2010 started off as a year of scientific breakthroughs, health discoveries and environmental advances. Experts and professionals have banded together to work on projects that aim to improve both humanity and the environment.
Here are the top 10 biggest breakthroughs in business, health and science:
• Alternative energy: Researchers off the Oregon coast are testing wave energy buoys that could harness ocean power. Wave energy could mean less of a reliance on gas, fossil fuels, coal and other non-sustainable forms of energy. Lighting up a home with electricity powered by the ocean could be one more step toward sustainable living.
• Public transportation: In March, Google published bike routes for the entire city of Eugene to easily enable cyclists and commuters from around the community to bike to school and work.
• Reproduction: Eugene’s Planned Parenthood began providing the abortion pill in March. The 50th anniversary of the birth control pill in May marked a time of society’s improving attitudes toward women’s health and reproductive rights.

• Technology: New types of cell phones, laptops and hand-held devices like the iPad are making it easier for people to communicate, regardless of location and distance. A string of lapses in privacy and policy changes led to public scrutiny and rethinking of consumer attitudes toward Facebook.

• Green businesses: Being “green” is becoming easier for many businesses. University professors in the Green Product Design Network are combining their expertise in chemistry, product design, business and journalism to create environmentally sound, practical products. University business professor Michael Russo released his book, a guide to sustainable business that highlights companies decreasing their carbon footprint and taking steps toward being more environmentally friendly.
• Food: Local and organic foods are becoming more popular than ever before. Eugene’s own market is thriving with buzz around eating healthy and locally.

• Diabetes: Oregon has the lowest rate of childhood obesity in the nation, according to a federal study released in May. First lady Michelle Obama announced her plans for helping to decrease national youth obesity rates. The new television show “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” aims to encourage American children to eat healthier and think about where their food comes from. A new government mandate requiring fast food restaurants to post calorie information is another step toward raising consumer health awareness.

• Autism: The guidelines for diagnosing females with autism are changing, a sign toward progress for parents and health professionals. There might be more young girls out there with autism than previously thought. Professionals at the University are leading the educational process of diagnosing and researching girls with autism.
• Homes: Solar awnings and water light shelves, invented by University professors and students, aim to improve the quality of life and balance the indoor and outdoor space of a home or business. Bringing natural processes into daily living spaces can connect people to their environments and decrease dependence on non-renewable energy.
• Nature: An acoustic device, invented by scientists from Oregon State University, will send sound signals to whales to protect them from possibly dangerous man-made devices, such as the wave energy buoys mentioned above. This acoustic device could be used for other types of animals in various locations around the world.
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