As another year ends, it's time to once again sit down, fold our hands, take a deep breath, and look at some of the scientific headlines that we may not have previously paid attention to. Scientists are constantly creating some new developments in various fields, such as nanotechnology, gene therapy or quantum physics, and this always opens up new horizons.
The titles of scientific articles increasingly resemble the titles of stories from science fiction magazines. Considering what 2017 brought us, we can only look forward to what the new year, 2018, will bring.
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Source: muz4in.net
Scientists have created temporal crystals for which the laws of time symmetry do not apply
According to the first law of thermodynamics, the creation of a perpetual motion machine that will work without an additional source of energy is impossible. However, earlier this year, physicists were able to create structures called temporal crystals, which call this thesis into question.
Temporal crystals act as the first real examples a new state of matter called "non-equilibrium", in which the atoms have a variable temperature and are never in thermal equilibrium with each other. Temporal crystals have an atomic structure that repeats not only in space but also in time, allowing them to maintain constant vibrations without gaining energy. This happens even in the stationary state, which is the lowest energy state where movement is theoretically impossible because it requires energy.
So do time crystals break the laws of physics? Strictly speaking, no. The law of conservation of energy only works in systems with time symmetry, which implies that the laws of physics are the same everywhere and always. However, temporal crystals violate the laws of symmetry of time and space. And not only them. Magnets are also sometimes considered natural asymmetric objects because they have north and south poles.
Another reason time crystals do not violate the laws of thermodynamics is that they are not completely isolated. Sometimes they need to be “nudged” - that is, given an external impulse, after receiving which they will begin to change their states again and again. It is possible that in the future these crystals will find wide application in the field of information transfer and storage in quantum systems. They could play a crucial role in quantum computing.
"Live" dragonfly wings
The Merriam-Webster Encyclopedia states that a wing is a movable appendage of feathers or membrane used by birds, insects and bats for the flight. It shouldn't be alive, but entomologists at the University of Kiel in Germany have made some startling discoveries that suggest otherwise - at least for some dragonflies.
Insects breathe using the tracheal system. Air enters the body through openings called spiracles. It then passes through a complex network of tracheae, which deliver air to all cells of the body. However, the wings themselves consist almost entirely of dead tissue, which dries and becomes translucent or covered in colored patterns. The areas of dead tissue are veined and these are the only components of the wing that are part of the respiratory system.
However, when entomologist Rainer Guillermo Ferreira looked at the wing of a male Zenithoptera dragonfly through an electron microscope, he saw tiny, branched tracheal tubes. This was the first time something like this had been seen in an insect's wing. Determining whether this physiological feature is unique to this species or perhaps occurs in other dragonflies or even other insects will require much research. It is even possible that this is a single mutation. The presence of abundant oxygen supplies may explain the vibrant, complex blue patterns found on the wings of the Zenithoptera dragonfly, which contain no blue pigment.
Ancient tick with dinosaur blood inside
Of course, this made people immediately think of the Jurassic Park scenario and the possibility of using blood to recreate dinosaurs. Unfortunately, this will not happen in the near future, because it is impossible to extract DNA samples from the found pieces of amber. The debate about how long a DNA molecule can last is still ongoing, but even according to the most optimistic estimates and under the most optimal conditions, their lifespan is no more than a few million years.
But while the mite, named Deinocrotondraculi (“Terrible Dracula”), did not help restore the dinosaurs, it is still a highly unusual find. We now know not only that feathered dinosaurs had ancient mites, but also that they even infested dinosaur nests.
Modification of adult genes
Today, the pinnacle of gene therapy is “clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats,” or CRISPR. The family of DNA sequences that currently form the basis of CRISPR-Cas9 technology could theoretically change a person's DNA forever.
