Black holes, known for their unmatched gravitational force and mysterious characteristics, remain a focal point of scientific exploration. This year brought remarkable discoveries, advancing the understanding of black holes’ role in shaping galaxies and their enigmatic behaviours. From the detection of an intermediate black hole to uncovering plasma jets spanning millions of light-years, these findings have captured global attention.

Below is a detailed account of these significant developments as reported by Live Science.

A black hole candidate located in the IRS 13 star cluster, near the Milky Way’s central supermassive black hole Sagittarius A*, could represent a rare “missing link.” Scientists believe confirming its existence would provide crucial insights into how smaller black holes evolve into their supermassive counterparts.

Plasma Jets Stretching Across the Cosmos

A black hole named Porphyrion was discovered ejecting plasma jets that span an astonishing 23 million light-years. Equivalent to 140 Milky Way galaxies laid end to end, these jets are among the largest structures ever observed and highlight black holes’ extraordinary ability to shape their cosmic environment.

Heartbeat Signals Decoded

Researchers have unravelled the mystery behind periodic light pulses detected in X-ray flares emitted by black holes. The signals, resembling a heartbeat, are thought to result from shock waves travelling through material consumed by the black hole, providing a glimpse into the physics of their feeding process.

Sagittarius A’s Unusual Spin Explained*

The Milky Way’s central black hole, Sagittarius A*, exhibits a peculiar rotational axis. Observations by the Event Horizon Telescope suggest this odd spin resulted from a massive collision between two black holes, offering evidence of such events in galactic centres.

Dormant Black Hole Awakens

Astronomers observed a previously dormant black hole springing back to life, likely due to new material being drawn in. While such reactivations are rare, they provide a rare opportunity to study how black holes transition between states of activity.

A significant breakthrough in paleontology has been made with the digital reconstruction of a dwarf hippopotamus skull that once inhabited Crete during the Pleistocene epoch, according to reports. Researchers employed advanced 3D imaging and photogrammetry to restore the fragmented remains of Hippopotamus creutzburgi, providing a complete visual representation for the first time. This discovery sheds light on the anatomy, evolution, and survival adaptations of a species that evolved distinctly on the isolated island environment before its eventual extinction.

Innovative Digital Reconstruction

According to research published in Digital Applications in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, the project led by Nikolaos Gerakakis and Professor Dimitrios Makris utilised four fossil fragments, unearthed between 1998 and 2002, to reconstruct the skull. The flattened cranium and mandible posed challenges due to their extensive deformation, as per reports. A “spider-like” exoskeleton with 23 armatures was used in Blender software to ensure precise retrodeformation. Gerakakis explained to Phys.org that the method preserved the integrity of the fossils while creating an anatomically accurate digital model.

Insights into Island Adaptations

The species is believed to have descended from Hippopotamus antiquus, which likely migrated from the Peloponnese to Crete during lower sea levels, as reported. Juvenile members of the herd might have had higher survival rates during the journey, forming the initial population on the island. Over generations, the hippos adapted to their environment, decreasing in size, a phenomenon consistent with the “island rule” proposed by biologist Van Valen.

Future Applications and Research

Reportedly, the reconstructed skull has been used to model a full skeleton of the species, with plans for its physical display at the Katharó Plateau. Ongoing studies aim to determine the causes of H. creutzburgi’s extinction, which could include environmental shifts, food scarcity, or competition with deer species that arrived on the island later. These reconstructions contribute to a deeper understanding of prehistoric life and evolutionary dynamics.

Archaeologists in Egypt unveiled significant discoveries throughout 2024, shedding new light on the lives, beliefs, and practices of this ancient civilisation. As reported by Live Science, these findings range from rare artefacts to evidence of advanced practices, reflecting the remarkable complexity of ancient Egyptian society. The discoveries have been made at various sites across Egypt, providing crucial insights into this iconic civilisation’s history and culture.

First Known Astronomical Observatory Identified

As per a report by the publication, a sixth-century B.C. structure believed to be the first astronomical observatory in ancient Egypt was uncovered. Spanning 850 square metres, the L-shaped structure features a gateway facing east, enabling the tracking of celestial bodies. A large stone sundial and a carving depicting an observer were also found. This discovery highlights the advanced astronomical knowledge held by the ancient Egyptians.

Rare Burial of a Governor’s Daughter Found

The intact tomb of Idi, daughter of a governor from the reign of Senwosret I (circa 1961–1917 B.C.), was discovered in Asyut. Idi’s body was buried within two coffins adorned with detailed inscriptions meant to guide her through the afterlife. Despite evidence of ancient looting, skeletal remains and intact artefacts provide a rare glimpse into burial practices during this period, as noted by researchers.

Gold Tongues Unearthed in Oxyrhynchus

At the Oxyrhynchus site, 15 gold tongues were discovered this year, adding to the previously found 14, bringing the total to 29. These artefacts, dating back approximately 2,000 years, were thought to enable the deceased to communicate in the afterlife. This ongoing discovery continues to intrigue archaeologists, as reported by Live Science.

Evidence of Hallucinogenic Rituals Discovered

Scientists examining a 2,200-year-old vase depicting the dwarf god Bes found traces of a blood-coloured substance believed to be part of a hallucinogenic ritual. The concoction, which blended alcohol with plant-based drugs, was possibly used in ceremonies reenacting mythological events. These findings provide insights into the spiritual and ritualistic practices of the time.

Ancient Cancer Treatment Attempted

A skull dating back 4,500 years revealed evidence of an unsuccessful attempt to surgically remove a tumour. This discovery suggests that ancient Egyptians made efforts to treat cancer using surgical tools. According to Live Science, the findings underscore the medical challenges faced by this early civilisation.

These discoveries, as detailed by Live Science, continue to shape our understanding of ancient Egypt’s sophisticated culture and its approaches to science, medicine and spirituality.