In the tapestry of human sentiment, there is a longing for the simplicity and perceived virtues of days gone by. The sentiment that “everything was better in the past” often lingers in our collective consciousness, coloring our memories with a touch of nostalgia. However, the present is not a shadow cast by the past; it is a canvas teeming with remarkable advances and promising prospects.
Here at Bright Side, we aim to shine a light on the brilliance of the present and showcase twelve recent and ongoing developments that defy the notion of superiority of a bygone era. These developments stand as beacons of progress, reshaping our world across various spheres.
1. Space travel is more affordable than ever.
By 2030, the space tourism sector is expected to grow to a value of $3 billion.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX is one of the few businesses vying for the authority to launch visitors into orbit.
After several successful missions in the 2000s, space tourism was forgotten until recently.
However, the next flights have been planned for the fall of 2021, which means that eventually doctors, scientists, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists will also fly into space. Who knows, maybe in a dozen years the average person will be able to take a weekend trip to the moon!
2. We are developing technology to make our brains more unified.
A microchip called Neuralink, developed by Elon Musk, will enable communication between a computer and the human brain. Ultimately, it will help treat Parkinson’s disease and potentially provide haptic feedback for robotic devices.
In addition, Neuralink can help those who struggle to leave the house due to anxiety or despair.
Musk claims that the chip will alleviate the patient’s condition and allow him to at least start treatment.
3. Scientists have successfully generated a human tooth.
Dentures have a long history. In the past, individuals replaced lost teeth with wood, ivory, and beeswax. Although more modern materials are now used, teeth are still artificially produced and require complex structures to hold them in the jaw.
A significant advance in dentistry was made recently when scientists were able to create a bio-implant that closely resembles a natural tooth in shape.
In addition, tooth enamel growth is currently achievable with this technology.
4. The field of ophthalmology is also not stagnant.
Recently, ophthalmologists from the MNTK “Eye Microsurgery” branch in Čeboksar developed an artificial lens and iris prosthesis that will help in the rehabilitation of patients with eye injuries. The new concept has already been implemented and patented under the trade name “iris-lens diaphragm”.
Some inventions like self-adjusting glasses are also quite beautiful. Individuals who are farsighted will not need to use separate glasses for reading, walking, and other activities as they can adjust the same glasses.
5. The giant panda is no longer considered an endangered species.
Thanks to successful forest conservation and replanting measures, the giant panda, previously classified as endangered, is now classified as vulnerable. With the help of conservation efforts, its number is gradually increasing.
6. There are more trees in the world today than there were a century ago.
It makes sense to believe that a significant portion of the planet’s tree cover is being lost to deforestation and massive forest fires. However, it turns out that there are far more trees on Earth today than there were a century ago, even with human activity and natural disasters. The number of trees increased by 400% during this time.
7. Express trains will be available.
Virgin Hyperloop is creating technology that propels passenger cabins through near-airless vacuum tunnels at speeds of up to 750 miles per hour through magnetic levitation. Virgin Hyperloop is projected to start commercial operations as early as 2027.
8. Businesses will create plastics that degrade naturally.
Scientists have been warning for a long time that plastic waste is entering the ocean. The amount of plastic pollution in the water is frightening; up to 12.7 million tons of it enter the water annually. Solving this problem requires action on a global scale as well as from individual activists.
Biodegradable plastics have already been investigated by Greenpeace. Since sugar cane is used to make it, it is easier to recycle this material.
Other scientists are following them. Scientists from Astrakhan State University have produced an adhesive film from gelatin, and a Finnish company has started production of drinking straws from reclaimed wood waste.
9. The culinary and medical industries are already using 3D printing.
Although many individuals are unaware of their potential, 3D printers are no longer seen as an innovation. Meanwhile, thanks to advances in this field of science, meat can be produced without the use of animal products.
He also applied himself to medicine. For example, to plan a complex operation or build a precisely fitting prosthetic limb, a doctor can create an exact replica of a patient’s spine.
10. When you can’t travel in person, virtual trips take the place of real ones.
If you can’t see the popular landmark firsthand, you can always browse pictures online or take a virtual tour. With the help of virtual reality technology, you can put on a helmet and explore any corner of the Earth and beyond.
Although now you can’t even feel the sea breeze on your skin when using virtual reality, it seems that the developers are slowly working on it.
11. Artificial intelligence has reached incredible heights.
Al is said to have beaten the best chess players in the world on many occasions. But not so long ago, the artificial intelligence in the computer game of Go defeated the champion and even surpassed the computer itself.
Go was the only game where people were better than Al until recently. After defeating Korean champion Lee Sedol, the device announced the end of its existence saying, “Now there is an entity that cannot be defeated.”
Al’s progress will help automate many manufacturing processes that previously required human labor. Now they will be replaced by robots. Contrary to popular belief that Al will leave people, these advances will lead to the creation of new careers and occupations.
12. Significant progress has been made in reproductive medicine.
In the past, a woman’s infertility diagnosis indicated that she would never be able to conceive. This continued until 1978, or more precisely before the first child was successfully born after in vitro fertilization.
More than 8 million babies have been born worldwide because of this technology and age and infertility are no longer considered barriers to a healthy baby.
As we navigate an ever-evolving landscape of technological advancements and scientific breakthroughs, the present is a testament to the relentless pursuit of progress. These twelve remarkable developments serve as a beacon illuminating the transformative power of innovation in various fields.
From the democratization of space travel to the convergence of technology with human capabilities through Neuralink, the boundaries of what was once thought impossible continue to expand. Advances in healthcare, such as the generation of human teeth and advances in ophthalmology, offer renewed hope for those struggling with ailments.
In addition, environmental protection efforts are yielding positive results, exemplified by the reclassification of the giant panda and a surprising increase in global tree cover. Innovations in transportation, sustainable materials, and the expanding horizons of 3D printing are reshaping industries and creating new pathways to a more sustainable future.
Additionally, the fusion of virtual reality with travel experiences and the impressive achievements of artificial intelligence underscores the transformative impact of technology in reshaping our world and enhancing human capabilities.
Incredible advances in reproductive medicine have broken down barriers and provided hope and opportunity to millions of people around the world.
Together, these developments paint a vivid portrait of a world brimming with possibilities, where boundaries are constantly pushed and challenges are met with ingenuity and resilience. While we acknowledge the charm of nostalgia, it is vital to embrace the present and the promise of a better tomorrow. The continuing journey of innovation and discovery means that the best may not be behind us, but lies ahead, waiting to be explored and realized.