Top tech advances of the decade

CRISPR

A gene editing technology which utilises special proteins found in the natural defence mechanisms of bacteria which can chop up DNA of invading organisms and destroy them. CRISPR (pronounced “crisper” and standing for “Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats”) can quickly and relatively cheaply provide alterations to DNA sequences and correct genetic defects causing diseases ranging from cystic fibrosis to cataracts.

3D printing

This decade has seen 3D printing become more accessible, cheaper and efficient. The manufacturing system allows designers and engineers to perfectly transfer a digital model to a physical threedimensional part. Accurate models can be created by putting down material a layer at a time which also facilitates intricate and complex structures. This means anything can be created such as tools, boats and topological maps without additional assembly.

SpaceX reusable launch system

A method that enables space-going rockets to take-off and land without jettisoning any elements of the craft. By maintaining a single reusable structure, SpaceX can drastically minimise the costs of space exploration. Traditional rockets need to release not only the giant external tank but also its solid rocket boosters. Replacing these components can be lengthy and expensive. The technology to land a rocket vertically is very impressive and a must-see.

Power banks

Energy storage devices have the capacity to change the world. Historically it has been difficult to be completely self-sufficient on clean and renewable energies as systems because solar power is reliant on the sun and that source is lost at night. Devices such as Tesla’s power wall offer a way to cut emissions for the average household.