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22 Things That Happened for the First Time in 2019 22 Things That Happened for the First Time in 2019
(30 days later)
1. Scientists release first-ever image of black hole1. Scientists release first-ever image of black hole
For the first time, astronomers released an image of a black hole — something that has eluded scientists for more than half a century. An international effort involving eight radio observatories across four continents observed the black hole located in Messier 87, a large galaxy some 55 million light-years away from Earth, over 10 days in April 2017. But it took two years of computer analysis to piece together the image, which was released in April this year.For the first time, astronomers released an image of a black hole — something that has eluded scientists for more than half a century. An international effort involving eight radio observatories across four continents observed the black hole located in Messier 87, a large galaxy some 55 million light-years away from Earth, over 10 days in April 2017. But it took two years of computer analysis to piece together the image, which was released in April this year.
2. New treatment for peanut allergies2. New treatment for peanut allergies
The Food and Drug Administration has recommended the approval of the first drug for treating peanut allergies in children. As of 2017, there were about 1.2 million children in the United States with allergies to peanuts, some of them life-threatening. The new drug, Palforzia, is supposed to reduce the risks of a fatal peanut-allergy reaction in children ages 4 to 17.The Food and Drug Administration has recommended the approval of the first drug for treating peanut allergies in children. As of 2017, there were about 1.2 million children in the United States with allergies to peanuts, some of them life-threatening. The new drug, Palforzia, is supposed to reduce the risks of a fatal peanut-allergy reaction in children ages 4 to 17.
3. Aston Martin unveils its first-ever electric car3. Aston Martin unveils its first-ever electric car
The world may not be enough, but James Bond is poised to do his part to help keep it green. Aston Martin, the British maker of the sports car that the secret agent drives onscreen, revealed its first electric car, the Rapide E, at the Shanghai Auto Show in April. The car, which costs $326,000, can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under four seconds and has a maximum speed of 155 m.p.h. — plenty fast for all those car chases.The world may not be enough, but James Bond is poised to do his part to help keep it green. Aston Martin, the British maker of the sports car that the secret agent drives onscreen, revealed its first electric car, the Rapide E, at the Shanghai Auto Show in April. The car, which costs $326,000, can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under four seconds and has a maximum speed of 155 m.p.h. — plenty fast for all those car chases.
4. Rihanna is first woman of color to head a fashion house at LVMH4. Rihanna is first woman of color to head a fashion house at LVMH
Rihanna’s Fenty brand has joined fashion forces with LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury group, and in doing so, the artist has accomplished many firsts. She is the first woman to originate a brand at LVMH and the first woman of color at the head of a fashion house there. Fenty is also the first brand that earned its chops on the social media stage to be backed by one of the major luxury conglomerates.Rihanna’s Fenty brand has joined fashion forces with LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury group, and in doing so, the artist has accomplished many firsts. She is the first woman to originate a brand at LVMH and the first woman of color at the head of a fashion house there. Fenty is also the first brand that earned its chops on the social media stage to be backed by one of the major luxury conglomerates.
5. A ban on facial recognition software5. A ban on facial recognition software
San Francisco became the first major American city to ban the use of facial recognition software by the police and other government agencies. Officials and civil liberty groups cited growing unease about the potential abuse of the technology, which is popular among law enforcement and has been used to help identify suspects involved in a range of offenses, from petty crimes to mass shootings. Critics of the ban say the city should be doing more to enact laws that enable police to use the technology responsibly.San Francisco became the first major American city to ban the use of facial recognition software by the police and other government agencies. Officials and civil liberty groups cited growing unease about the potential abuse of the technology, which is popular among law enforcement and has been used to help identify suspects involved in a range of offenses, from petty crimes to mass shootings. Critics of the ban say the city should be doing more to enact laws that enable police to use the technology responsibly.
6. Jeff Koons sculpture breaks auction record6. Jeff Koons sculpture breaks auction record
“Rabbit,” a stainless-steel sculpture the artist Jeff Koons created in 1986, set a world record when it sold for $91.1 million, including fees, in May, making it the most expensive work sold at auction by a living artist. The art dealer Robert E. Mnuchin, the father of Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, purchased the sculpture for an undisclosed client.“Rabbit,” a stainless-steel sculpture the artist Jeff Koons created in 1986, set a world record when it sold for $91.1 million, including fees, in May, making it the most expensive work sold at auction by a living artist. The art dealer Robert E. Mnuchin, the father of Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, purchased the sculpture for an undisclosed client.
