Sean McMahon

2011: The Year in Science

In all the tumult of 2011, with its riots, revolutions, scandals, swindles and natural disasters, it was easy to ignore the quiet, steady progress of science, right at the bottom of the news agenda. But many of the stories that really mattered—those that in a century’s time will still seem to have mattered—were played out in the university science departments and research institutes of Britain and the world. What last year lacked in Higgs Bosons, it made up for with breakthroughs across the physical sciences.

Materials science and engineering
The isolation in 2004 of graphene, a fascinating and unique form of carbon, was the most important breakthrough for materials science in the last decade. In 2011, more of its extraordinary electrical properties were discovered, along with more efficient methods for graphene production and the manufacture of graphene-based devices. Physicists and electrical engineers also developed smaller and more efficient batteries and wires, and impressive new forms of electronic paper.

Climate science
This urgent field of study made important progress in 2011, treating climate-change denialists to a feast of new data to—er—deny. Most tellingly, the report of the Berkeley Earth Project—a re-evaluation by open-minded, non-partisan physicists of the evidence for man-made climate change—confirmed the scientific consensus (yes, it’s really happening). Other studies found that glaciers and Arctic ice are melting more rapidly than previously thought, and the consequent release of natural greenhouse gases will be much faster and more dangerous.

Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease will affect an ever larger proportion of our ageing population in years to come. Fortunately, our understanding of its causes, symptoms and possible treatments is rapidly improving. An April article in the journal Neurology suggested that certain key areas of the brain begin to degenerate—in a way visible to MRI scanners—ten years before other symptoms become apparent, allowing earlier diagnosis than previously thought possible. Other important results advanced our understanding of the condition’s genetic basis and the origin of the plaque that forms in afflicted brains.

Astronomy
It was a stellar (sorry) year for astronomy and NASA’s annus mirabilis. In March, the Messenger probe became the first to orbit Mercury; in May, the DAWN probe reached the large asteroid Vesta; and in November, Mars Science Laboratory set off to search for life on the red planet. New images showed water-like flows and hydrated mineral veins on the surface of Mars, while hundreds of new planets were spotted in distant solar systems. With the opening of New Mexico’s Spaceport America in October, the final frontier has never seemed so close.

Stem cell research
Stem cells are like eerily versatile seeds that can be programmed to unfold into any flower you choose—a huge range of specialised cells, from neurons to skin. In 2011, new techniques using stem cells were developed to create a working human heart in the laboratory, grow mouse retinas from scratch, create artificial sperm, relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in rats, and improve heart function in patients following cardiac failure. Regenerative medicine based on stem cell technologies may soon change the world. The collection of stem cells from endangered species may also help to save it.

Sean McMahon is conducting a PhD in astrobiology at Aberdeen University.

Be Sociable, Share!

•