Scientific breakthroughs in 2024 may redefine our understanding of the universe—if they hold up under further scrutiny. From potential ancient Martian microbes to new insights into dark energy, these seven findings could be revolutionary.
Martian Microbes?
Possible signs of ancient microbial life have been detected on Mars (SN: 8/24/24, p. 6). In July, NASA’s Perseverance rover discovered a rock with white specks and black iron phosphate rings (see Page 28). On Earth, such formations have been linked to ancient microbes. However, conclusive proof remains elusive; scientists need to return the sample to Earth for thorough analysis.
Superconductivity Sparked by Light
A breakthrough experiment suggests that light could be the key to room-temperature superconductors. When a copper and oxygen compound was blasted with a laser, it generated magnetic fields—a possible indicator of superconductivity (SN: 8/10/24, p. 6). Yet, skeptics argue the fields may arise from unknown physical processes rather than true superconductivity.
Ancient Engineering Feat
A novel theory proposes that ancient Egyptians built the first pyramid using a water-powered elevator nearly 4,700 years ago (SN: 9/7/24 & 9/21/24, p. 11). A computer model suggests that floodwaters controlled the movement of a block-hoisting platform inside the Step Pyramid of Djoser. However, some experts remain skeptical, citing the region’s inconsistent rainfall as a major hurdle for such a system.
A Tectonic Shift in Earth’s History
A 3-billion-year-old rock in South Africa might provide the earliest evidence of plate tectonics. Geological layers show marks of ancient landslides that may have resulted from earthquakes (SN: 4/6/24, p. 6). Scientists believe these tremors were triggered by colliding crustal plates, lending support to the idea that plate tectonics began more than 2.8 billion years ago. However, some geologists dispute this interpretation.
A Midsize Black Hole?
For the first time, astronomers might have identified an intermediate-mass black hole in our galaxy (SN: 8/10/24, p. 7). Telescope data suggest that a black hole at least 8,200 times the mass of the sun resides in the Omega Centauri star cluster. However, another study challenges this finding, proposing that the cluster may instead contain numerous smaller black holes (SN: 8/20/24).
Can Alzheimer’s Be Transmitted?
While Alzheimer’s disease isn’t contagious in everyday life, rare cases suggest it might be transmitted under specific conditions (SN: 2/24/24, p. 6). Five individuals who received childhood growth hormone injections later developed early-onset Alzheimer’s. Researchers suspect the hormones were contaminated with amyloid-beta, a protein linked to the disease. However, alternative explanations, including other medical treatments, remain plausible.
Dark Energy’s New Mystery
Observations from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) are challenging our understanding of dark energy. Traditionally thought to have a constant density, dark energy may actually change over time, based on data from 6.4 million galaxies and quasars (SN: 5/4/24 & 5/18/24, p. 6). If confirmed, this discovery could reshape cosmology. However, scientists are reserving judgment until DESI completes its survey of 30 million galaxies (SN: 12/14/24 & 12/28/24, p. 7).
These discoveries, while exciting, require further investigation to confirm their validity. If proven true, they could redefine our understanding of science and the universe.
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