Section 1.1: NASA's Perseverance Rover Explores Mars

NASA's latest rover, Perseverance, has dedicated a significant portion of the year to exploring Jezero Crater, a 28-mile-wide impact site that was possibly once a water-filled basin. The rover has encountered intriguing features, including thin purple layers on rocks resembling bacterial rock varnish found on Earth. Perseverance has also been busy collecting rock samples, with 14 now stored on the Martian surface, awaiting retrieval by future missions. In September, the rover commenced its investigation of an ancient river delta at the crater's edge. The collection of these samples will involve a fleet of spacecraft and helicopters, with ongoing preparations by NASA and the European Space Agency.

This video, "Top 23 Most Groundbreaking Scientific Discoveries of Each Year (2000 - 2022)," highlights significant scientific advancements, including those made in 2022.

Section 1.2: Reviving Dead Tissue

In a groundbreaking achievement, Yale University researchers have preserved the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys of deceased pigs for up to an hour. This innovative study aims to address the thousands of potentially lifesaving human organs that are lost annually due to inadequate storage. After inducing cardiac arrest, the team infused the pigs' blood with a unique solution named OrganEx, which includes a blend of amino acids, vitamins, and other essential compounds. Following a six-hour infusion, signs of life returned to the organs, including muscle contractions and DNA repair. Caution is warranted, as the next phase involves testing the functionality of these treated organs in living subjects.

Section 1.3: UN Report on Climate Change and Health

A recent United Nations report has underscored the urgent health risks posed by climate change, revealing that many hazards are already impacting human health. Projections indicate that by 2100, three-quarters of the global population may frequently experience acute heat stress. The spread of insects like mosquitoes and ticks into new regions is expected to elevate respiratory issues and vector-borne diseases. The report emphasizes the critical need for immediate action to mitigate emissions and adapt to the changing environment.

Section 2.1: A New Space Telescope's Cosmic Insights

Half of 2022 was dedicated to preparing NASA's James Webb Space Telescope for its maiden observations from a million miles away. The first images released in July showcased unprecedented detail of the cosmos, including a captivating view of distant galaxies magnified by the gravitational pull of closer galaxies. The telescope's capabilities allow it to observe a range of celestial phenomena, from ancient galaxies to the atmospheres of exoplanets, pushing the boundaries of what we once thought possible in space exploration.

Section 2.2: Microplastics in the Human Body

For the first time, researchers have discovered microplastics in human blood and lungs. These minuscule plastic fragments, smaller than a millimeter, have been found in donated blood and surgical patients' lungs. Ecotoxicologist Dick Vethaak emphasizes the alarming implications of this discovery, as plastics should not exist in our bloodstream. The scientific community is increasingly concerned about the long-term health risks associated with this pervasive issue.

Section 2.3: Dreaming Spiders

Research from the University of Konstanz suggests that spiders may possess the ability to dream. Ecologist Daniela Roessler observed jumping spiders in a controlled environment and noted their movements during sleep, resembling the twitches of dreaming mammals. This intriguing study indicates that these arachnids enter a sleep-like state characterized by rapid eye movements similar to those seen in humans.

Section 2.4: Creating Synthetic Microbiomes

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a synthetic microbiome composed of 119 species of bacteria commonly found in the human gut. This innovative microbiome remained stable and resistant to disease when transplanted into germ-free mice. By manipulating this synthetic population, scientists aim to enhance our understanding of gut health and develop new therapies.

Section 2.5: Discovery of New Snake Species

In a fascinating exploration in Ecuador, biologist Alejandro Arteaga and his team uncovered three new snake species in a cemetery. Their findings revealed colorful ground snakes of the genus Atractus, two of which were discovered buried in the cemetery's soil. This significant discovery contributes to our understanding of biodiversity and the importance of conservation efforts.

Section 2.6: Understanding Hidden Proteins

Major tech companies have made remarkable strides in elucidating the building blocks of life. Through the use of artificial intelligence, Meta and DeepMind published extensive databases of protein structures, many of which had never been observed before. By feeding AI systems sequences of known proteins, researchers are paving the way for new therapeutic discoveries.

As we reflect on the astonishing achievements of 2022, one can only speculate about the groundbreaking discoveries that await in the future.