Year in Review Science & Society

6 surprising records science set in 2021

Ancient DNA from a mammoth molar and a new source of gravitational waves made the list

Illustration of a black hole

The new record holder for oldest black hole (illustrated) is called J0313-1806.

NOIRLAB/NSF AND AURA, J. DA SILVA

By Erika Engelhaupt

From a record-setting black hole to the oldest animal DNA ever recovered, discoveries in 2021 stretched the limits of scientific study — and our imaginations.

Oldest behemoth black hole

More than 13 billion years ago, when the universe was a mere 670 million years old, a black hole was born.