Top Science Developments of 2023
As we come to the end of the year, it is useful to take a moment to look back at all the accomplishments we’ve made and look forward with a sense of optimism.
This post will highlight what are, in my opinion, the biggest developments in science over the last year. Unlike the Nobel prizes, these don’t come with any cash or even a trophy. But if you’re ever in New York, I’ll buy you a beer.
Astronomy
The biggest astronomy news was the successful Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission by India’s space agency. Space is not just in the hands of geopolitical superpowers. As more countries succeed, there will be a greater need for international diplomacy. We’ll see more cool things in space next year and I’m excited to see what happens.
Energy
This year was a commercial success for Fervo, who launched the country’s first advanced geothermal power plant. Taking advantage of a decade of learnings from hydraulic fracturing, the same techniques can be used to create clean energy using the planet’s natural heat. Having access to firm power like this anywhere around the world can be a big boon to shore up confidence in solar, which is already growing at a record pace.
Computer Science
The many advancements of generative AI have made for some cool demos, but the biggest development has been in brain-computer interfaces. In one study, a paralyzed man regained the ability to walk using a neural implant in his spine. It can also give people back the ability to talk by reading their mind. Going forward, these interfaces can provide greater accessibility to more people.
Chemistry
While DeepMind’s work here has been impressive, I am much more impressed by recent developments in batteries. The US is going through a rapid, huge increase in battery manufacturing. The adoption of electric vehicles are happening faster than even the most optimistic estimates.
New kinds of batteries are being imagined today, using sodium, zinc, and iron-air as new materials that can transition us even faster from carbon-intensive energy.
Physics
Despite portrayals like Ant Man, quantum physics is not like a micro world but it is perhaps even stranger. In two experiments conducted this year, physicists appear to have teleported energy between two entangled particles. It’s hard to say whether this can scale to something larger than a particle, but we are starting to prod even deeper into the mysteries of the universe.
Biology
CRISPR has promised an entirely new way to perform gene editing through small, precise changes. It took many years, but finally it has fulfilled its potential with the first cure for sickle cell disease. More CRISPR treatments are in clinical trials now. Our ability to make these changes is not cheap, but out of the realm of science fiction and firmly in the realm of science.
Science is a process
Halfway through the year there was a startling paper about LK-99, a supposed room-temperature superconductor. The paper’s reveal started a several-week campaign by labs around the world to attempt to replicate it. Nobody did, and the entire idea was rejected.
This makes the honorable mention, as though the approach was unsuccessful it highlighted why science works. It’s not about knowing things, or making the most impressive claims. Science is a process for generating knowledge. As long as we focus on taking claim in good faith, and trusting in the process, we’ll be able to continue to see success in the new year.
