The Science That Captivated SciFri’s Reporters In 2024
Dec 30, 2024
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This lively discussion reflects on 2024’s scientific highlights, including the mesmerizing total solar eclipse and the Ingenuity helicopter's achievements on Mars. It delves into critical environmental issues, like new regulations on PFAS contaminants. Medical breakthroughs shine with CRISPR therapies for sickle cell disease, alongside legal shifts in abortion care. A surprising discovery of a European ant species in Manhattan sparks curiosity about urban ecosystems, and neuroscience advancements reveal insights into fruit fly brain mapping.
The total solar eclipse in April 2024 captivated millions across North America, emphasizing the allure of celestial events and their cultural significance.
Significant advancements in PFAS regulations and CRISPR therapies in 2024 highlight the dual challenges of public health safety and ethical accessibility in medical technology.
Deep dives
The Impact of the Total Solar Eclipse
The total solar eclipse on April 8 provided a memorable experience for many across North America, with 30 million people within the path of totality. This event showcased the beauty and excitement of such celestial phenomena, drawing crowds to gather in fields and streets, equipped with special glasses to safely observe the eclipse. While locations like Buffalo and Indianapolis had full visibility, even areas like New York City experienced significant coverage. Looking ahead, the next total solar eclipse will occur in August 2026, with prime viewing locations expected in Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, offering enthusiasts a chance to plan their travels for another spectacular sight.
Advances in PFAS Regulation and Health Risks
Recent developments regarding perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have led to increased scrutiny on their presence in drinking water, culminating in the EPA's implementation of national limits for six of these chemicals. PFAS, known for their durability and strong carbon-fluorine bonds, have been found in the environment and linked to numerous health issues, raising alarms about public safety. To assist local municipalities, the EPA has allocated a billion dollars aimed at enhancing water treatment systems to test and filter these harmful substances. Innovative research is also underway, with scientists working on light-activated catalysts that could potentially break the strong bonds of PFAS, illustrating ongoing efforts to address the contamination crisis.
Breakthroughs in CRISPR Therapy and Healthcare Access
The approval of the first CRISPR-based therapies by the FDA marks a significant milestone in genetic medicine, offering new treatment options for sickle cell disease. Despite the revolutionary potential of these one-time treatments, their exorbitant costs, ranging from $2 to $3 million, raise concerns about accessibility for many patients. In the context of healthcare, the ongoing changes to abortion laws following the overturning of Roe v. Wade have also highlighted disparities in medical access across the United States, with many providers leaving restrictive states. The convergence of these advancements and challenges reflects both progress in medical technology and the urgent need for reforms in health policy to ensure equitable care for all.
Today, we’re taking time to reflect on all that 2024 brought us in the world of science, from the total solar eclipse in April to the demise of the Ingenuity helicopter on Mars and the rise of the blockbuster GLP-1 weight-loss medications. SciFri producers Kathleen Davis and Charles Bergquist join Ira to wrap up the year in science, in a conversation recorded in a live event at WNYC’s Greene Space.
Transcripts for each segment will be available after the show airs on sciencefriday.com.