Top 10 Science and Technology News Including COVID-19

Overwhelming Interest in COVID-19 Issues Including Pandemic Spread and K-Diagnosis

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Junho] This year, news related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) was the most notable in the science and technology sector.

The Korea Federation of Science and Technology Societies announced the 'Top 10 Science and Technology News of the Year' on the 29th. The top 10 science and technology news items were selected through three rounds of review by the selection committee and an online vote involving 15,332 participants from the science and technology community and the public.

The most attention-grabbing news this year was news related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) (74.5%). There was great interest in the COVID-19 pandemic and K-diagnostic kits. Following this were issues in the science and technology field such as the 'digital and eco-friendly' new paradigm leading the way, controversy over the permanent shutdown decision of Wolsong Unit 1, and the 2050 carbon neutrality declaration.

Regarding research and development achievements, the development of the world's smallest cell size overcoming 3rd generation 10-nanometer class DRAM, the world's first mass production of hydrogen electric large trucks, Korea's KSTAR maintaining 100 million ℃ for 20 seconds, the world's first completion of the COVID-19 genetic map, elucidation of mitochondrial mechanisms involved in Parkinson's disease and dementia brain disorders, and the development of materials capable of stealth functions and blocking electromagnetic waves were selected.

The Federation stated, "In the particularly challenging year of 2020, we hope that the Top 10 Science and Technology News will serve as an opportunity to reflect on the science and technology sector of the year, encourage research and development sites, and convey hope to the public."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.