Unveiling the Year’s Most Astonishing Science Queries!

As a researcher, the concept that resonates with me by the end of 2024 is the significance of nurturing curiosity — to pose inquiries and invest time in comprehending newly suggested theories.

It’s challenging to select a favorite scientific narrative of the year since scientists have truly excelled. Yet, some of my preferred scientific milestones of the year feature unprecedented green energy generation. For the first seven months of this year, the U.S. produced more energy from wind and solar than from coal.

We witnessed the FDA sanction two new medications to aid in slowing down the progression of the rare ailment Niemann-Pick Type C.

Additionally, I admired the World Mosquito Program’s initiatives utilizing naturally found bacteria to combat viruses such as Zika, chikungunya, yellow fever, and dengue.

I am also astonished by the vast array of subjects we’ve explored on Seeking A Scientist this previous year, including the cloning of extinct species, plant cognition, and strategies for managing stress. It was a true privilege to share everything I uncovered with all of you.

Yet the immense number of things still waiting to be discovered in this fascinating world perpetually astonishes me.

When we invited our audience to share some of their end-of-year scientific inquisitions, we were overwhelmed by the quantity and diversity of responses. Here are just a few of our favorites:

• How do reusable water bottles maintain the temperature of our drinks?
• Is plastic inert or non-reactive? If so, then why are microplastics harmful to our environment?
• Why can’t we view the opposite side of the moon?
• What lies ahead for space exploration now that the ISS is being retired?
• What procedures do astronauts follow for dealing with trash in space?
• What allows the “immortal” jellyfish to remain perpetually youthful?
• Why do felines enjoy lying on puzzles?
• Is there a sound frequency that induces calmness in humans?
• Is it accurate that no two snowflakes are identical?
• What aspects of science inspire hope within you?

To discover the answers, listen to the most recent episode of Seeking A Scientist.

Further resources from Seeking A Scientist:

• Metals and Semiconductors
• What is the Most Conductive Element?
• Conductors
• Metallic Bonding
• How does a Hydro Flask Keep Water Cold?
• Heat, Temperature, and Conduction
• Reusable Water Bottles – Understanding the Reasons Why to Use Them
• Can We Save the Oceans From Plastic?
• On the Chemistry of Inert Gases
• Chemical Inertness
• Microplastics Generated When Opening Plastic Packaging
• Polystyrene Microplastics Disrupted Physical Barriers, Microbiota Composition and Immune Responses in the Cecum of Developmental Japanese Quails
• Study Explains Why Food High in Saturated Fat May Lead to Plaque Build-up in Arteries
• Wastewater
• The Unseeable Enemy: Microplastics vs. Our Home Plumbing
• Microplastics in Deep-Sea Stomachs: Study Finds Plastic Eaten by Fish and Crustaceans Increases with Depth in the Gulf of Mexico

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in the Gulf of Mexico

• Tiny Particles, Major Issue: Assessing Microplastics’ Effect on Fish
• Microplastics All Around
• Possible Health Consequences of Microplastics: A Study of Environmental Distribution, Human Contact, and Toxic Impacts
• Contact with Nanoplastic Particles and DNA Damage in Mammalian Cells
• Is It Possible to Prevent an Asteroid From Striking Earth?
• The Effects of Living in Outer Space on the Human Physique
• The Moon’s Path and Spin
• Tidal Synchronization
• What Does Tidal Locking Mean?
• DSCOVR – Deep Space Climate Observatory
• NASA Camera Observes the Moon Crossing Earth’s Face from a Million Miles Away
• The International Space Station Has Been Leaking for Five Years
• The ISS Has Been Leaking For Five Years. NASA and Russia Have Disagreements on How to Resolve It
• Commercialization of Space
• The International Space Station Will Soon Retire. NASA Will Not Oversee Its Future Successor
• SpaceX
• Blue Origin
• Gateway
• Gateway Space Station
• Artemis
• Kate Rubins
• Debris in Space
• Trash Bag Disposed of From Space Station in a Waste-Management First
• The Immortal Jellyfish
• Shutterstock: Turritopsis Dohrnii
• Can a Jellyfish Reveal the Secret to Immortality? 
• ‘Immortal Jellyfish’ May Inspire Breakthroughs Regarding Human Aging
• Immortal Jellyfish: The Key to Evading Death
• Are Dogs Communicating – Are You Attuned? 
• Look at Me Meow! 8 Cat Attention-Seeking Actions Clarified
• Cats on Puzzles, Cats Ruining Puzzles, Cats Consuming Puzzle Pieces
• Comprehending Your Cat’s Hunting Instinct
• Recognizing Prey Preferences
• Why Does Your Cat Constantly Sit on the Paper You’re Viewing?
• What is a Singing Bowl (and How to Utilize it for Meditation)?
• The Optimal White Noise Machine
• The Most Relaxing Song in the World May Decrease Anxiety by 65%
• According to Neuroscience, Listening to This Tune Lowers Anxiety by Up to 65%
• The World’s Most Relaxing Melody
• The Science Behind Snowflakes, Explained
• What is Deuterium?
• Deuterium Levels in Naturally Occurring Water
• Quintillion
• Is It Truly Accurate That No Two Snowflakes Are the Same?
• “`Recent Analysis: Wind & Solar Energy Increased Threefold in the US in the Last Decade
• Niemann-Pick Condition
• Global Mosquito Initiative: Mechanism
• Wolbachia Significantly Lowers Dengue Incidences

Seeking A Scientist is produced by KCUR Studios. This initiative is made feasible through the support of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, where researchers strive to enhance our knowledge of human health and illness.

It is led by Dr. Kate Biberdorf, also known as Kate the Chemist. This segment was crafted by senior producer Suzanne Hogan alongside Olivia Hewitt. Mackenzie Martin serves as our editor. Gabe Rosenberg is our digital editor.

Further contributions from Zach Perez, Byron Love, Allison Harris, and Genevieve DesMarteau.

The original theme composition is by The Coma Calling. Additional musical pieces are from Blue Dot Sessions.