7. Rare albino panda spotted in China7. Rare albino panda spotted in China
An albino panda, the first of its kind to be captured on camera, was spotted at a natural reserve in the Sichuan Province of China. Although brown-and-white pandas have been observed in northwestern China, this is the first time an all-white panda has been recorded.An albino panda, the first of its kind to be captured on camera, was spotted at a natural reserve in the Sichuan Province of China. Although brown-and-white pandas have been observed in northwestern China, this is the first time an all-white panda has been recorded.
8. Mexico’s cultural minister calls out design house for cultural appropriation8. Mexico’s cultural minister calls out design house for cultural appropriation
The cultural minister of Mexico accused the New York-based luxury brand Carolina Herrera of cultural appropriation after the design house unveiled a resort 2020 collection earlier this year that featured embroidery and prominent patterns used by indigenous communities in Mexico. Although fashion history is rife with accusations of cultural appropriation and insensitivity, this is the first time a government has entered the fray.The cultural minister of Mexico accused the New York-based luxury brand Carolina Herrera of cultural appropriation after the design house unveiled a resort 2020 collection earlier this year that featured embroidery and prominent patterns used by indigenous communities in Mexico. Although fashion history is rife with accusations of cultural appropriation and insensitivity, this is the first time a government has entered the fray.
9. China makes historic first landing on far side of the moon9. China makes historic first landing on far side of the moon
China’s Chang’e-4 spacecraft landed on the moon in early January with the mission to explore the terrain on the moon’s mysterious far side. The landing marks China’s second successful lunar mission. Another attempt at a lunar landing — this time, by India, in September — fizzled, when communication between mission control and the spacecraft fell silent within its being 1.3 miles of the moon’s surface.China’s Chang’e-4 spacecraft landed on the moon in early January with the mission to explore the terrain on the moon’s mysterious far side. The landing marks China’s second successful lunar mission. Another attempt at a lunar landing — this time, by India, in September — fizzled, when communication between mission control and the spacecraft fell silent within its being 1.3 miles of the moon’s surface.
10. Female imams lead prayer service for first time in France10. Female imams lead prayer service for first time in France
Two female imams led prayers in front of a mixed-gender congregation in September, marking the first time women have led services in France. The women, who converted to Islam about 10 years ago, are striving to build a more modern and inclusive version of Islam.Two female imams led prayers in front of a mixed-gender congregation in September, marking the first time women have led services in France. The women, who converted to Islam about 10 years ago, are striving to build a more modern and inclusive version of Islam.
11. Compasses in Greenwich point to true north11. Compasses in Greenwich point to true north
For the first time in 360 years, true north and compass north aligned in Greenwich, England. Earth has two north poles: a geographic north and a magnetic north. Most of the time, compasses don’t point to true north; instead, they point to the Earth’s magnetic pole, which shifts because of the planet’s magnetic liquid core.For the first time in 360 years, true north and compass north aligned in Greenwich, England. Earth has two north poles: a geographic north and a magnetic north. Most of the time, compasses don’t point to true north; instead, they point to the Earth’s magnetic pole, which shifts because of the planet’s magnetic liquid core.
12. For the first time, the U.S. sells rice to China12. For the first time, the U.S. sells rice to China
A private importer from China purchased roughly 40 metric tons of rice from the California-based Sun Valley Rice in July, a first. China is the world’s largest rice grower and consumer, producing almost 150 million metric tons of rice in 2018-19.A private importer from China purchased roughly 40 metric tons of rice from the California-based Sun Valley Rice in July, a first. China is the world’s largest rice grower and consumer, producing almost 150 million metric tons of rice in 2018-19.
13. Pigs seen using tools for the first time13. Pigs seen using tools for the first time
A study published in Mammalian Biology this year reported that an endangered pig species, the Visayan warty pig, was recorded using tools. A conservation ecologist witnessed a female pig using a stick inside her snout to dig in her enclosure at a zoo in Paris.A study published in Mammalian Biology this year reported that an endangered pig species, the Visayan warty pig, was recorded using tools. A conservation ecologist witnessed a female pig using a stick inside her snout to dig in her enclosure at a zoo in Paris.
