Top 10 science stories of 2018
2018 saw big leaps forward for quantum computing, machine learning and even nuclear fusion - as well as some more bizarre science-related stories
2018 has certainly been an interesting year in terms of new scientific breakthroughs. Almost every day in 2018 seemed to bring exciting advances in pretty much all spheres of scientific research.
The year saw lots of exciting things happening in genetics, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and aviation, which renewed people's interest in these subjects.
Here, we look back at the past 12 months and pick out some of the most interesting science stories for you.
While it is impossible to include every significant science event that happened in the past 12 months, following are the top 10 science stories that made a splash in 2018.
10. Scientists develop a new way to enable secure communication between multiple quantum devices
In January, scientists from University College London announced that they have found a novel approach to enable secure communication between multiple quantum devices. The scientists claimed that their approach could pave the way for introduction of a large-scale, unhackable quantum network in future.
The new method bridges the gap between the theoretical assurances of perfect security promised by the laws of quantum physics and the actual realisation of such security in large networks.
It also allows testing the security of quantum devices before they start communicating with each other. Scientists said they plan to work with partners in the UK national quantum technologies programme to further develop their technology.
9. Machine learning technique developed that can detect people's faces in the dark
One of the most interesting stories of 2018 appeared in April when scientists from the US Army Research Laboratory revealed about their new machine learning technique capable of generating a visible face image of a person from the thermal image of the face captured in the dark.
Scientists said the technology works by carrying out a matching between thermal images and existing biometric face databases containing visible face imagery. The technique is expected to enhance real-time biometrics for US Army's night-time operations and also improve post-mission forensic analysis for covert night-time operations.
8. 3D printer developed that can produce complex artificial tissues for use in transplants
In May, scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles, Samueli School of Engineering announced development of a new 3D printer capable of producing complex artificial tissues for use in transplants and surgeries. The team said that the functioning of the 3D printer is based on stereolithography process.
Researchers tested the machine by first creating simple shapes, such as pyramids, and then making complex 3D structures that were exact copies of muscle tissue and muscle-skeleton connective tissues. Scientists also implanted a prototype printer in rats and found it to be working as intended.
Top 10 science stories of 2018
2018 saw big leaps forward for quantum computing, machine learning and even nuclear fusion - as well as some more bizarre science-related stories
7. Scientists in China achieve quantum entanglement record with 18 qubits
Taking the possibility of large-scale quantum computing one step closer, quantum scientists in China set a new quantum entanglement record in July. The team achieved quantum entanglement with 18 qubits, thereby beating their own record set in 2016 with 10 qubits. Scientists have found that the speed of quantum computing grows exponentially with increasing number of qubits in an entangled state. After achieving success at 18 qubits, the Chinese team has now set eyes on new quantum entanglement record with 50 qubits.
6. Munich students break Hyperloop speed record at annual SpaceX competition
In July again, a group of students from the Technical University of Munich set a new world record for the fastest speeds achieved in the Hyperloop transport system. Warr Hyperloop, the pod of the Munich team, achieved a maximum speed of 290 mph (464 kph) on 1.2 kilometre test track. The competition was organised by the SpaceX aerospace company in California. It was the third annual SpaceX pod race completion, which saw several student teams participating with their prototype pods.
5. Chinese city plans to launch artificial moons to replace street lights panned
In October, an attention-grabbing news from China surprised space scientists around the world. Some reports in Chinese media revealed that Chengdu city officials are working on a plan to launch artificial moons to replace streetlights and to lower electricity costs in urban areas.
Like the real Moon, these "illumination satellites" would reflect sunlight down to Chengdu, thereby illuming an area of about 50 square kilometres. The project is expected to save up to £132 million a year in electricity costs for the city.
The research team is working to launch the first experimental satellite by 2020. Provided this satellite works as planned, three more satellites will then be launched in 2022.
Top 10 science stories of 2018
2018 saw big leaps forward for quantum computing, machine learning and even nuclear fusion - as well as some more bizarre science-related stories
4. China's EAST machine reaches temperatures six times hotter than the Sun
A big science news last month came again from China when a team of nuclear scientists claimed to have created an 'artificial sun' with temperature reaching about 100 million degrees Celsius - the minimum required to achieve a nuclear fusion reaction. Scientists said plasma produced in the reactor of their Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak was about six times hotter than the Sun.
The team used several new techniques for heating and controlling the plasma, but could maintain the record temperature for only 10 seconds.
3. 'Son of Concorde': Lockheed Martin and NASA start production of supersonic X-59 plane that would create a sound 'as loud as closing a car door'
In November, Lockheed Martin revealed that it has commenced the production of NASA's experimental supersonic plane, named X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology plane.
Earlier this year, Lockheed had received a contract worth nearly £195 million from NASA to develop X-59 plane capable of travelling at supersonic speeds without creating a loud sonic boom.
The X-59 Quiet is being dubbed as the 'Son of Concorde' in aviation industry. It will be capable of travelling at a speed of 1,512 kilometres per hour at an altitude of about 17,000 metres. The first test flight of X-59 is expected in 2021.
2. Chinese scientist says he helped create the world's first gene-edited human babies
Toward the end of the last month, a Chinese scientist shocked science fraternity by revealing about his research that created the world's first gene-edited human baby. He said twin girls with edited DNAs were born in China in early November.
The scientist also posted an online video on YouTube, revealing how he used CRISPR technology to edit embryos for seven couples during fertility treatments. One of those women gave birth to twin girls, the scientist claimed.
The revelation attracted huge criticism from the people in China as well as from around the world, thereby forcing the Chinese government to order an investigation into the matter.
1. Virgin Galactic's supersonic plane reaches the edge of space in first manned test flight
One of the biggest stories of the year which amazed space buffs was about Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic company whose supersonic plane VSS Unity finally reached the edge of the space. The plane took two pilots beyond Earth's upper atmosphere and spent several minutes there before returning safely on Earth.
VSS Unity took off from the Mojave Air & Space Port in California and reached a height of 82.7 km. Experts believe the success of Unity's test flight has brought Virgin Galactic very close to taking its first paying tourist into space.
The company is charging space tourists £190,000 for a 90-minute flight, which will take them to the edge of the space and enable them to enjoy the breath-taking view of the Earth from the plane.
According to the company, more than 600 people have already reserved a seat on VSS Unity for an eventual space voyage.