In 2017, genetic engineering took a major leap forward when a team at the Proteomics Research Center in Beijing announced that it had successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 to eliminate disease-causing mutations in viable human embryos. Another team, from the Francis Crick Institute in London, took the opposite route and for the first time used this technology to deliberately create mutations in human embryos. In particular, they “turned off” a gene that promotes the development of embryos into blastocysts.
Research has shown that CRISPR-Cas9 technology works - and quite successfully. However, this has sparked intense ethical debate about how far to go with this technology. Theoretically, this could lead to "designer children" who could have intellectual, athletic and physical characteristics in line with those specified by their parents.
Ethics aside, research went even further this November when CRISPR-Cas9 was tested in an adult for the first time. Brad Maddoo, 44, from California, suffers from Hunter syndrome. incurable disease which could ultimately lead him to wheelchair. He was injected with billions of copies of the corrective gene. It will take several months before it can be determined whether the procedure was successful.
What came first - the sponge or the ctenophores?
A new scientific report, which was published in 2017, should once and for all put an end to the long-standing debate about the origins of animals. According to the study, sponges are the “sisters” of all animals in the world. This is due to the fact that sponges were the first group to separate during evolution from the primitive common ancestor of all animals. This happened approximately 750 million years ago.
Previously, there had been heated debate that centered on two main candidates: the aforementioned sponges and marine invertebrates called ctenophores. While sponges are simple creatures that sit on the ocean floor and feed by passing and filtering water through their bodies, ctenophores are more complex. They resemble a jellyfish, are able to move in water, can create light patterns and have the simplest nervous system. The question of which of them was the first is the question of what our common ancestor looked like. This is considered a crucial point in tracing our evolutionary history.
While the study's findings boldly proclaimed the matter settled, just a few months earlier another study had been published suggesting that our evolutionary "sisters" were ctenophores. Consequently, it is too early to say whether the latest results can be considered reliable enough to quell any doubts.
Raccoons pass an ancient intelligence test
In the sixth century BC, the ancient Greek writer Aesop wrote or collected many fables that are now known as Aesop's Fables. Among them was a fable called “The Crow and the Jug,” which describes how a thirsty crow threw pebbles into a jug to raise the water level so that it could finally drink.
Several thousand years later, scientists realized that this fable described a good way to test the intelligence of animals. Experiments showed that experimental animals understood cause and effect. Crows, like their relatives, rooks and jays, confirmed the truth of the fable. Monkeys also passed the test, and raccoons were added to the list this year.
During the Aesop's fable test, eight raccoons were given containers of water with marshmallows floating on the surface. The water level was too low to reach him. Two of the subjects successfully threw stones into the container to raise the water level and get what they wanted.
Other test subjects found their own creative solutions that the researchers never expected. One of the raccoons, instead of throwing stones into the container, climbed onto the container and began to swing from side to side on it until it overturned. In another test, using floating and sinking marbles instead of stones, experts hoped that raccoons would use the sinking marbles and discard the floating ones. Instead, some animals began repeatedly dipping the floating ball into the water until a rising wave washed the marshmallow pieces against the side, making them easier to remove.
Physicists have created the first topological laser
Physicists from the University of California at San Diego claim to have created new type laser - “topological”, the beam of which can take on any complex shape without scattering light. The device works based on the concept of topological insulators (materials that are dielectrics inside their volume, but conduct current along the surface), which received Nobel Prize in physics in 2016.
Typically, lasers use ring resonators to amplify light. They are more efficient than resonators with sharp corners. This time, however, the research team created a topological cavity using a photonic crystal as a mirror. In particular, two photonic crystals with different topologies were used, one of which was a star-shaped cell in a square lattice, and the other was a triangular lattice with cylindrical air holes. Team member Boubacar Kante compared them to a bagel and a pretzel: although they are both breads with holes, the different number of holes makes them different.
Once the crystals are in the right place, the beam takes on the desired shape. This system is controlled using a magnetic field. It allows you to change the direction in which the light is emitted, thereby creating a luminous flux. Direct practical use This can increase the speed of optical communication. However, in the future this is seen as a step forward in the creation of optical computers.
