HIV Prevention Drug to New Super-Earth and more; unveiled in 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, the year has been marked by remarkable strides in science and technology. From groundbreaking medical innovations to major milestones in space exploration and new insights into ancient genetics, this year has seen exciting progress across multiple fields.

Top Inventions and Discoveries of 2024

1. HIV Prevention Drug - Lenacapavir

Approved in 2022, Lenacapavir proved its effectiveness in 2024 trials, showing a 96% success rate in one and 100% in another. Administered as a semi-annual shot, it is a promising HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), offering a new avenue for prevention.

2. Fruit Fly Brain Mapping

In October 2024, scientists released a comprehensive map of 140,000 neurons in a fruit fly’s brain. This decade-long project sheds light on human cognition and memory, contributing valuable knowledge to neuroscience.

3. New Super-Earth Discovery

NASA’s discovery of TOI-715 b, a super-Earth located 137 light-years away, lies in a habitable zone that could potentially support liquid water. Another candidate, TIC 271971130.02, might orbit in the same system.

4. Neanderthal-Human Interbreeding

Recent genetic studies have pinpointed the timeline of interbreeding between Neanderthals and early humans, showing they lived together for around 7,000 years. This breakthrough was made possible by analyzing 59 ancient human genomes.

5. CRISPR Advancements

CRISPR gene-editing technology continues to evolve, with new tools like OpenCRISPR-1 aiming to enhance the precision and safety of genetic modifications. Researchers are also focusing on ethical considerations in gene therapy.

6. Oldest Known Reptile Skin Fossil

In 2024, researchers uncovered the oldest fossilized reptile skin, dating back 20 million years. This discovery provides valuable insights into the evolution of reptiles, specifically from a semi-aquatic creature.

7. New Moons of Neptune and Uranus

Three new moons were discovered orbiting Neptune and Uranus, increasing their total count to 30. These findings continue to expand our understanding of the outer solar system.

8. Cave Art in Patagonia

In 2024, researchers uncovered nearly 900 ancient cave paintings in Cueva Huenul 1, Patagonia, Argentina. These artworks, some dating back over 8,000 years, reveal faces, geometric shapes, and llama-like creatures, offering a glimpse into prehistoric cultural practices.

9. DermaSensor for Skin Cancer Detection

The FDA-approved DermaSensor, developed by Boston University engineers, uses light technology to detect skin cancer noninvasively. This device, which can differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, promises to reduce missed diagnoses by half.

10. AI Model for Alzheimer's Prediction

A team from Boston University developed a machine learning model capable of predicting the progression of mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease with an accuracy rate of 78.5%. This tool could help diagnose and treat Alzheimer's more effectively.

11. Deep-Sea Rocks Generate Oxygen

Researchers discovered that polymetallic nodules deep beneath the Pacific Ocean generate oxygen through seawater electrolysis. This surprising find challenges the conventional view that only sunlight-driven organisms can produce oxygen.

12. Space Cloud's Impact on Earth's Climate

A study led by Boston University revealed that, about two million years ago, Earth’s solar system encountered a dense interstellar cloud that compressed the sun’s heliosphere. This event likely reduced Earth’s protection from cosmic radiation, potentially causing a drop in temperature.

These exciting discoveries underscore the incredible pace of scientific advancement in 2024, with each finding offering new potential for medical treatments, environmental understanding, and exploration of the cosmos.