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This week, we have a few fascinating breakthroughs in STEM for you to discover!
This article from the BBC brings to light yet another up-and-coming technology in health science: the production of "artificial," lab-grown red blood cells for use in transfusions. While standard transfusion methods aren't under any threat from this rather costly new technology, it is possible that this breakthrough will help provide substitute blood for people with rare blood types and groups--for whom traditional blood donations might not be enough. This new technology sources stem cells from traditionally donated blood and then carefully shapes them into certain types of blood cell via manipulation in a lab. As the title of the article suggests, this novel technology has just begun its first human clinical trials, which will hopefully reveal the efficacy of lab-grown blood cells, as well as their lifespan within the patients.
Those of you who are long-time readers of STEMx may recall an early article we published on the state of quantum computation; the above article from IBM details how that fascinating technology has progressed since. The titular 433 Qubit quantum processor, known as "Osprey," has a greater quantum capacity than ever before, and it represents a great leap forward from its 127 Qubit predecessor. Check out the article above to learn more about this fascinating piece of technology!
A rare, endangered bird hadn't been seen for 140 years--but was just caught on video, scientists say
With modern technology at our disposal, it should come as no surprise that wildlife researchers and enthusiasts from all over the world are increasingly endeavoring to find traces of rare species. This brief article from CBS News offers some insight into a recent success in the field of endangered animal documentation, and you can view the triumphant footage of the elusive black-naped pheasant-pigeon here.
Unhealthy levels of so-called "forever chemicals" in our world's water and food supply have been one of 2022's most alarming discoveries in STEM. However, it seems all hope is not lost when it comes to these insidious pollutants; researchers from the University of California, Riverside have recently made an immense breakthrough in the battle against forever chemicals. Their method for treating contaminated water with hydrogen and ultra-violet light has been demonstrated to break "unbreakable" forever chemicals into harmless byproducts--and it does so in a manner that is very sustainable. Check out the article above to learn more about this helpful new technology and its potential for combating the forever chemical threat.
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