Scientists have discovered excitonium
Physicists around the world reacted with great enthusiasm to the discovery new form matter called excitonium. This form is a condensate of quasiparticles, excitons, which are the bound state of a free electron and an electron hole, which is formed as a result of the molecule losing an electron. What's more, Harvard theoretical physicist Burt Halperin predicted the existence of excitonium back in the 1960s, and scientists have been trying to prove him right (or wrong) ever since.
Like many major scientific discoveries, there was a fair amount of chance in this discovery. The team of researchers at the University of Illinois that discovered excitonium was actually exploring a new technology called electron beam energy loss spectroscopy (M-EELS) - designed specifically for identifying excitons. However, the discovery took place when the researchers were only conducting calibration tests. One team member walked into the room while everyone else was watching their screens. They said they had detected a "light plasmon", a precursor to excitonic condensation.
Study leader Professor Peter Abbamont compared this discovery to the Higgs boson - it will not have direct use in real life, but shows that our current understanding of quantum mechanics is on the right track.
Scientists have created nanorobots that kill cancer
Researchers at Durham University claim to have created nanorobots that can identify cancer cells and kill them in just 60 seconds. In a successful trial conducted at the university, it took tiny robots one to three minutes to penetrate the outer membrane of a prostate cancer cell and immediately destroy it.
Nanorobots are 50,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. They are activated by light and rotate at two to three million revolutions per second to be able to penetrate the cell membrane. When they reach their target, they can either destroy it or introduce a useful therapeutic agent into it.
Until now, nanorobots have been tested only on individual cells, but encouraging results have prompted scientists to move on to experiments on microorganisms and small fish. The further goal is to move on to rodents and then to humans.
Interstellar asteroid could be an alien spacecraft
It's only been a couple of months since astronomers gleefully announced the discovery of the first interstellar object to fly through the solar system, an asteroid called 'Oumuamua. Since then they have observed many strange things happening with this celestial body. Sometimes it behaved so unusually that scientists believe that the object may turn out to be an alien spaceship.
First of all, its shape is alarming. 'Oumuamua is cigar-shaped with a length-to-diameter ratio of ten to one, which has never been seen in any observed asteroid. At first, scientists thought it was a comet, but then realized it was not because the object did not leave a tail behind it as it approached the Sun. Moreover, some experts argue that the speed of the object's rotation should have destroyed any normal asteroid. One gets the impression that it was specially created for interstellar travel.
But if it is created artificially, then what could it be? Some say it is an alien probe, others believe it could be a spaceship whose engines have failed and is now floating through space. In any case, participants in programs such as SETI and BreakthroughListen believe that 'Oumuamua requires further study, so they aim their telescopes at it and listen for any radio signals.
While the alien hypothesis has not been confirmed in any way, the initial SETI observations led nowhere. Many researchers remain pessimistic about the chances that the object could be created by aliens, but in any case, research will continue.
1. Digital robot
The Jibo robot is just like life. Its function is to help a person navigate the information flow of the Internet. It provides the user with a news feed, can take photos, but does not yet support working with third-party offers. The cute robot Jibo becomes a transitional stage on the way of civilization to more humane machines: the robot's emotions are displayed on a round face-screen in the form of animated icons. Jibo can laugh, dance, and turn to the user when called.
2. Smart glasses
eSight's smart glasses, model 3, are designed for people with very low vision. The device records high-definition video, enlarges it and increases contrast. The price of the gadget is still very high, and no more than a thousand people in the world have purchased the glasses. However, in the near future the company is going to devote all its efforts to working out the availability of smart glasses.
3. Ice cream for weight loss
Halo Top claims that half a kilo of their ice cream contains only 360 calories. The purpose of creating such a product is to give people who are on a diet the opportunity to eat ice cream again. The company reports that it has reduced the calorie content of the dairy treat by using stevia and cane sugar as a substitute for high-calorie beet sugar.
