Historical mysteries solved by science in 2025

Researchers studied fossils, well-preserved remains and even a single fingerprint to solve some of history’s long-standing mysteries this year.

A Pompeii site reveals the recipe for Roman concrete. It contradicts a famous architect’s writings

Excavations of an ancient construction site in Pompeii have revealed the process of how Romans mixed their self-healing concrete.
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NASA acting head asks staff to take ‘inspiration’ from DOGE efforts as lawmakers cite Musk’s conflict of interest

Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. In a Friday ...

Discovery of ancient bee nests in fossils points to a never-before-seen behavior

In a Caribbean cave, researchers discovered hundreds of fossils with bee nests within them. It is the first time this behavior has been recorded, a new study finds.
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‘It became a lifestyle’: Man describes injecting himself with snake venom

Tim Friede, a self-taught snake expert from California, injected himself with snake venom more than 650 times over the course of nearly two decades. Now, experts hope his experiments and blood can ...
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‘No legitimate rationale’: Lawmakers raise concerns over what NASA won’t say about DOGE

Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. Some House ...

Some dolphins appear to have orca friends. Scientists think they have figured out what’s going on

Scientists say dolphins and orcas have teamed up to hunt salmon off British Columbia. It’s the first time such behavior has been documented between the two mammals.
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Scientists solve centuries-old mystery of how a cucumber explosively squirts its seeds

Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. An odd little gourd ...
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Ancient ‘terror birds’ were giant apex predators. Suspected new species is among the largest ever known

Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. Millions of years ...

How to see the Ursids, the final meteor shower of 2025

The Ursids will peak around the time of the winter solstice under dark skies with chances of enhanced meteor activity.