The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) have jointly announced the world's top 10 scientific and technological achievements for 2024. At a press conference held on Wednesday in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, CAE Vice President Wang Chen unveiled the list, highlighting groundbreaking advancements that span various fields of science and technology.
Among the remarkable achievements is the successful 3D printing of functional human brain tissue, a feat that promises significant implications for neuroscience research and medical applications. Additionally, the debut of a bilingual brain-reading device marks a milestone in neurotechnology, offering new hope for individuals with speech impairments by enabling aphasic individuals to \"speak\" again.
The list also features Willow, Google's latest quantum chip, which has achieved an unprecedented accuracy milestone, paving the way for more reliable quantum computing. The Euclid Space Telescope's first image of the \"cosmic atlas\" signifies a major advancement in our understanding of the universe.
Other notable achievements include the mapping of the largest brain gene regulatory network atlas and the creation of an ultra-precise 3D atlas of cancer cells, both of which are expected to accelerate biomedical research and personalized medicine.
Space exploration milestones were also recognized, with the fifth test flight of SpaceX's Starship accomplishing the successful recovery of its first-stage rocket, marking a significant step towards reusable space vehicles.
Medical breakthroughs on the list comprise the world's first stem cell therapy aimed at restoring human vision and the first live human transplant of a pig kidney, heralding new frontiers in regenerative medicine and organ transplantation. Additionally, the successful trial of a long-acting HIV preventive injection offers promising developments in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
This marks the 31st annual event where CAS and CAE academicians, who are esteemed as China's top scientists and engineers, select the world's most significant scientific and technological achievements. The initiative is designed to promote public understanding of science and technology and to inspire innovation within the global scientific community.
In addition to the global list, China's own top 10 sci-tech achievements for 2024 were also announced during the press conference, showcasing the nation's contributions to advancing science and technology.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
