travel in person
When there is no opportunity to see a popular attraction with your own eyes, you can just flip through photos on the internet or go on a virtual tour. VR Technology allows you to put on a helmet and travel to any part of the planet and beyond.
10 Artificial Intelligence (AI) has reached unbelievable heights
We have heard many times that AI beat the world’s best chess players. Until recently, GO was the only game in which humans were superior to AI. The development of AI will help automate many areas of production where human resources were previously required. Now robots will be able to replace them.
11 Reproductive medicine took a huge step forward
Some time ago, if a doctor diagnosed a woman with infertility, it meant that she could never have children. This was the case before the first successful birth of a child after in vitro fertilization treatment. With the help of this technology, more than 8 million children were born in the world, while infertility and age are no longer considered barriers to giving birth to a healthy child.
12 The Giant Panda does not belong on the endangered species list
Previously listed as endangered, the giant panda is now listed as vulnerable due to effective forest protection and reforestation. Thanks to conservation measures, its population is slowly growing.
Friends, have you heard about any other forms of technology or inventions?
Please do write your views on this subject.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
31st May 2023