Listicle

The passing of Jim Watson, co-discoverer of DNA structure, got me thinking about the other great discoveries of the 20th century. Without consulting Google AI, I came up with these:


General relativity

Plate tectonics

ABO histocompatibility blood types

Penicillin

Structure of DNA

Here’s what Google AI said:

“ . . . the discovery of penicillin and other antibiotics, the unraveling of the structure of DNA, the development of vaccines, and the creation of the airplane, the internet, the computer, and the use of nuclear power. Other significant advancements were the harnessing of electricity, telephones, and the development of modern medicine, including transplants and chemotherapy.”

While vaccination has certainly been transformative, inoculation and vaccination for smallpox antedated the 20th century.  And successful transplantation depends on histocompatibility matching. 

Apart from DNA structure, Google AI’s list is about applications, not fundamental discoveries. That’s why general relativity and plate tectonics didn’t make the list, I guess.  

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