You must have heard people saying that ‘everything was better back then’, the grass was greener, and it was much easier to live. A nostalgic feeling is good, but present times can also be great. We are living in a world where constant technological progress, positively affects both us and nature.
Here are some of the positive changes that happened recently or that are happening right now:
1 Space tourism is closer than ever
As per the experts, the space tourism market is going to reach $3 billion by the year 2030. A few companies are competing for the right to send tourists into orbit, and Elon Musk’s company Space X, is among them. Who knows, maybe even an ordinary person will be able to fly to the moon for the weekend in the next 10/12 years.
2 Technology is being developed that will level out our brain
The 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. In addition, it is capable of helping people with anxiety and depression who can not get themselves to leave the house. The chip will ease the person’s condition so that they can at least begin their treatment.
3 Scientists succeeded in growing a human tooth
Dentures have a rich history. Long ago, people used ivory, beewax, and even wood to replace lost teeth. Nowadays, more modern materials are used, and a tooth is still made of artificial material 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.
4 Ophthalmology isn’t at a standstill either
Recently, ophthalmologists have 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 “ Iris-lens diaphragm” and put into practice. Other inventions are also nice, like self-adjusting eyeglasses. Farsighted people will be able to customize the same pair of glasses without having to use different eyeglasses for reading etc.
5 There are more trees in the world now than 100 years ago
It’s logical to assume that deforestation and large-scale forest greatly reduce the percentage of trees on the planet. But as it turns out, despite natural disasters and human activities, there are much more trees on the Earth now than 100 years ago. During this time the number of trees has grown up by 400%.
6 Companies will develop biodegradable plastic
It is estimated that up to 12.7 million tons of plastic get into the water every year-the scale of pollution is terrifying. Greenpeace organization has already been researching biodegradable plastic. The material is made from sugarcane and is much easier to recycle.
7 3D printing has already been used in the medical and food industry
3D printers are no longer perceived as an innovation, but many people are not aware of their capabilities. It has been 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. Meanwhile, technology in this field has advanced far enough to produce meat without the use of animal products.
8 Virtual trips will replace real ones when you can’t 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.
9 Artificial intelligence has reached unbelievable heights
We have heard many times that artificial intelligence (AI) beat the world’s best chess player. However, not so long ago, the computer outdid itself- AI managed to beat the champion in the Chinese game of GO. Until recently, Go was the only game in which humans were superior to AI. After the computer won against Korean champion Lee Sedol, the gadget ended his career with the words ‘Now there is an entity that can not be defeated’. 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. Although many fear that AI will leave humanity behind, the developments in this area, on the contrary, will generate new professions and jobs.
10 Reproductive medicine took a huge leap forward
Some time ago, if a doctor diagnosed a woman with infertility, it meant that she could never have children. This was the case until 1978, or rather, before the first successful birth of a child in vitro fertilization. With the help of this technology, 8 million children were born in the world, while infertility and age are no longer considered barriers to giving birth to a healthy child.
Friends, have you heard of or know of any other invention or technology development, please do write in the comments column at the end of this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
17th January 2023