May 2022 Current Events: Science & Technology News
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The world is a very busy place, and it's hard to stay on top of everything. Infoplease has got you covered. Here are the Science & Technology news events you need to know so far for May 2022:
- US-New Zealand Partnered Company Rocket Lab Progresses In Reusing Rocket Launch Parts As Helicopter Catches Booster Midair
- Production Of New Gadgets Announced By Google At Its I/O Developer Conference
- Drug-Releasing Contact Lens To Treat Glaucoma
- Headways In Technology That Will Tackle Malarial Mosquitoes
- Genetically Edited Tomatoes Soon To Be Commercially Available In England
US-New Zealand Partnered Company Rocket Lab Progresses In Reusing Rocket Launch Parts As Helicopter Catches Booster Midair
Photo Source: iStock
Tuesday, May 3, 2022 - A company founded between the United States and New Zealand called Rocket Lab is dedicated to making strides in reusable rocket parts, including the boosters which are generally discarded after doing their job of propelling rockets through the atmosphere and into space.
This week, a helicopter crew was able to successfully snag a used booster on its plummet down from orbit. While Elon Musk’s SpaceX already collects as many used boosters as possible, this accomplishment marks a new and wider acceptance of reusing space parts.
Understandably, the velocity with which the booster— dubbed “There and Back Again” with affection— was traveling when caught by the helicopter’s midair retrieval equipment caused massive disruption to the vehicle’s trajectory and balance, it was safely released into the ocean below and the mission was proclaimed as a success.
Source: The Guardian
Production Of New Gadgets Announced By Google At Its I/O Developer Conference
Photo Source: AP Images
Wednesday, May 11, 2022 - Google introduced three new smartphones and its first in-house wristwatch and plans to deliver a new tablet next year. Google also announced changes to Maps, Google Translate, and its main search product.
It was the company’s first in-person developer conference in three years and hinted that it is serious about expanding beyond its core advertising business.
The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 pro is expected to be released this fall. Pixel buds pro is to be released for sale by July 21. Pixel 6a, a cheaper alternative to Pixel 6, will be released for sale by July 21. The Pixel Watch will be available along with Pixel 7 by fall.
Along with this, the company announced the introduction of a new skin-tone scale that will make its products more inclusive of its diverse users.
Source: CNN
Drug-Releasing Contact Lens To Treat Glaucoma
Photo Source: iStock
Tuesday, May 17, 2022 - Researchers in China have created a contact lens to detect an increase in intraocular pressure and release an anti-glaucoma medicine if the pressure rises over a set threshold.
As the pressure inside the eye rises, the distance between the upper and lower lenses narrows. A cantilever is used by the pressure sensor to detect the pressure, then transmits a signal to the wireless system, which causes an anti-glaucoma medicine to be released from a hydrogel linked to an electrode enabling it to cross the cornea of the eye.
The lens arrangement gives the impression that the wearer has golden irises.
According to the scientists, the design allows for the essential components to be integrated in the device without obscuring the wearer’s view or irritating the eye.
Prof. Ahmed Zubair, A UK scientist, involved in the invention, mentioned that there’s potential to further develop the technology.
Source: The Guardian
Headways In Technology That Will Tackle Malarial Mosquitoes
Photo Source: iStock
Monday, May 23, 2022 – In the latest development to help combat malaria, efforts have been made to introduce a programmable DNA sequence called Gene Drive to reduce the number of malarial mosquitoes.
The gene drive on the chromosome from the genetically modified organism can recognize the natural gene version in an opposite chromosome in the resulting embryo and destroy it. A repair is attempted, but only by copying the gene drive from the genetically modified organism.
This method is more successful than traditional DNA since the inserted gene characteristic is passed down to each offspring, allowing it to spread quicker and wider.
The advancement will prevent mosquitoes from producing female offspring. This is significant for two reasons: only female mosquitoes carry malaria parasites, and mosquito populations would decline without females.
However, campaigners against genetic modification warn of unforeseen circumstances resulting from such mutations, stating simply that the risks are simply too high.
Source: BBC
Genetically Edited Tomatoes Soon To Be Commercially Available In England
Photo Source: iStock
Tuesday, May 24, 2022 – Researchers from Norwich have been able to create tomatoes with boosted Vitamin D contents through gene edition. A technique that wasn’t used in the UK until the Brexit deals.
Professor Cathie Martin, the lead researcher on the project, said that the development could prove hugely beneficial. Current data suggest that One in six people in the UK is deficient in Vitamin D –a vital nutrient for strong bones and reduces cancer risk.
A bill will soon be introduced to allow the commercial availability of gene-edited crops in England. The UK government has decided that gene editing is safe and crucial for developing drought-resistant plants.
Once the bill is passed, the tomatoes will be one of the first genetically edited crops sold in the supermarkets.
Source: BBC
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