4. Black foundation
Singer Riana, together with Kendo, launched the Fenty Beauty cosmetic line, which features 40 shades of foundation for all skin tones. This is an absolute innovation in the beauty industry. The example of the new trend is followed by such industry giants as Make Up For Ever and L’Oréal.
5. Electric mug
Ember Technologies has released a cup that maintains the temperature of the drink that the user sets. Stainless steel cookware is sold in the Starbucks coffee chain in the United States. Despite the impressive price of the device, coffee lovers claim that temperature significantly affects the taste of coffee and this invention will not allow your favorite drink to cool down.
6. Levitating elevators
Thyssenkrupp presented the technology for creating elevators that use magnetic levitation, like in high-speed trains. The cabins will be able to move vertically and horizontally and even pass each other. The company is working on projects to connect high-rise buildings with elevators to their upper floors, which could change the way buildings are constructed. The construction of the first MULTI in Berlin took 3 years.
7. Apple smartphone
The famous Apple presented perhaps the world's most complex smartphone with a screen that occupies the entire surface of the phone. Also, thanks to a powerful processor, the gadget is able to recognize the user by his face. Note that TechInsights experts announced in November the real cost of the iPhone X. It is $357.5.
8. Sports hijab
Nike has developed a sports headwear for Muslim women made from lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. Nike's Pro Hijab will allow athletes who profess Islam not to worry about the hijab falling off their heads. Unlike the traditional hijab, this sports headdress is comfortable to wear during intense physical activity.
9. AI disease diagnosis
A new startup, Forward, intends to introduce preventive diagnostics to the masses. In essence, the clinic is a high-class gym. Visitors receive unlimited access to genetic screening, blood tests, specialist consultations and other related services. Forward is working on a future diagnostics project where artificial intelligence listens and records what a doctor says. The first such clinic is already operating in Los Angeles.
10. Craft sneakers
The new Adidas Futurecraft 4D sneakers are precisely tailored to the wearer's needs. This model is produced using 3D printing, entering the individual parameters of the future owner into the printer’s computer. These include not only the size and shape of the leg, but also flexibility, impact force, shock absorption, etc. The company claims that these sneakers will allow you to run faster and jump higher.
11. Tesla electric car
Model 3 from Tesla is breaking popularity records, as the company managed to reduce the price of the electric car to the average level. Tesla President Elon Musk, however, is pessimistic and calls the situation around the Model 3 “production hell” - the company is not able to satisfy the rush of customers. The range of the new car on one charge is 320 km.
12. Smart breast pump
American company Wilow, specializing in products for women's health developed a smart breast pump. Willow Pump - battery operated. It is silent, worn under clothing and pumps out milk as it appears in the breast. The freshness of the pumped milk will preserve a small freezer, which is included with the device. Sales of the gadget for mothers will start in 2018.
13. Home security
The Nest system has given smart home security a second wind. After Apple's failed Homekit, such systems have fallen greatly in demand. Nest Guard protects the home using a hands-off approach, and will also count down the time during which the owners must leave the house after activating the protection.
14. Mars rover
In May 2018, a landing device will be sent to Mars, the mission of which is to show scientists in more detail the nature of the red planet. Unlike Curiosity and other Mars rovers, the new Mars InSight will remain at its landing site and focus on studying geology. According to NASA, next year Mars and Earth will be at their closest distance to each other.
15. Virtual reality
Oculus has introduced the Go virtual reality headset, which does not require connection to a computer or smartphone. The creators of the gadget promise very high performance. This is what Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg said about the helmet at the presentation of the device: “We want to get a billion virtual reality users. There will certainly be problems along the way. We need to create a safe environment and make sure VR is doing something good. And we need to make sure that virtual reality is accessible to everyone.”
