In brief
This year has seen monumental scientific achievements including the serendipitous discovery of a lost Mayan city and a pioneering IVF pregnancy for a nearly extinct rhino species, combined with ongoing concerns of our planet's climate crisis.
As 2024 unfolds, the scientific community has marked several triumphant milestones despite the ongoing climate crisis. Among these victories are thrilling discoveries including a lost city hidden for centuries underneath the jungle and groundbreaking fertility advancements aimed at saving the critically endangered northern white rhino.One of the most captivating revelations came when Luke Auld-Thomas, a PhD student at Tulane University, stumbled upon a laser survey that revealed an ancient Mayan city in Mexico. Discovered through advanced Lidar technology, this city, dubbed Valeriana, was likely home to thousands at its peak from 750 to 850 AD, showcasing unique structures such as pyramid temples, sports fields, and amphitheaters hidden beneath dense vegetation.In another extraordinary achievement, scientists announced a scientific first in the world of animal fertility: the successful IVF pregnancy of a rhinoceros. This breakthrough involved transferring a lab-created embryo into a surrogate southern white rhino, a related subspecies. Although the surrogate mother later passed due to complications, the procedure demonstrated a significant possibility for future pregnancies, with 30 northern white rhino embryos currently preserved.Elon Musk's SpaceX also celebrated success this year, with the company's Starship rocket making history through a groundbreaking "chopsticks" maneuver that saw a rocket booster successfully retrieved instead of crashing into the ocean. Such advancements fuel ambitions for reusable space travel, edging closer to human exploration of Mars.Despite these inspiring developments, the year is also shadowed by record-breaking climate concerns, indicating that 2024 may become the hottest year recorded. Nevertheless, conservation initiatives show promise with studies revealing that well-implemented strategies can significantly mitigate biodiversity loss.Adding to the year's highlights, a total solar eclipse captivated millions across North America, reminding us of the wonders of our universe. Historic moments included seedlings sprouting from the roots of the beloved Sycamore Gap tree, cut down in 2023, symbolizing resilience in the face of loss.As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of science in 2024, it is crucial to recognize the responsibility that comes with these advancements—ensuring that we also protect our planet and the precious ecosystems that support all life.
