50 Years Ago

Environment

50 years ago, protests and promises launched the Trans-Alaska Pipeline

50 years ago, the upcoming Trans-Alaska Pipeline prompted an economic boom amid outrage from environmental and Native American groups.

Health & Medicine

50 years ago, scientists debated the necessity of a smallpox vaccine

In 1970, scientists debated the necessity of routine smallpox vaccinations as the disease declined. Fifty years later, the debate continues.

Space

The sterile moon may still hold hints of how life began on Earth

50 years ago, scientists found no signs of life on the moon. Today, lunar mission regulations may be relaxed in light of that fact.

Space

50 years ago, scientists didn’t know where heavy elements came from

Five decades ago, scientists suspected ordinary supernovas created heavy elements. Now we know they don’t, but merging neutron stars do.

Humans

50 years ago, income inequality was severe in the U.S. It still is

In 1969, lower-income households tended to be nonwhite and in the U.S. South. That still holds true today.

Climate

50 years ago, scientists puzzled over a slight global cooling

Five decades ago, scientists were puzzled over a slight dip in global temperatures. Today we know it was just a blip, and that Earth’s climate is warming thanks to industrial activity over the last century.

Health & Medicine

50 years ago, cancer vaccines were a dream

Researchers are now prodding the immune system to fight cancer, reviving the longtime dream of creating cancer vaccines.

Earth

50 years ago, an Antarctic fossil pointed to Gondwanaland’s existence

Fifty years ago, fossils from Antarctica helped seal the deal that the southern continents were once connected in one, giant landmass called Gondwanaland.

Health & Medicine

50 years ago, scientists warned of marijuana’s effects on the unborn

In 1969, scientists warned about prenatal marijuana exposure. Researchers today are still untangling drug’s effect on fetuses.

Health & Medicine

50 years ago, polio was still circulating in the United States

The world has never been closer to eradicating polio, but the disease could come roaring back where vaccination is spotty.

Life

50 years ago, scientists thought they knew why geckos had sticky feet

50 years ago, scientists thought gecko feet had suction cups that allowed the animals to stick to surfaces. Today we know tiny hairs do the job.

Physics

50 years ago, Fermilab turned to bubbles

The National Accelerator Laboratory, now called Fermilab, used to have a bubble chamber to study particles. Today, most bubble chambers have gone flat.