Take a deep breath before you read about these new scientific discoveries

Science moves so fast that you probably haven't heard that cancer can now be detected with a simple blood test or that you can choose the color of a baby's eyes before in vitro fertilization. Some of these breakthroughs are controversial, while others represent extraordinary progress in preventing disease and in fighting pollution. Here are some of the most fascinating recent scientific discoveries that you may not know about. Come join us!

A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins University discovered something that could completely change cancer diagnosis and treatment worldwide. The study, published in the journal Cancer Discovery, found that cancer can be detected up to three years before doctors can provide an official diagnosis.

The researchers discovered that cancerous tumors shed genetic material that can show up in the bloodstream much earlier than previously thought. Early detection of this disease is crucial and significantly impacts the survival rate of patients. Thanks to this groundbreaking finding, it will be possible to develop more effective methods in preventing and detecting cancer.

The textile industry emits billions of tons of pollutants every year, but two 28-year-old American twins found a way to make it more sustainable. Neeka and Leila Mashouf created an innovative system that captures C02 and transforms it into biodegradable fibers to create new textiles.

The scientists were able to mimic the process by which trees convert carbon into cellulose, although in their case, they use a chemical reactor. Their discovery could revolutionize the construction sector and the production of packaging, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. In 2025, the European Patent Office recognized the Mashouf sisters with the Young Inventors Award.

A 36-year-old Canadian woman diagnosed with type 1 diabetes was part of a stem cell experiment that resulted in her never needing insulin again. Before undergoing this innovative treatment, Amanda Smith had spent nearly a decade of her life constantly measuring her levels and giving herself insulin injections.

Of the 12 patients who received the cells for this study, 10 did not need insulin again for at least a year. The cells were implanted directly into the liver, which means they’ll need to take immunosuppressants to prevent their body from rejecting the cells, which could lead to risks such as infections, cancer, and organ damage.

Can you imagine storing energy in sand? This is what a company in Finland was able to achieve by building the largest sand battery in the world.

It is a cylindrical structure capable of storing 100 MWh of thermal energy. The device is charged by heat produced from renewable sources such as the sun or wind, which reduces pollutant emissions by up to 70%. When needed, the energy is released in the form of steam or hot air and can be used for industrial processes or heating systems.

There is nothing worse than a toothache; the good news is, scientists have found the source of our dental sensitivity. The exact origin of teeth has always been a great scientific mystery. Recently, a team from the University of Chicago discovered that the answer lies in a fish from about 465 million years ago.

These creatures had external bumps called odontoids. Those odontoids had a sensory function to detect temperatures and vibrations, and probably evolved to become our teeth. So now you know, the next time you get a toothache, you can blame it on those prehistoric armored fish!

A group of Swiss researchers has developed an innovative robot that could change the way research is conducted in aquatic environments. It uses surface tension to move through the water in the same way as some insects do.

The tiny robot is shaped like a boat and is built out of fish food, which turns it into food for wildlife at the end of its useful life. The design, which also uses biodegradable fuel, is particularly efficient as it doesn’t rely on plastics, batteries, and electronic components to operate. These robots are expected to collect environmental data on water pH, temperature, pollutants, and the presence of microorganisms.

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh were able to use E. coli bacteria to convert the molecules of PET plastic, usually used in water bottles, into acetaminophen, better known as paracetamol, a medicine that you have probably taken to treat the flu.

By genetically modifying the bacteria and through a fermentation process, they were able to turn plastic into paracetamol in just 24 hours with a 92% effectiveness. How is this possible? Paracetamol is also a petroleum derivative; it is produced by converting a molecule known as terephthalic acid into the drug's active ingredient. For now, the experiment has only been achieved in the laboratory and in low quantities, but it is a major breakthrough in the fight against environmental pollution.

No, it's not the plot of some science fiction movie. A UK company has found an out-of-the-box solution to fight funeral industry pollution: by mixing the ashes of your loved ones with pieces of seashells to create artificial reefs that can support deep-sea life.

So far, the company has worked only with pet ashes, whose artificial reefs were left in Bali. They hope to be able to start human "sea graveyards" in 2026. What do you think of this idea?

We have all felt overwhelmed at one time or another; however, due to the fast-paced culture we live in, we often don't realize it and continue to work nonstop. A group of researchers may have found a solution.

Through sensors, an electronic tattoo that sticks to the skin without adhesive can track brain and eye activity to determine mental fatigue. And it not only detects stress, but can also predict it! This discovery will undoubtedly be essential in work environments, but also to remind us that sometimes we need to take a breath before we reach complete burnout.

The New York-based startup Nucleus Genomics has launched a "genetic optimization" service that allows parents to analyze embryos to determine physical traits and even the IQ their baby will have before in vitro fertilization.

Although these types of services already existed, they only focused on potential health issues instead of other physical traits such as intelligence, height, or eye color. Nucleus Genomics’s new approach raises a whole ethical debate about genetic medicine. Do you agree with this type of manipulation of nature?

UNEARTHING SLANG MEANING

The Luck Of The Irish: 10 Popular Sayings From The Emerald Isle

Image: Marian Brandt

According to the latest census, more than 31.5 million residents in the US claim to have Irish ancestry. Large states such as New York, California, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania have the largest percentage of Irish Americans. So, even if you’ve never been to Ireland, you’ve probably heard one of these expressions at least once. But, do you know exactly what they mean or where they come from? Don’t worry, we've got you covered. Here are 10 of the most popular Irish slang words and phrases and their meanings.