16. Smart cooking
Tasty One Top is an induction cooktop that syncs with the Tasty smartphone app. Temperature sensors on the device analyze the information and can tell the chef when, for example, it’s time to turn a steak. The history of the development of this idea began with the YouTube channel Tasty from BuzzFeed, where complex gastronomic recipes were turned into understandable video cooking lessons.
17. Robot camera
The new drone from the famous DJI can be controlled using gestures. It is particularly stable in the air and is recommended for search and rescue operations. Equipped with more powerful video equipment, Spark creates very high-resolution photo and video material.
18. Air purification
Project worth $15 million - new technology air purification, which allows you to completely destroy pollutant molecules through a special nanofilter. Molekule prevents the growth of toxins, including mold and bacteria.
19. Tires without air
The French Michelin presented a new concept of Vision tires. The unique technology includes three basic elements: airless design, replaceable tread pattern and the ability to monitor tire condition using a mobile application. The most impressive feature of the tires will be the special retractable blocks that will change the tire configuration depending on road conditions. The price of innovation is not yet known.
20. Router-guard
The Norton Core Wi-Fi router is no longer just a router. The innovative device combines security and parental controls to protect every electronic device in the home. Core is designed to detect anomalies such as viruses in gadget operating systems or hacking attempts by hackers. The router body has 88 triangular faces based on Fuller's geodesic dome concept.
21. Bracelet for babies
The Bempu bracelet is attached to the wrist of a newborn and monitors his temperature. A special feature of this device is the hypoallergenic silicone and super comfort. The bracelet does not make sounds so as not to disturb the baby. When the body temperature drops critically, the sensor is triggered by a light signal. The device is actively used in Indian hospitals.
22. Handheld game console
Nintendo has developed a hybrid console that allows gamers to continue playing when they leave the house. The Nintendo Switch includes the classic two controllers and an additional pocket tablet. It is on it that the user can continue the game on the go. After the last few years of poor sales, the company has sold more than 7 million units.
23. Super durable helmet
The flexible polymer in the VICIS Zero1 helmet reduces the force of impact upon impact. Experts say this is the world's safest football helmet. It is currently used by players on 18 NFL teams.
24. Sea farming
New GreenWave technology offers farmers of the future a meat- and wheat-free lifestyle. Instead, grow oysters, mussels, shrimp and seaweed on ropes tied to the ocean floor. This innovation eliminates the use of fertilizers in farming, provides much more nutritious protein for human food and reduces the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The company sees great prospects for marine farming.
25. Office toy
The ubiquitous Fidget spinner has conquered the planet. The craze for this office toy has gone viral. Children adore this simple item, but adults treat it with caution. The price of a spinner ranges from the minimum to incredible amounts for toys made from expensive metals and polymers.
Let us recall, as we wrote earlier about
Technologies
Every year, Time magazine selects the best inventions that have made the world a better, smarter, and sometimes more fun place.
This year's list includes self-lacing sneakers, an all-in-one shelter, a space lab, and more.
Much of what was presented is already available for purchase, while other devices currently only exist in concept form.
New inventions of 2016
1. Flyte floating light bulb
Swedish scientist Simon Morris has been fascinated by levitation since childhood. He even managed to turn a skateboard into a hoverboard for flying above the ground.
Now he decided to create a levitating light bulb called Flyte, which floats and rotates thanks to electromagnetism and glows thanks to resonating induction coupling. The light bulb has been a successful seller since it was released in January this year, and Morris plans to create a series of floating objects.
2. Morpher Folding Bicycle Helmet
British inventor Jeff Woolf, like many cyclists, also had an accident and the only thing that saved him was his helmet. However, many of his compatriots do not wear a helmet because it is too bulky and will not fit into a bag or backpack.
Wolfe solved this problem and created a foldable Morpher helmet made of woven plastic, as durable as traditional helmets, but flexible enough to fold almost flat and be easily carried.
