SciFi movies are becoming less and less fictional as science and technology continue to evolve. Recently, Oregon scientists have reported successfully editing human embryos both efficiently and with few mistakes. In the past, researchers have targeted specific strands with the key focus being serious genetic defects; this time, however, the entire strand was edited. Of course, there are many concerns on both sides of the fence about this finding including the concept of "designer babies". Yet, some scholars also question the importance of a study such as this citing that these are only "research embryos" without any confirmation of actually being able to successfully transfer for implantation.
Galaxies No Longer Far, Far Away?
What seems to be something straight out of a Science Fiction movie, is moving full throttle ahead. The European - Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) has been designed to look back to the first galaxies, discover smaller planets, further research larger ones (even determine atmospheric details to warrant evidence of life) and more. It's being built in Chile's Atacama Desert atop a 3,000 meter mountain and set to begin operation in 2024.
Sophisticated Snakes
"A scientist from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville has discovered that a species of snake, the Cuban boa, hunts in groups, and through teamwork improve their chances of catching prey. It's the first time that reptiles have been observed to have been involved in 'coordinated hunting,' where individual animals take into account the location of others of the same species to maximize their hunting successes."