Top 7 Technology Stories in Science Times 2023

The past 12 months have been exciting for technology, trends, and innovations, transforming industries and reshaping our lives. Before the year ends, Science Times would like to take one last look at the top technology stories in 2023:

1. Light-Based Teleportation

Physicists from Wits University and The Institute of Photonic Sciences have demonstrated a method to teleport images without physically transmitting information. In this study, the research team used a nonlinear optical detector to pave the way for quantum network connections with high information capacity.

2. Implantable Supercapacitor

A team of scientists from Lanzhou and Dalian Universities in China and Penn State in the US invented a rechargeable, biodegradable supercapacitor drug-delivery widget. The device contains a molybdenum sulfide cathode, a zinc foil anode, and an alginate gel. As the device is implanted in a patient's body, it releases medication over time and then dissolves entirely and harmlessly at the end of treatment.

3. Lesson Planning with ChatGPT

OpenAI's ChatGPT has emerged as a revolutionary tool in different sectors, including education. With its advanced natural language processing capabilities, the all-in-one artificial intelligence platform can understand and generate human-like text.

4. Banana Telesurgery

A viral video went online after showing a remote surgical operation performed on a banana using 5G. The captions claim that a surgeon in London conducted the surgery on a banana in California.

According to bariatric and robotic surgeon Dr. Kais Rona from Smart Dimensions Weight Loss in Southern California, the video was made during the COVID-19 pandemic when his clinic did not accommodate patients. He clarified that he wanted to practice using his Da Vinci Xi robotic surgery device. After realizing that his video had gone viral, he had mixings about the role of social media in spreading false health-related information.

5. First Humanoid Pilot

Experts from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology have developed the first humanoid robot to pilot an aircraft without modifying the cockpit. Dubbed Pibot, the bug-eyed humanoid can fly a plane just like a pilot by manipulating all the single controls in the cockpit. It also can grasp control and maintain altitude even in the harshest conditions.

6. 3D-Printed Vegan Seafood

A research team at the National University of Singapore developed a new method of producing desirable vegan seafood that tastes good but still maintains the health benefits of a real fish. This study used microalgae and mung beans as sustainable, high-protein plant sources. To mimic the texture and flakiness of a real fish, the team used a food-grade 3D printer with protein-based ink.

7. Pig Fat as Jet Fuel

Animal fats from cattle, pigs, and chickens are considered waste yet show potential as aviation fuel with a lower carbon footprint. Scientists and engineers from North Carolina State University developed a biofuel system that could turn animal fats into fuel for commercial airlines and fighter planes. The technology used in this study is licensed by Diversified Energy Corp., an Arizona-based company specializing in advanced alternative and renewable energy technologies.