3. Tesla Solar Roof
Many home solar panel buyers face the dilemma of how to help the environment while saving money. Tesla answered this question and created the Solar Roof - a series of tiles covering the roof of a house, not much different in appearance from ordinary tiles, that use the energy of the Sun.
4. Nike HyperAdapt 1.0 Self-Lacing Shoe
Anyone who's seen Back to the Future wishes they had three things: a time-traveling DeLorean, a hoverboard, and self-lacing sneakers.
Now, thanks to Nike, self-lacing sneakers are a reality. When you press the button near the tongue, the laces on the HyperAdapt 1.0 automatically tighten or loosen around your foot. Simplified lacing can be useful for athletes and people with limited mobility.
5. Football field that fits anywhere
The Klong Toei district in central Bangkok is densely populated and filled with buildings, leaving little open space for new parks, let alone a rectangular soccer field for children.
AP Thailand decided to approach this problem in its own way. Using aerial surveys, they found deserted areas or oddly shaped unused areas of land and covered them with concrete, paint, anti-slip materials and all the necessities of a sports venue. New football fields immediately filled with children after school.
6. PlayStation VR virtual reality headset
Today, to gain access to advanced virtual reality technologies, you sometimes have to spend several thousand dollars not only for a headset, but also for a computer that can support it.
Sony has decided to release a more affordable PlayStation VR headset that works with the PlayStation 4 console that many people already own.
7. Marijuana, which will replace pills
Many people rely on pharmaceutical products to treat common ailments such as insomnia and headaches. More and more research shows that medical marijuana has certain benefits.
In this regard, the Hmbldt company decided to release a series of vaporizers that atomize medical marijuana oil to help a person calm down, sleep or relieve pain, without leading him to a narcotic state.
Latest inventions of 2016
8. Best Hello Sense Alarm Clock
It's hard to believe that the alarm clock that mercilessly gets us out of bed every morning can improve your sleep.
The new Hello Sense is not a simple alarm clock, but a gadget that measures temperature, humidity, light and air quality in the bedroom to create ideal sleep conditions. It also monitors your sleep cycles and wakes you up when you're most ready with simple voice commands.
9. Eagle 360 tires that rotate in all directions
As more companies develop self-driving cars, Goodyear has decided to reinvent the wheels.
The spherical tire concept allows the vehicle to move in many directions, such as sideways into a parallel parking space or at an angle and speed to counteract a slippery surface.
The concept is based on magnetic levitation. While regular tires are bolted to the car, Eagle 360 wheels float. Such wheels are intended for self-driving cars and will appear no earlier than in 5 years.
10. Quip Smart Toothbrush
According to the latest study, every second person does not brush their teeth twice a day, and 3 out of 4 people do not brush their teeth. toothbrush every 3 months.
Inventor Simon Enever and his partner Bill May created Quip, a simple, affordable battery-powered toothbrush with a timer that vibrates every 30 seconds for 2 minutes, reminding the user to change brush positions.
11. Dishes for people with cognitive decline
Inventor Shao Yao has first-hand knowledge of Alzheimer's disease. She often watched as her grandmother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, struggled simple steps, such as using utensils.
Yao has created special dishes for people with Alzheimer's disease and other diseases affecting the brain and body. So, they are used in dishes bright colors to help a person differentiate between a plate and food, and a rubber base on cups to prevent spillage.
12. Better Shelter
The Ikea Foundation has created Better Shelters - temporary shelters equipped with door locks and solar panels that can be folded and assembled in less than 4 hours, like famous Ikea furniture.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has helped send more than 16,000 such shelters around the world, and humanitarian and refugee aid agencies have turned them into hospitals, reception centers, child development centers and other structures.
13. More powerful and softer Dyson Supersonic hair dryer
James Dyson has created a hair dryer that, unlike traditional noisy, heavy and not so fast models, does its job quite efficiently, but is also quiet thanks to a tiny motor that reaches 110,000 rpm.