Image: Yan Ming

The literal meaning of this phrase is "The best part of the morning to you" and is used as a greeting to wish somebody a good day. If that’s not sounding Irish enough, you should know that the traditional response for it is: "And the rest of the day to yourself".

This phrase was commonly used in all of the UK in the Victorian Era but fell out of use only to be revived later as a stereotypical Irish expression. Although it may have originated in Ireland, you probably won’t find a single Irish person saying it today. Maybe Hollywood had something to do with transforming it into a cliched Irish-ism?

Image: Pixabay

Every March 17th when we prepare to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day we dust off the famous phrase "Erin go bragh". But do you know exactly what it represents? According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Erin go bragh today means "Ireland forever". However, the original Irish expression was Erin go brách (or go bráth), which translates as "Ireland until eternity" or "Ireland till doomsday."

This popular statement originated during the 18th-century Irish rebellion against the British and was used to convey loyalty and devotion to the land. Later, a group of Irish volunteers joined the Mexican side in the Mexican–American War waving about a green flag with a harp and the motto Erin Go Bragh. In the decades following, similar flags have been used at different times to express Irish nationalism. So now you know the real story behind this historic expression!

Image: Engin Akyurt

Depending on the tone, this phrase can sound harsh or affectionate. Stop acting the maggot is an informal expression used to describe someone who is acting rowdy, lazy, or foolishly. If a friend or relative —especially the littlest ones— is not doing what they are supposed to and they are getting on your nerves, you can say "cop on" which also means stop "acting the maggot".

Like with many other slang terms or idioms, it is hard to trace the origin of this one. How such a disgusting creature as a maggot made its way into an expression used for decades is a mystery. However, it is a popular saying you’ll hear often in Ireland. You’ll also even find it printed on t-shirts and mugs!

Image: Ann

You’ll frequently find the word craic in songs and other pop culture references. The truth is, craic became a staple in Irish slang, now used to describe a good time or a fun experience. The term comes from the Old English word "cracian" which meant an abrupt sound or sharp noise.

With time, the word came to convey general noise or commotion, and by the 20th century, it had morphed into a more positive term meaning enjoyable experiences. It’s pronounced like "crack" and you’ll probably hear it in the famous phrase What's the craic?, that is, "What’s happening?" or "Is there anything going on?".

Image: Pressmaster

This one is another St. Patrick’s classic and a pub staple. If you ever had a drink —or five— with Irish people, you most certainly have heard the expression Sláinte!

Commonly used when lifting a glass to toast, this interjection literally translates to "Good Health". The word derives from the Old Irish word slán, meaning "healthy" or "safe" and it's pronounced slawn-sha. In other words, it is the Irish version of the English Cheers!

Image: Christian Hess Araya

This expression is a colloquial way to indicate a long period of time, similar to saying "for ages" or "for a very long time". Although it is believed to have originated in British English in the early 20th century, it is a very popular phrase in Ireland. Commonly used when you are not sure about an exact amount of years, it likely comes from the idea that donkeys live a long time compared to other animals, for example, horses.

Another plausible explanation is that it is a pun on the long ears of donkeys. In this case, the origin may have more to do with rhyming slang, taking advantage of homophones, that is, the similar pronunciation between the two words.

Image: mana5280

The term yoke originated in Northern Ireland and has deep roots in the local culture. It is commonly used to refer to anything, person, or object when you don’t want to specify its actual name or title. The word yoke is likely derived from the Old English word geoc, which refers to a wooden frame used to harness animals.

Either as a placeholder when used to refer to an object or as a funny way of invoking a memorable event, yoke is an incredibly versatile word that can be applied in different situations. Specifically, the expression You're some yoke! is used to address someone affectionately, meaning something similar to "You're pretty awesome".

Image: Pixabay

If you are ever in Ireland and in need of a restroom just ask anyone: Where's the jacks?According to the legend, the first-ever multi-cubicle toilet was invented in 1806 by an Irish man called Jack Power. He is said to have had 38 children, so no wonder he was in desperate need of some privacy.

Although he patented his system, people insisted on calling it "Jacks". The more angry he became with him being associated with going to the toilet, the more people continued to address it this way. By popular belief, Jack eventually changed his name and moved to the UK. Urban myth or not, for the Irish, a toilet will always be referred to as "the Jacks".

Image: Falaq Lazuardi

Feeling tired and worn out? Has your car broken down? Then you are in need of the Irish slang word banjaxed. This term is widely used in Ireland to describe something —or someone— that is not working properly. It derives from the verb banjax, meaning "to damage or smash", although the exact origin of the word is not known.

Despite its defeatist connotation, it is an expression that is used colloquially and even humorously. So don't be afraid to drop a banjax here and there if you ever feel frustrated. It will take the weight off any problem!

Image: Isravel Raj

We didn’t want to end this article without saying goodbye —unlike the Irish! Well, to be honest, that’s a bit of a stretch. It’s not clear what is particularly Irish about the so-called Irish exit, meaning making a sneaky departure from a gathering without saying goodbye first. According to Dictionary.com, the expression can be traced back to Boston, Massachusetts, a city with a large Irish-American population.

Some suggest it has to do with Irish hospitality and the fact that their parties tend to go on for a long time, so it’s just easier to sneak out. Others associate it with the reserved personality of the Irish, who preferred not to draw attention to themselves. We’ll never know for sure, but if you ever find yourself feeling a bit tipsy it is okay to make an Irish exit to avoid revealing how drunk you really are!