50 Years Ago

Health & Medicine

50 years ago, scientists suspected that lost sense of smell could be restored

Cells responsible for humans’ sense of smell can regenerate. Now, research spurred on by the pandemic could help answer questions about the process.

Planetary Science

50 years ago, the first probe to visit Mercury launched

In the 1970s, NASA’s Mariner 10 became the first spacecraft to visit Mercury. Only one other probe has made the journey and another one is on its way.

Climate

50 years ago, scientists warned of the ‘neglected dangers’ of heat islands

In 1973, scientists knew temperatures in cities were higher than in rural areas. Now, some cities are attempting to cool down with engineering.

Physics

50 years ago, scientists dreamed of lasers that could kick off nuclear fusion

In the 1970s, lasers that could initiate nuclear fusion were a distant dream. Now, scientists are using such lasers to achieve fusion “ignition.”

Chemistry

50 years ago, the quest for superheavy elements was just getting started

In the 1970s, scientists were on the hunt for superheavy elements. They’ve since found more than a dozen and are searching for more.

Earth

50 years ago, mysterious glass hinted at Earth’s violent past

Like Hansel and Gretel followed a trail of breadcrumbs, scientists have followed tektites to the sites of major meteorite impacts.

Earth

50 years ago, scientists thought they had found Earth’s oldest rocks

Even older rocks and minerals continue fueling debates over Earth’s crust, plate tectonics and even when life arose.

Health & Medicine

50 years ago, scientists thought coffee might treat hyperactivity

Decades of follow-up research into whether caffeine can treat the symptoms of kids with ADHD has come up with more questions than answers.

Astronomy

50 years ago, a search for proof that the Maya tracked comets came up short

The mystery of whether the ancient civilization tracked comets endures, but recent evidence hints the Maya tracked related meteor showers.

Life

50 years ago, flesh-eating screwworms pushed scientists to mass produce flies

"Fly factories” dreamed up in the early 1970s have helped North and Central America keep screwworms in check for decades.

Space

50 years ago, cosmic rays may have caused Apollo astronauts to see lights

Apollo astronauts reported seeing flashes of light where there were none. Fifty years later, the flashes still mess with modern astronauts’ vision.

Health & Medicine

50 years ago, enzyme injections showed promise for treating a rare disease

Enzyme replacement can offer relief to people with rare diseases. Now, scientists have found a way to treat one disease before a person is even born.