A Mythical Squid, DNA Robots & Our Energy Future

The Point by Modern Sciences - July 14, 2025 (A)

Author

Don Smith
July 14, 2025

By The Modern Sciences Team

July 14, 2025

Happy Monday, Cultivators of Curiosity!


Welcome to the 27th volume of The Point by Modern Sciences, where we chart the course of discovery from the deepest oceans to the frontiers of human ingenuity. In this issue, we bring you three stories that capture the awe of exploration, the promise of revolutionary technology, and the critical challenges that lie on our path to a sustainable future.


First, we journey to the abyss, where a century-long search has culminated in the first-ever confirmed footage of a colossal squid in its natural habitat. This rare encounter offers a breathtaking glimpse of a creature of legend, reminding us of the vast mysteries that remain on our planet. Then, from the marvels of nature, we turn to the marvels of our own making with a groundbreaking leap in nanomedicine: self-replicating DNA robots. These microscopic machines hold the potential to revolutionize everything from targeted cancer treatments to environmental cleanup, marking a new era in programmable matter. Finally, we ground these futuristic visions in a present-day challenge, examining how the essential shift to electric vehicles will push our power grid to its absolute limit and what it will take to keep the lights on.


Together, these articles highlight a world of profound discovery, immense potential, and critical decisions. We invite you to dive in.

NATURE

A century after its discovery, scientists capture first confirmed footage of a colossal squid in the deep

A juvenile colossal squid has been captured on film in the deep sea for the first time, nearly a century after the species was identified. Though just 30 centimeters long, this young squid hints at the mystery of a species that can grow to seven meters, remaining elusive in a dark, remote world still largely unexplored.



The Point:

  • First-Ever Natural Habitat Sighting: Researchers captured the first confirmed video of a juvenile colossal squid in its natural environment at 600 meters near the South Sandwich Islands—an extraordinary discovery considering the species’ elusive nature and deep-sea habitat.

  • Challenges of Studying the Species: Colossal squid are difficult to observe due to their ability to detect and avoid light and noise, honed by evolutionary pressure from predators like sperm whales. This has made direct observations rare, with most knowledge about the species coming from predator stomach contents or unconfirmed sightings.

  • Awe and Scientific Significance: The juvenile squid, captured by a remotely operated vehicle, looked more like a glass sculpture than a monster, showcasing the beauty of deep-sea life. This rare footage highlights both the mystery and the marvels of the deep ocean, emphasizing how much remains undiscovered beneath the surface.


ENGINEERING

Scientists Create Self-Replicating DNA Nanorobots with Potential for Targeted Cancer Treatment

An international team of scientists has created tiny, self-replicating robots made from DNA. This breakthrough utilizes a novel 3D DNA folding technique, enabling the nanorobots to construct copies of themselves. The discovery holds immense potential for future applications, from navigating the bloodstream to target cancer cells to cleaning up toxic waste in the environment.



The Point:

  • Groundbreaking Discovery in DNA Nanorobots: Scientists have developed tiny DNA robots that can self-replicate. Due to their ability to perform precise and repetitive tasks, these nanoscale robots have significant potential for applications in targeted cancer treatment, environmental cleanup, and manufacturing.

  • Innovative DNA Manipulation Techniques: The researchers, led by Feng Zhou, introduced a new method for folding DNA in three dimensions, enabling limitless self-replication. This advancement moves beyond previous two-dimensional DNA robotics, opening the door to more complex and functional nano- and microdevices.

  • Vast Applications and Controlled Replication: These nanorobots could revolutionize nanomedicine and environmental science fields by enabling targeted drug delivery and environmental cleanup. Although concerns about uncontrolled replication (e.g., "gray goo") have been raised, the researchers ensure that the nanorobots are programmable and can be controlled by external factors like light and heat, minimizing risks.


ENGINEERING

Switching to electric vehicles will push the power grid to the brink

The UK's ambition to reach net-zero emissions hinges on electric vehicles, but this transition poses a gargantuan challenge to the power grid. To support a fully electric fleet, the country would need to increase its electricity generation capacity by nearly 50%. Without urgent, massive upgrades and smart solutions, the surge in demand could strain infrastructure, risk blackouts, and stall the entire transition.



The Point:

  • Energy Challenge for Net-Zero Transition: The UK's push for net-zero emissions by 2050 requires shifting from petrol and diesel to electric vehicles (EVs), creating an immense energy demand. Fully electrifying the fleet would need an additional 20 GW of continuous power, a 46% increase in grid capacity, equivalent to building 17 nuclear plants or 5,800 large wind turbines.

  • Grid Upgrade and Smart Solutions: The UK must upgrade its power infrastructure while leveraging smart solutions to avoid strain and blackouts. These include managed charging, vehicle-to-grid systems for battery storage, and incentivized nighttime charging. However, increased battery wear and the need for more power generation remain unresolved challenges.

  • Decentralized Energy and Urgent Action: Promoting small-scale renewable generation from households and businesses (prosumers) could supply up to 15% of the UK’s electricity by 2035, easing grid strain. Without urgent action to expand grid capacity and incentivize renewables, the energy transition could stall, resulting in higher electricity costs and missed climate targets.