Thursday, December 26, 2024

In this week’s Discovery newsletter, we explore key findings this year that will reshape our future, examine 2024’s top medical and archaeological breakthroughs ... and discover the Alexander the Great connection to Hannukah.
Plus, why chicken soup helps.

MICROGRAPH BY DENNIS KUNKEL MICROSCOPY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY 

Our brain ages in bursts. There are hidden oceans out there. New protein secrets. A fully mapped out mind. These are some of the wild discoveries of 2024 that will influence our knowledge in coming years. 

Related: 
--7 key archaeological discoveries of the year 
--top medical breakthroughs of 2024

PHOTOGRAPH BY NATASHA BREEN, REDA&CO/GETTY IMAGES 

Related: No one was prepared for the deadliest tsunami in history

PHOTOGRAPH BY YONATAN SINDEL, FLASH90/REDUX 

Light over darkness: That’s the theme of the Jewish holiday of Hannukah, which runs this year until Jan. 1. There’s an oft-told tale of a day’s worth of oil that actually kept the lights on for eight days and, to quote comedian Adam Sandler, “eight crazy nights.” Modern-day celebrants feast on potato cakes (fried or baked), supplemented by applesauce or sour cream (there’s a debate). Here’s more about the holiday, including an Alexander the Great connection.

Today’s Soundtrack: Applesauce vs. Sour Cream? The LeeVees

Today’s newsletter was edited and curated by David Beard and produced by Alisher Egamov. Sign up here to get tomorrow’s Top Ten stories of the week or catch Sunday’s Photo of The Week.