There’s no denying that science can be hard. But there’s also no denying that science can be “awe-inspiring,” as this study has recently confirmed. While current events may have overshadowed the awards, the Nobel Prizes are a perfect example of ways in which humanity has helped to improve society. In the craziness of our current world, these achievements can provide feelings of much-needed hope. What better way to look for optimism than through new discoveries?

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 

The awards kicked off with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, which was awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their involvement in the development of COVID vaccines. We’ve all heard that COVID vaccines involve RNA, but what exactly does that mean? To answer this question, we need to travel back to the early 2000s when Dr. Karikó and Dr. Weissman began their research on messenger RNA, or mRNA. mRNA can be thought of as a cell’s instructions for making proteins. The goal of mRNA vaccines is to provide our cells with instructions to make foreign proteins, prompting our bodies to produce antibodies as an immune response. 

While cells can recognize their mRNA, when the researchers injected the laboratory-fabricated version, the cells identified the strand as foreign and quickly attacked. For years, scientists worked to find ways to combat this problem and find what exactly allowed cells to differentiate the two types of mRNA. In 2005, the scientific community found their answer. Karikó and Weissman realized that RNA bases in cells are usually chemically modified, which could account for the differences between the natural and fabricated mRNA. After replicating the naturally occurring modifications in the synthetic mRNA, researchers quickly saw success. While this study went largely unnoticed for years, the research quickly resurfaced during the COVID pandemic. Thanks to the work of Dr. Karikó and Dr. Weissman, millions of people around the world have benefited from COVID vaccinations, which is arguably the most important scientific advancement in the past few years. 

Nobel Prize in Chemistry 

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to three scientists — Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus, and Alexei I. Ekimov — who have contributed significantly to the field of nanotechnology through their research with quantum dots, or microscopic semiconductor particles. While we tend to think that a particle’s chemical makeup determines their properties, these researchers have been the first to show how size can also play a role. In the 1970s, Dr. Ekimov studied how heat could affect the color of glass. When the glass was heated, Dr. Ekimov saw the presence of small crystals, which appeared increasingly more blue as the crystal size decreased. Dr. Brus observed similar findings in his own study with cadmium sulfide crystals. These conclusions were eventually translated into real-world applications by Dr. Bawendi, who found a chemical method for creating these quantum dots. Quantum dots are used in technology including LED lights, TVs, and fluorescent imaging devices for use in the medical field. All in all, we should all be thankful to these scientists for helping to improve our electronics, especially LED lights!

The Nobel Prize in Physics 

Each year in chemistry, students learn all about the history of the atom and how scientists’ understanding has evolved. Even in the 21st century, there is still more to learn about these tiny particles, as evidenced by this year’s physics Nobel Prize, which was awarded to Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L’Huillier. In 1987, Dr. L’Huillier observed how laser light could interact with atoms of gasses. The laser was seen to give the electrons additional energy, which was later released as light. Building off this study, Dr. Agostini and Dr. Krausz each developed independent techniques that allowed researchers to generate pulses of light, which can be used to reveal information about electrons, such as their relative location. These discoveries can aid both drug design and the development of batteries, two applications of this research. So, when your chemistry teacher asks you to determine the relative location of electrons using light, you now have these three scientists to thank. 

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Overall, the Nobel Prizes provide a way for people to learn more about groundbreaking research while also producing a feeling of inspiration and hope. No matter what craziness is going on in the world, science will always be a field full of creativity and innovation. Whether it be a new invention or a cure for a disease, scientific achievements never fail to highlight the best side of humanity and show how researchers can work together to solve problems. Each triumph in any three of these fields is a step towards a new discovery and a brighter future.

Taylor Swift, known for her chart-topping hits and candid lyrics that often spill the tales of her heart, has been a mainstay in the music industry since her teenage years. From “Love Story” to “Blank Space,” Swift’s songs have chronicled her personal journey through love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. As she steps into a new chapter of her life with Travis Kelce, Swift seems to have found a new muse for her love songs. The couple’s recent public appearances and social media posts have ignited a wave of excitement among fans, as they eagerly follow the evolving melody of their romance.

On the other side of this harmonious duo is Travis Kelce, a standout player for the Kansas City Chiefs and a personality with a penchant for both athleticism and charm. Kelce, celebrated for his prowess on the football field, has also made a name for himself off the turf through his engaging personality and philanthropic endeavors, like his non-profit foundation, Eighty-Seven and Running. Their relationship has sparked a conversation about the intersection of sports and entertainment, illustrating that love knows no boundaries, be it in the world of music or in the realm of professional sports.

While the glamor of their romance is captivating, Swift and Kelce, like any couple in the public eye, face the unique challenge of navigating their love story amidst the constant scrutiny of media and fans. The delicate balance between maintaining a sense of privacy and sharing glimpses of their connection with the world is a tightrope walk that celebrity couples often grapple with. Swift, known for her introspective and heartfelt songwriting, may find inspiration in this new chapter of her life. Fans eagerly anticipate whether her next album will echo the joy and excitement of newfound love, adding another layer to the soundtrack of Swift’s life.

In a world where headlines often highlight the challenges of relationships in the public eye, Swift and Kelce’s romance offers a refreshing narrative. Their story invites us to celebrate the transformative power of love, demonstrating that connections can flourish even under  the spotlight.