Nature reveals 9 scientific areas that hold promise for progress in 2024

On the eve of the period from 2023 to 2024, Scientific journal Nature I listed the following developments that should be a surprise in the coming year. In total, there are nine specific areas and events that will shake up global science. Check it out below!

1. Artificial intelligence

ChatGPT was launched in November 2022 and throughout 2023 it generated controversy surrounding the technology. Moreover, it has also gained space in people's daily lives.

According to the natureOpenAI, its creator, intends to launch the AI ​​update next year. GPT-5 will likely have more advanced capabilities than its predecessor, GPT-4.

In addition, scientists are also monitoring two new features from Google. The first is the launch of Gemini, an AI competitor to ChatGPT.

The second is the update to AlphaFold, which is the artificial intelligence that researchers use to predict the three-dimensional shapes of proteins with high accuracy. Starting with the new version, AI will be able to model interactions between proteins, nucleic acids and other molecules.

Finally, Nature predicts that the field of artificial intelligence should also have ramifications in the regulatory field. This is because the UN High-Level Advisory Group on Artificial Intelligence has until 2024 to share its final report.

2. Observatories in Chile

Two new observatories will be developed in Chile in 2024. This year the Simons Observatory, located in the Atacama Desert, will be completed.

According to Nature, the site will contain telescopes containing up to 50,000 detectors to collect light, as well as instruments to search for primordial gravitational waves.

In addition, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory will begin operating some of its instruments. It contains an 8.4-meter telescope and a giant 3200-megapixel camera.

3. Combating dengue and Zika fever

Also in 2024, the Global Mosquito Control Program will begin producing mosquitoes that fight both diseases at a factory in Brazil. Giz Brasil has already reported on the project initiatives In some places in the world.

In general, these mosquitoes are contaminated with certain bacteria, which prevents them from multiplying and transmitting the dengue virus and the diseases caused by Zika.

In total, up to five billion of these mosquitoes are expected to be produced over the next decade, which could protect about 70 million people.

4. Covid-19 and pandemics

Although the most dangerous moment of the COVID-19 pandemic has passed, researchers continue to strive to understand the long-term consequences of the disease. In addition, they are also seeking to develop prevention methods that track the evolution of the virus.

According to Nature, the US government is funding testing of three vaccines: two are intranasal injections, and the third is a messenger RNA vaccine.

Also in 2024, the WHO must submit the final draft of its pandemic treaty. Overall, the document seeks to prepare governments around the world to prevent and manage future pandemics.

5. Missions to the moon

Since 1970, NASA has not sent a manned mission to the Moon. However, in 2024 this will happen. according to natureArtemis 2 will carry four astronauts and will be launched in mid-November.

In addition, China is also preparing to launch its lunar mission, Chang'e-6. The idea is to collect samples from the far side of the Moon.

6. Dark matter

Dark matter remains a mystery, but some progress is expected by 2024. Broadly speaking, scientists expect two answers.

The first concerns the still ongoing experiment, BabyIAXO, at the German Electron Synchrotron, in Hamburg. Using ultra-sensitive X-rays, he seeks to capture the conversion of axions (dark matter particles) into photons.

The second is the mass of the neutrino, the most mysterious particle in the Standard Model of physics.

7. Awareness

Although consciousness has been the focus of research at other times, the topic remains under the radar of science. According to the journal Nature, new insights into the neural basis of consciousness may emerge in 2024.

This is because a large research project is testing two theories through a series of experiments. The results are scheduled to be published by the end of next year.

8. Climate change

In 2024, negotiations on the UN Global Plastics Treaty will be completed. The idea is to eliminate contamination from this type of material.

In addition, the International Court of Justice in The Hague could issue an opinion on states' legal obligations to combat climate change in the second half of 2024.

9. Supercomputers

According to Nature, Jupiter is expected to be operational early next year. Although named after a planet, the magazine refers to a machine that will be Europe's first supercomputer.

In total, it can perform a quintillion (billion billion) calculations per second. In addition to Jupiter, two other devices will be installed: Aurora and El Capitan, both from the USA.