On January 5, 2017, scientists around the world turned towards their diagrams of the human anatomy and realized that they now required adjustment. Tucked between the intestine and the abdomen exists a newly discovered fold of skin: the mesentery. This thin organ lies within the human digestive system and attaches to the wall of the abdomen. Previously, scientists believed that this organ consisted of many smaller pieces, but recent studies have demonstrated that the mesentery is actually one long organ. A better understanding of this organ could lead to more effective treatments of abdominal and digestive diseases.

The discovery of the mesentery reveals that no matter how much scientists may know about biology, their knowledge only covers a minute section of the infinite world of science. With that said, taking into account recent scientific breakthroughs and the vast field of unknown future discoveries, scientists are bound to drastically change the world of science in the years to come.

For instance, consider what the world of science was like ten years ago. Before 2007, the American public was unaware of the negative effects of smoking, and public non-smoking areas were virtually unheard of. Now, many studies on the harmful effects of smoking have resulted in public awareness of smoking’s dangers.

Jimmy Gao ‘20 ponders, “Science has been growing at an exponential rate, allowing us to conquer feats we never dreamed were possible a decade ago.”

In just ten years, a lifestyle of smoking became completely adjusted. Ten years from now, the world of science will be drastically altered after what is sure to be a decade of scientific breakthroughs. However, at what point will these positive discoveries become overwhelming?

Jasmine Yi ‘19 exclaims that “science makes the world a scary place!” In a way, Yi is correct. Science is simply learning how to manipulate the world and use it to one’s advantage. As science progresses, so does the ability of humans to control the world. Are the inhabitants of planet Earth prepared to hold this power?