From space frontiers to rainforests: Key scientific breakthroughs of July unveiled

By Sercan Irkin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Advances in science and technology are revealing the universe's hidden mysteries and offering new insights and solutions to human problems.

Anadolu highlights the key scientific developments and discoveries of July.

- Developments in space technology

On July 9, Türkiye's first domestic communications satellite, Türksat 6A, was launched from Cape Canaveral in the US using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. This achievement makes Türkiye one of 11 countries with this capability.

The launch increased Türkiye's active satellites to nine and positions the country to become a satellite exporter.

Additionally, the James Webb Space Telescope captured images of two interacting galaxies, Penguin (NGC 2936) and Egg (NGC 2937), which are expected to eventually merge into one galaxy.

- Developments in health

Amputees regained their natural walking speeds with a new bionic leg featuring nerve-centered technology, moving 41% faster than those using standard prosthetics.

These bionic legs, equipped with muscle sensors, represent significant advancements in prosthetic design.

Furthermore, a detailed brain map identified approximately 300 neurons in the prefrontal cortex that respond to word meanings, potentially leading to new technologies and brain-computer interfaces to assist those who have lost their ability to speak.

- Atmospheric water collection could provide clean drinking water to billions

Scientists in the US have developed a device that collects water vapor from the air and converts it into drinking water.

Created by engineers at the University of Utah, the device uses a hygroscopic material to capture and heat the water vapor, potentially providing clean drinking water to billions facing scarcity.

- Significant developments in animal world

New discoveries include a glass frog species, Centrolene Kutuku, found in Ecuador's Amazon rainforest, notable for its transparent belly.

Additionally, a study of over 250 chimpanzees in Uganda and Tanzania revealed that their communication patterns, including turn-taking, fast-paced exchanges, and the use of gestures, are similar to human styles.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi