The 10 Emerging Technologies of 2021 Announced

The World Economic Forum announced the 10 most important technologies of 2021. Among these emerging technologies, "decarbonization technologies" rank first. Among these 10 technologies, self-fertilizing plants designed to ensure sustainable food production, breath sensors that diagnose disease, and on-demand pharmaceutical production in pharmacies stand out as other notable technologies.

BERLIN (AA) - BAHATTIN GÖNÜLTAŞ

The World Economic Forum and Scientific American magazine announced the 10 important technologies of the year that produce innovative solutions to global issues such as climate change, reducing energy consumption, sustainable food production and improving global health, technologies that will improve human health and contribute to social life and economy. Among the 10 emerging technologies announced for 2021, solutions aimed at combating climate change and ensuring sustainability in food production stand out. "Decarbonization technologies" rank first among this year's 10 technologies, followed by "self-fertilizing plants", "breath sensors that diagnose disease", "on-demand pharmaceutical production in pharmacies" and "wireless charging with 5G". Other emerging technologies include "engineering for healthy aging", "green ammonia", "wireless biosensors", "3D printers for local production" and "space-based Internet of Things".

Will Enable Resolution of Food Issues

As climate change gains increasing importance, it is expected that numerous technologies providing lower carbon footprint solutions or absorbing carbon dioxide from the air will grow rapidly. "Decarbonization technologies" include net-zero emission air conditioning systems, low-carbon cement, renewable energy sources and meat-free protein production. On the other hand, as the world population increases, issues regarding food sources are being experienced. It is emphasized that food demand is likely to exceed supply unless major steps are taken in this regard. Plants require fertilizer to provide the nitrogen necessary for food production. For this reason, it is noted that industrial fertilizers containing ammonia nitrogen are needed to prevent food shortages. With the newly developed technology, the symbiotic relationship between plant roots and naturally occurring soil bacteria is mimicked, enabling plants to produce their own fertilizers. These technologies are expected to contribute to many sectors such as agriculture and food.

Breath Sensors Can Diagnose Disease

Breath sensors, which are among the 10 technologies, aim to diagnose diseases by analyzing more than 800 compounds contained in human breath. Tests conducted on this technology demonstrate the potential of breath detection technologies to diagnose COVID-19, tuberculosis and cancer. With other prominent technological solutions this year, devices that do not require much power to operate, such as smartwatches, are expected to be wirelessly charged soon via Wi-Fi and 5G signals. While chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer require frequent blood tests to monitor them and identify and track specific biomarkers, the goal is now to continuously monitor this vital information through state-of-the-art sensors worn on clothing or wearable devices.