MIT Technology Review has unveiled its list of the top 10 breakthrough technologies that made headlines in 2023. From cutting-edge medical treatments to revolutionary AI developments, here’s a comprehensive overview of the transformative breakthroughs that defined the tech landscape this year.
CRISPR for high cholesterol
In a significant stride towards accessible gene editing, CRISPR technology has moved beyond rare genetic disorders to tackle common conditions like high cholesterol. Verve Therapeutics, the pioneer behind the cholesterol-lowering treatment, leverages base editing, a form of CRISPR 2.0, ensuring safer and more targeted gene modifications.
AI that makes images
AI has ventured into the realm of artistic creation with models like DALL-E 2 and Stable Diffusion. These text-to-image generators, developed by OpenAI and Stability AI, have democratised the creation of stunning visuals.
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Abortion pills via telemedicine
As access to abortion care faces challenges, telehealth emerges as a crucial avenue for providing abortion pills remotely. Nonprofits and startups leverage telemedicine to navigate legal restrictions, allowing individuals to access essential reproductive healthcare from the comfort of their own homes.
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Organs on demand
Scientists explore groundbreaking approaches to address the organ transplant shortage, including gene-edited pig organs and 3D-printed lungs. While challenges persist, advancements in genetic engineering and tissue engineering open avenues for a potentially limitless supply of organs, revolutionising transplantation and saving lives.