It's also fast with a design that increases airflow and gentle on hair thanks to a sensor mechanism that monitors temperature.
14. Potatoes that save lives
In African countries, more than 43 million children under the age of 6 suffer from vitamin A deficiency, which makes them more susceptible to diseases such as blindness, malaria and others.
Scientists from HarvestPlus and CIP decided to help these countries and developed sweet potatoes enriched with vitamin A, which are also resistant to drought and viruses
15. Small drone Dji Mavic Pro
Behind Lately drones have become smarter, faster and better at taking photos. But for the most part, they are still too bulky for you to carry around with you.
The Dji Mavic Pro drone, launched in September, features obstacle avoidance technology, a 4K camera and the ability to track objects in flight. Plus, it folds down to the size of a loaf of bread and fits easily in a backpack or bag.
16. Arc InstaTemp non-contact thermometer
Everyone who has Small child, they know how difficult it is sometimes to measure his temperature in the traditional way and make him sit still for at least a minute. Therefore, recently many companies have begun to produce non-contact thermometers that quickly and accurately measure body temperature using infrared technology.
The latest of these models, Arc InstaTemp, measures body temperature from a distance of 2.5 cm from the patient's forehead and provides measurements in 2.5 seconds using red, yellow or green.
17. Artificial pancreas Minimed 670g
People with diabetes need to constantly check their blood sugar levels and correct them with insulin and food.
Medtronic has decided to significantly simplify this process with the help of the Minimed 670g artificial pancreas. The device, about the size of an iPod, is attached to the body and measures sugar levels every 5 minutes, supplying the right amount of insulin as needed.
18. Space laboratory "Tiangong-2"
The Tiangong 2 (or Heavenly Palace 2) space laboratory, 10.4 meters long and 4.2 meters wide, includes a compartment for physical activity and medical experiments.
Compared to the ISS, this is a rather modest laboratory, but China built it itself and plans to launch the main module for a larger one. space station by 2018.
19. Iko gaming prosthesis
The Iko prosthetic, created by Carlos Arturo Torres, replaces a child's lost limb and comes with many accessories that are compatible with Lego products.
20. Chevrolet Bolt electric car
Most electric vehicles fall into two categories: either too expensive or limited edition.
The Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle from General Motors is designed to solve these problems and satisfy consumer needs. It can travel more than 320 km on a single charge at a relatively low cost.
21. Bracelet for children UNICEF Kid Power Band
The UNICEF Kid Power Band motivates children to become physically active using a mobile app. Children earn points that turn into food parcels that UNICEF sends to children in need around the world. In this way, it allows children to feel that they can change the world.
22. Apple AirPods wireless headphones
Apple's wireless AirPods automatically connect to your iPhone, have a microphone (allowing you to control your smartphone via Siri), and sense your in-ear position, allowing you to automatically pause it if you take one of the earbuds out to talk to someone.
23. Amazon Echo Wireless Speaker
The Amazon Echo wireless speaker looks like a standard Bluetooth speaker, but it's a speaker you can talk to. The idea itself is not new, since there are already similar systems, such as Siri from Apple or Cortana from Microsoft.
The Amazon Echo speaker comes with dozens of apps, allowing you to call a taxi, turn off the lights, and order a pizza.
24. Wynd Personal Air Purifier
Regardless of where we live, we almost always inhale a variety of chemicals and pollutants. Wynd Personal Air Purifier - A portable air filter the size of a water bottle, creates a clean climate by absorbing pollutants, including those that contribute to cancer and heart disease, in your immediate area.
25. Barbies that look like real girls
For 57 years, the famous doll set unrealistic standards for female beauty. However, Mattel decided to change the situation and release Barbies that will be more like real girls.
Although the original dolls are still produced, there are now three body types (skinny, tall and curvy), skin color and hair texture to choose from.
