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While advances in technology are constantly talked about and in the news, the top science stories of the 21st century are often limited in their scope. Science discoveries and inventions have started the 21st century off with some amazing developments that will have far-reaching affects on how we live, our health, medicine and our relationship with the universe. Depending on the interests of a person, what constitutes a “top story” is extremely subjective. To an individual fighting a disease or disability, stories related to that condition will be more of a top story than for a farmer who is losing his crops. Therefore, those stories that will have the biggest impact on the majority of people throughout the world are being presented by a layman, in less than scientific, but interesting terms. Understanding the Cosmos The Cluster Quartet is an amazing set of 4 ESA satellites that investigate the relationship between the Sun and Earth. Launched in 2000, the spacecraft have been studying the affects of particles on the magnetic shield of the Earth. Geomagnetic storms and how the ions enter the atmosphere of the Earth has been an important part of discovering the effects of objects hitting the magnetic shield affect the Earth. While high-speed motorhome insurance plasma jets have been observed from observatories for several years, it has only been through the data of the ESA Cluster satellites that we have learned how these jets are formed and how they react downstream of the Earth’s bow shock. Thanks to the Cluster quartet we know how “Killer Electrons”, the interplanetary shocks are created and how campervan insurance they affect our magnetic field. The ESA satellites have also played an important role in investigating ruptures in the Earth’s shield and how long it takes for a rupture to repair itself. With the satellites, it has been possible to create 3D photos of anomalies in near-space such as solar activity and Geothermal storms. Did you ever wonder why Pluto is no longer a planet? Well, the International Astronomical Union reclassified Pluto in 2006 making it the 2nd largest dwarf planet in the Solar System. It was thought to be the largest object in the Kuniper Belt, home to 70,000 “objects” until the discovery of Eris. There was a lot of debate among astronomers HeartMath regarding the demotion of Pluto, however it was found that Pluto only meets 2 of the 3 requirements to be a “real” planet. It has not “cleared the neighborhood” of it’s orbit, thus, it has been made a dwarf planet in the 21st century. Understanding the Body Most people are familiar with DNA if they watch any law enforcement or court shows. But, there are many other uses for DNA that people outside of scientists rarely are informed about. Yes, DNA is a 20th century find. But, the intricacies of the Human Genome and it’s magnificent potential is very much a discovery of the 21st century. People today are living much longer than ever before and are often active for a longer portion of their corporate events life. This creates some problems because disease and chronic conditions can have a severe negative impact on the quality of life that a person enjoys as they get older. The first draft of the human genome was published in 2001 and a final draft was published in 2003. The Human Genome is a complete set of human genetic information and plays a dramatic role in the health and medicine. In the past, childhood Leukemia patients were given Cancer drug 6-MP as the standard treatment for this disease. This drug is extremely strong and effective. However, the side effects can be so severe that some children could not tolerate the treatment. Through understanding conversion insurance genetic screening of patients doctors are able to detect the gene mutation that causes bad side effects and change the dosage of the drug or type of treatment that is used to attach Leukemia. Through the discoveries made regarding Human Genome, doctors will be able to provide genetically-personalized medicine to meet the unique needs of an individual. And, drugs and other therapies will be able to provide more effective results with less toxicity to the user. Researchers at Tel Aviv University and scientists are working on preventative treatment for cancer. The study will be published in the 2010 issue of the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. At Berlin University, scientists and researchers are working with an siRNA-type gene-suppressant in their study to treat cancer cells without the poisoning symptoms that are often attributed to cancer treatments. The lead researcher on this project, Dr. Satchi-Fainaro has indicated that this treatment could revolutionize cancer therapy. By identifying and treating certain genetic mutations, people will be able receive preventive treatment for cancer. In 2008, Scientists solved a major issue regarding stem cells made from re-programmed skin cells. Although this research has been ongoing for many years, the 21st century scientists and researchers at the Whitehead Institute and Mass. General Hospital were able to change the virus used to introduce 4 genes into each cell and alleviate the issue of these cells becoming cancerous. Understanding The Earth While there have been many discoveries in the 21st century, one that has not been talked about much involves the snowflake. Most people who live in areas where it snows have stood outside and let the first snowflakes of winter fall on their tongues. As the snowflakes melt and you feel the cold envelop your tongue, there is always a feeling of oneness with the universe. But, have you ever wondered about how snowflakes affect the earth? This is an interesting discovery in the 21st century about snowflakes. When a snowflake falls on a body of water, a tiny amount of air forms just below the surface of the water. This little bubble of air pops right before it reaches the surface and, sends out a piercing sound that ranges from 50-200Khz. Now, this is too high for humans to hear, but is deafening to aquatic animals because it adds 30 decibels of sound to the underwater noise levels. Now, a person may think that since it’s a “water” thing, it doesn’t affect humans much. However, what scientists and researchers have found is that the increased noise levels can create electronic clutter that will disrupt sensitive sonar equipment. There are probably not a lot of readers out there who work with sensitive sonar equipment near water, in the snow. But, just in case, you now know that you may not get the results from your equipment that you expect. Conclusion There are so many interesting top science stories of the 21st century that a person following their favorite subject can learn something new very easily and may even have their own favorite science story. Since the scientific community has opted to publish most of their materials on the Internet, it is not hard, or expensive, to follow your subject of interest. The exciting inventions and discoveries made in science far exceed the limited scope of electronic technology. The human mind was designed to be curious and inquisitive and following a field of science that inspires and motivates you is a great way to improve your knowledge and enjoy something new.