To recap 2024, NewsForKids.net is taking a look back at some of the most interesting stories we’ve covered this year. Today we’re looking at some some incredible stories from the world of science.
When Marjorie Fiterman and Bernie Littman met nine years ago, neither of them thought they'd end up married. After all, they were both in their 90s and had already lived long, full lives. But last May, the two became the world's oldest married couple, with a combined age of over 202 years.
Last Thursday, 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju of India beat China's Ding Liren to win the World Chess Championship. The victory came in a hard-fought final game in Singapore. Gukesh is now the world chess champion, and the youngest person ever to hold the title.
On Saturday, South Korea's parliament voted to impeach (remove) Yoon Suk Yeol as the country's president. The vote followed Mr. Yoon's efforts to put the military in charge of the country earlier this month. The country's prime minister is now acting as president.
On Saturday, a pair of red shoes worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz was sold at auction for a record-breaking $28 million. That makes the slippers the most expensive movie item ever sold. The sale is the latest chapter in the slippers' complicated history.
Notre-Dame, one of the world's most famous churches, officially reopened on Saturday. The church was badly damaged by a fire in 2019. The reopening was celebrated with a special service attended by many world leaders.
After 13 years of civil war, rebel forces have taken control of Syria. Syria's brutal leader, President Bashar al-Assad has left the country and is now in Russia. While many people are glad to see Mr. al-Assad go, there are questions about who will take over and how Syria will be run in the future.
The world's oldest known wild bird is an albatross named Wisdom. She's around 74 years old, and has recently returned to her nesting place in the Midway Atoll. Wisdom may be old, but she's still active. She has just laid her first egg in four years.
Scientists in California have created a new material that can remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. The fluffy yellow powder works faster than other materials and can be used over and over again. The new material could play an important part in the fight against climate change.
Australia has passed a law that aims to prevent people younger than 16 from using social media. The law is meant to protect young people, but some people say it could create more problems than it solves. Australia will begin testing ways to carry out the new law in January.
Scientists in Tanzania have trained rats to help detect illegal wildlife products being smuggled out of the country. The rats have learned to recognize the smell of these items, and can alert their handlers when they find them. The program is still being tested, but the method could help protect some endangered animals.