Most of the patents on the list belong to residents from Skolkovo and Kaspersky Lab. In addition, the rating claims as many as three patents for extracting water from the air.
To bookmarks
Every year federal Service for intellectual property - Rospatent - compiles a rating of the best Russian inventions. The goals of this selection are to promote invention, attract the attention of investors to the latest developments and develop the intellectual property market. Actually the rating necessary thing, which represents a summary of all registered technologies in Russia.
This year, it is clearly noticeable that due to the economic crisis, there is a reduction in R&D funding in companies, and there is also a decrease in the patent activity of Russian research institutes and higher education institutions. educational institutions. In 2017, the number of applications for patents of inventions in Russia reached the 2006 level. last year 36,454 applications for patent registration were filed, which is 12.3% less than in 2016.
The best inventions of 2017 in the field of technology and design
The My Modern Met portal, which writes about new technologies and innovative design, has compiled its list of new products in these areas that were presented to the public in 2017 and, in the opinion of the editors, revolutionized their field.
Google Pixel Buds
Smart wireless headphones Pixel Buds from Google can work as an in-ear simultaneous translator. With the assistance of the Google Assistant built into the phone, they are able to translate in real time into 40 languages.
Solar roof panels from Tesla
In 2017, Elon Musk introduced 4 types of solar panels installed as a covering on the roof of a house and generating solar energy. The price for solar roofs announced by the company turned out to be very competitive, and Musk predicts that in 2018 the world will experience a real boom in solar roofs.
At the 2017 Adobe MAX conference, Adobe showcased a number of its latest software development, the most outstanding of which turned out to be software Adobe tool Cloak (literally - “cloak”, “cloak”). This program allows you to remove unnecessary elements from a video image without leaving any traces. The program should be available for public sale soon.
Black paint Black 2.0
In 2017, artist Stuart Semple launched Black 2.0, "the deepest, smoothest, matte black acrylic paint in the world." Fans of deep black color can order it on the artist’s website.
Braille Smartwatch
The world's first braille smartwatch has been developed and is being tested in South Korea. Dot watches allow blind people to not only tell the time, but also read messages.
Edible water bubbles
Edible water bubbles Ooho! - an unusual type of packaging designed to become a replacement for plastic bottles, which are hazardous to the environment. The bubbles, made from algae extract, can be filled with water, juice or other liquids. They are edible, but if they are not appetizing, they will decompose in 4-6 weeks when thrown away. The developer, Skipping Rocks Lab, has already received a prestigious environmental prize for its invention.
Knops earplugs with noise reduction adjustment
Knops earplugs are similar to internal headphones, but in fact they do not transmit sounds, but rather protect against them. With these earplugs you can manually select the desired one this moment the level of suppression of ambient noise - from a hollow sound palette to equally complete silence. The Knops startup, having announced its development, instantly raised the necessary funds on the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform, and the lucky ones who invested in the development have long received their stylish and useful earplugs.
Plan Bee Drone
Design student Anna Heidelvang has developed a unique device - a miniature drone the size of a butterfly, which, flying from flower to flower, pollinates the plant. Anna has already patented this device, which is very useful for agriculture, and hopes to set up production within two years.
Living chandelier by Julian Melchiorri
Industrial designer and biotechnologist Julian Melchiorre presented the unique living chandelier "Sigh" this year. It consists of 70 glass petals filled with microalgae that purify the air. The chandelier was presented at the London Design Festival and won the author the Young Talent of the Year award.
"Tree for the city"
The City Tree, developed by Green City Solutions, is a green rectangular wall measuring 3x4 meters. Created from varieties of moss, it has the air purifying power of 275 ordinary trees, destroying 250 grams of dust, nitrogen dioxide and exhaust gases every day. And complete with solar panels that collect rainwater and generate electricity, it is capable of monitoring the condition of the soil. Trees for the City have already been installed in 25. major cities world, mainly in India.
