Scientific advances in 2024: hope against cancer and new cosmic horizons.

In a year marked by significant scientific advancements, 2024 can be considered a milestone in the fight against various diseases and the exploration of the universe. Developments in the treatment of blood cancers and astrophysical research have captured the attention of both researchers and the media, highlighting the importance of science in our lives. One of the standout topics was the progress in CAR-T therapy, which uses the patient's own T cells to combat cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. This treatment, introduced nearly 15 years ago, has evolved considerably, and the results from 2024 have shown remarkable improvements in severely ill patients. The therapy involves isolating T cells, genetically modifying them to recognize and destroy cancer cells, and then reintroducing them into the patient. This approach has opened new doors not only for cancer treatment but also for autoimmune diseases. On another front, the year witnessed innovative clinical trials aimed at creating personalized mRNA-based vaccines to fight cancer. These developments suggest that the immune system can be "trained" to identify and eradicate cancer cells, offering new hope to thousands of patients worldwide. These vaccines add to a growing arsenal in the fight against a disease that often seemed insurmountable. The drug lenacapavir also stood out in reports from 2024 as a significant breakthrough in the fight against HIV. This injectable medication, which provides protection for six months with each injection, has demonstrated an astonishing 100% efficacy in certain clinical trials. This represents a paradigm shift, allowing individuals to live without the constant fear of infection, which is especially crucial in a context where HIV continues to affect millions of people. Astrophysics, for its part, did not lag behind. The James Webb Space Telescope, designed to study the first billion years of the universe, provided new data that has begun to unravel the mysteries of ancient light from galaxies. This type of research not only expands our knowledge of the cosmos but may also offer insights into the formation of our solar system and the evolution of life on Earth. In the environmental realm, science also advanced with the approval of a new RNA-based pesticide that promises to be less harmful to non-target species. This innovation represents a step toward more responsible use of biotechnology in agriculture, which is increasingly essential in a world facing climate and biodiversity crises. Moreover, researchers have challenged old beliefs about tectonic processes. A study published in 2024 demonstrated that the destructive forces of plate tectonics are not only local but also generate shockwaves that impact the entire Earth's crust. This not only redefines our understanding of geology but could also have implications for predicting earthquakes and other natural phenomena. Alongside these advancements, physics has revealed a new type of magnetic material, thereby expanding our understanding of magnetization and its technological applications. This discovery could lead to new developments in magnetic devices and data storage, demonstrating that basic research can have practical repercussions in everyday life. In conclusion, 2024 stands out as a year filled with discoveries that not only enrich our scientific knowledge but also offer hope in the fight against devastating diseases like cancer and HIV. The convergence of artificial intelligence in research, along with human ingenuity, continues to push the boundaries of knowledge while reminding us that science plays a crucial role in improving people's quality of life. The scientific community continues to advance, and with each new discovery, the door opens to a future where health and well-being may be within everyone's reach.