Top Scientific Discoveries of 2024 That Are Shaping the Future of Humanity

 


The year 2024 has been an incredibly busy one for me, filled with both professional and personal milestones. Between wrapping up research projects, juggling writing deadlines, and staying up-to-date with global trends, it has been a whirlwind. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle, I’ve taken moments to reflect on the groundbreaking scientific advancements that are shaping our collective future. These discoveries have not only inspired me but also reminded me of the incredible ingenuity of the human mind and our relentless drive to uncover the unknown:

#1. AI's Recognition in Nobel Prizes

Artificial intelligence reached a historic milestone as it was prominently honored with the Nobel Prize. Sir Demis Hassabis of Google DeepMind and colleagues John Jumper and biochemist David Baker received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing AlphaFold. This AI software accurately predicts the structure of every known protein, solving a problem that has persisted for half a century and holds significant implications for science and medicine. Additionally, AI pioneers Geoffrey Hinton and John Hopfield were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their foundational work on neural networks, integral to modern AI applications across various fields.  < Financial Times >

#2. Completed Map of fruit fly brain

In October 2024, researchers unveiled a comprehensive map of nearly 140,000 neurons in the brain of a fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). This intricate wiring diagram, or connectome, is expected to enhance our understanding of how human brains process thoughts, make decisions, and store memories. The project spanned a decade and involved mapping millions of synaptic connections, providing invaluable insights into neural architecture.  < Discover Magazine >

#3. Discovery of a New Super-Earth in the habitable zone

In January 2024, NASA announced the discovery of a "super-Earth" exoplanet, TOI-715 b, located approximately 137 light-years away. This planet, about one and a half times the size of Earth, resides within the "conservative habitable zone" of its star, a region where conditions may be suitable for liquid water to exist. The discovery was made using data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), offering exciting possibilities in the search for extraterrestrial life.  < Discover Magazine >

#4. Advances in HIV prevention

Significant progress was made in HIV prevention with the development of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug. Clinical trials have shown promising results, indicating that this medication could play a crucial role in reducing HIV transmission rates and improving the quality of life for those at risk.  < Discover Magazine >

#5. Potential evidence of ancient life on Mars

Researchers have uncovered possible evidence suggesting the existence of ancient microbial life on Mars. While these findings are still under investigation, they have reignited discussions about life beyond Earth and the history of our neighboring planet. < Science News >

#6. Breakthroughs in Alzheimer's disease research

Studies in 2024 have provided new insights into Alzheimer's disease, including findings that suggest the disease may spread from person to person under certain conditions. These discoveries could lead to novel approaches in treatment and prevention, offering hope to millions affected by this condition. < Science News >

#7. Advances in plastic pollution solutions

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have developed a method to vaporize plastic waste into useful chemicals. This innovative approach could lead to more sustainable waste management practices and reduce environmental impact, offering a potential solution to the global plastic pollution crisis.  < University of California >

These discoveries highlight the relentless pursuit of knowledge and underscore the collaborative efforts of scientists worldwide to address complex challenges and explore new frontiers. As we reflect on these achievements, we anticipate the continued advancement of science and its profound impact on society. We hope for a more exciting 2025!

By S.B Adams

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why Social Sciences Are Far From Obsolete: Lessons From My International Relations Studies in the UK

Image
In a recent Facebook post, a social commentator argued that social science courses like sociology, anthropology,  political science, and international relations among others are no longer relevant in today’s labor market, emphasizing the need for tangible and technical skills to survive the 21st-century economy. This has caused ripples and elicited mixed reactions from many quarters, especially on social media platforms. While his concern about the employability of graduates including those who studied non-social science courses (my emphasis)  is valid, particularly in Nigeria's saturated labor market, dismissing the relevance of social sciences reflects a misunderstanding of their role in addressing societal needs. Because employability challenges in Nigeria transcend disciplines; even technical fields like engineering are not exempt, as evidenced by cases like the Dangote Refinery’s reliance on foreign technicians. The deeper problem here is the disconnect between the produc...
Read more

Top 20 Websites Every NGO Job Seeker Should Bookmark Today

Image
  Information is power. For many unemployed graduates, the dream of securing a stable government job or landing a position in the private sector often meets harsh realities. With limited opportunities in both sectors, many struggle to transition from academic achievements to meaningful employment. However, one promising yet often overlooked avenue is the non-governmental organization (NGO) sector. As global challenges like poverty, climate change, and human rights issues grow, NGOs have emerged as vital players in addressing these problems. For example, within Nigeria alone, every geopolitical zone has peculiar socio-economic challenges ranging from insurgency, and banditry to environmental issues. Today, thousands of NGOs worldwide seek skilled professionals to help drive their missions. Unfortunately, many job seekers are unaware of these opportunities or don’t know where to begin. That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 20 trusted platforms where you can find and appl...
Read more

Top 60 Career-Building Online Courses and Certifications to Enhance Your Job Prospects

Image
  Online learning has completely transformed the way we develop skills, breaking down barriers and offering everyone from students to professionals a flexible and cost-effective path to career success. Imagine this: a friend of mine recently landed a high-paying job with a prestigious institution in the United States, all without the "right connections." While many were shocked, the secret to his success was simple yet profound. Instead of idling away his time, he dedicated himself to online training programs, earning certifications that complemented his university degrees. When the job opening was advertised, he confidently submitted his application. The hiring firm was impressed by his qualifications and skills, as demonstrated by those certifications. Today, he and his family have relocated to the U.S., enjoying the fruits of his commitment to self-improvement.  But here’s the kicker: he’s not alone. Thousands of people are working for top global companies, many from the ...
Read more