The legacy of our ancient human relatives, ‘brain-eating amoeba’ infections, emerging viral threats, the promises and risks of genome editing, and much more – in 2024, Live Science has covered a slew of fascinating, and sometimes alarming, news, health studies . Research has given new insight into the inner workings of the human body, the germs that can push our physiology off track, and emerging technologies and medications that could change medicine as we know it.
Here are some of my favorite stories from the past year. Stay tuned in 2025 to see how these diverse lines of research progress!
Bird flu
H5N1, a subtype of Bird fluIt arrived in the United States in late 2021, when it began infecting wild birds. Domestic poultry and occasional mammals. This year, we learned for the first time that the virus It can infect cows – And it can Jumping from cows to people. At this point, there is no evidence that H5N1 spreads from person to person, an ability that could set the stage for a major outbreak, or even a pandemic. But Live Science closely followed the new discoveries about the virus: How does it happen? remaining in Raw milkHe is Evolve for the better Infects mammalsit could become more deadly if Mixed with seasonal influenzaIt is only one mutation away from existence A “good match” for humans. We’ll catch up with H5N1 in 2025, when increased surveillance efforts by scientists will give a better idea of how big this problem is.
Related to: 9 of the most “genetically isolated” human groups in the world
Our ancient ancestors
Modern humans interbred with Neanderthals at several points in our history, and today, you can search for genetic “fingerprints” left by our Neanderthal relatives. Some regions of the human genome contain up to 80% Neanderthal genes, while other regions, such as Y chromosomesalmost or completely devoid of Neanderthals. These genes affect Our face shape, skin color, biological clock, immune function – and in some contexts, they may do more harm than good. In an interesting and distinctive storystaff writer Emily Cook Explores the ways in which our Neanderthal genes may influence our health and biology today.
Fight the brain eaters
The brain-eating amoeba kills almost everyone it infects. But new and emerging treatments could change that. A drug called miltefosine – originally designed to treat the parasitic leishmaniasis – has saved the lives of some patients. Scientists are studying other potential treatments, including antibiotics, mRNA vaccines, and even a dye derived from algae. Hopefully, one day, these rare injuries will not be an almost certain death sentence.
CRISPR
Scientists New CRISPR system unveiled Which Genes are reversibly “turned off,” rather than permanently inactivated. CRISPR creator Virginius Schexnis spoke with Live Science about the future of the field and how the technology could… Making incurable diseases curable. On the other hand, physician and science communicator Dr. Neil Baer discussed how in the wrong hands and without proper regulation, CRISPR could also become a tool for eugenics.
Honorable mentions
To prevent antibiotics from becoming obsolete, researchers are looking for ways To reverse antibiotic resistance. Researchers Discover a new hormone It helps build strong bones, especially after pregnancy. A study sheds light on how strange things happen in… Forensic DNA analysis can lead to a link Wrong people lead to crimes. Psychedelics are being tested as therapeutics, however Key trial issues hinder its approval. It is linked to the male hormone cycle Brain shrinkage throughout the dayWhile pregnancy is associated with brain shrinkage during pregnancy. Several studies Found that human aging It may occur in distinct waves – But we’re not sure why.
