Major sci-tech breakthroughs in 2024: Quantum computing, AlphaFold 3 and controlled nuclear fusion

In this week of Science Saturday, we look back at the major breakthroughs made in science and technology over the past year.

Injectable HIV drug

An injectable HIV drug called lenacapavir has shown remarkable potential in preventing infection. It targets the structure and function of HIV's capsid protein, with each shot providing protection for up to six months. Recognized as the "Breakthrough of the Year" by Science, the journal described it as "a pivotal step toward diminishing HIV/AIDS as a global health crisis."

Quantum computing 

Google's parent company, Alphabet, has unveiled a new quantum chip called "Willow," which is capable of performing "below threshold" quantum calculations. Normally, as quantum systems add more qubits (the quantum equivalent of classical bits), they tend to become more error-prone. Unlike previous systems, "Willow" not only increases qubit count, but also enhances their reliability, paving the way for practical quantum computing applications.

AI protein-prediction

Google's DeepMind introduced AlphaFold 3, an AI model that won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for its breakthrough in protein folding. AlphaFold 3 predicts the structure and interactions of all life's molecules with unprecedented accuracy, significantly reducing the time required to map protein structures. This "game-changer" is advancing scientific understanding of protein functions and opening new pathways for research and drug development. DeepMind has also made its source code and database freely available to scientists.

Multicellular Fossils

Researchers have uncovered the oldest known complex life forms in North China. These 1.63-billion-year-old fossils mark the oldest record of multicellular eukaryotes. The discovery pushes back the timeline of emerging complex life forms by about 70 million years. Along with recent discoveries of simple multicellular eukaryotes of similar age in India, Canada, and Australia, these fossils suggest that eukaryotes took an early step toward multicellularity.

Autoimmune disease treatment

Patients with serious autoimmune diseases have seen new hope with a breakthrough in CAR-T-cell therapy. T cell therapy was originally used for treating cancer, but it's now being adapted to treat autoimmune diseases like lupus, scleroderma, and multiple sclerosis. Doctors are using genetically engineered T-cells from healthy donors, showing promising results in patients who have not responded to conventional treatments. This breakthrough may offer a new approach to managing autoimmune conditions, potentially reducing disease progression and side effects of traditional therapies.

Controlled nuclear future

Chinese scientists have achieved a milestone in controlled nuclear fusion. Researchers at the Huanliu-3 tokamak, known as the "artificial sun," have developed an advanced magnetic field structure with superior performance compared to previous designs. This significantly enhances the entire control capabilities of nuclear fusion devices.Controlled nuclear fusion, a clean, safe and abundant energy source, is considered vital for solving global energy and environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.