14. World’s biggest airplane takes first flight ever14. World’s biggest airplane takes first flight ever
The Stratolaunch, the world’s biggest airplane, took its maiden voyage in April in California’s Mojave Desert. The aircraft, which weighs 500,000 pounds and has two fuselages, is designed to launch rockets into orbit while airborne, but it went sans rockets for its first flight. Stratolaunch was founded by Paul Allen, the late Microsoft co-founder, in 2011.The Stratolaunch, the world’s biggest airplane, took its maiden voyage in April in California’s Mojave Desert. The aircraft, which weighs 500,000 pounds and has two fuselages, is designed to launch rockets into orbit while airborne, but it went sans rockets for its first flight. Stratolaunch was founded by Paul Allen, the late Microsoft co-founder, in 2011.
15. A kidney is delivered by drone15. A kidney is delivered by drone
For the first time, a specially built drone delivered a donated kidney that was later used in a successful transplant surgery at the University of Maryland Medical Center. The drone was equipped with complex monitoring equipment, backup batteries and even a parachute to make the 2.8-mile flight. While unmanned aircraft may be the ideal delivery system for transplant organs, there are still challenges to overcome — such as contending with busy airspace and federal regulations — before their use becomes routine.For the first time, a specially built drone delivered a donated kidney that was later used in a successful transplant surgery at the University of Maryland Medical Center. The drone was equipped with complex monitoring equipment, backup batteries and even a parachute to make the 2.8-mile flight. While unmanned aircraft may be the ideal delivery system for transplant organs, there are still challenges to overcome — such as contending with busy airspace and federal regulations — before their use becomes routine.
16. Researchers eliminate H.I.V. from infected mice16. Researchers eliminate H.I.V. from infected mice
Researchers in the United States say they have eliminated H.I.V. from infected mice for the first time, marking yet another promising step toward a cure. The treatment involved the administration of antiretroviral drugs in a therapy known as LASER, followed by the use of the Crispr gene-editing tool to remove any remaining H.I.V. from the mice’s DNA, resulting in one-third of the mice testing H.I.V.-free.Researchers in the United States say they have eliminated H.I.V. from infected mice for the first time, marking yet another promising step toward a cure. The treatment involved the administration of antiretroviral drugs in a therapy known as LASER, followed by the use of the Crispr gene-editing tool to remove any remaining H.I.V. from the mice’s DNA, resulting in one-third of the mice testing H.I.V.-free.
17. A milk chocolate icon got a new look17. A milk chocolate icon got a new look
For the first time in the company’s history, Hershey changed the look of its famous chocolate bar, replacing its logo with popular emojis for a limited time. The confection was first sold in 1900.For the first time in the company’s history, Hershey changed the look of its famous chocolate bar, replacing its logo with popular emojis for a limited time. The confection was first sold in 1900.
18. A royal first on Instagram18. A royal first on Instagram
Queen Elizabeth II posted for the first time on Instagram in March, sharing a photograph of a letter written to Prince Albert — the husband of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth’s great-great-grandfather — in 1843 that was part of an exhibit at London’s Science Museum.Queen Elizabeth II posted for the first time on Instagram in March, sharing a photograph of a letter written to Prince Albert — the husband of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth’s great-great-grandfather — in 1843 that was part of an exhibit at London’s Science Museum.
19. First proven malaria vaccine begins African rollout19. First proven malaria vaccine begins African rollout
The world’s first proven malaria vaccine was introduced in April in Malawi, the first of three African countries to partake in the landmark pilot program. The RTS,S vaccine, which has been shown to prevent malaria in 4 out of 10 cases, was first developed in 1987, but it took more than three decades and $700 million for it to be deployed on a large scale.The world’s first proven malaria vaccine was introduced in April in Malawi, the first of three African countries to partake in the landmark pilot program. The RTS,S vaccine, which has been shown to prevent malaria in 4 out of 10 cases, was first developed in 1987, but it took more than three decades and $700 million for it to be deployed on a large scale.
20. New dinosaur species unearthed in Japan and Canada 20. Ancient species unearthed in Japan and Canada
Two new species of dinosaurs were discovered this year in Japan and Canada. According to Hokkaido University in Japan, researchers unearthed a new type of duck-billed herbivorous dinosaur, the largest ever found in the island nation. And in Canada, a new type of flying dinosaur — its scientific name translates to “frozen dragon of the north wind” — with a wingspan the size of a small plane was discovered. Two creatures that lived millions of years ago were identified this year in Japan and Canada. According to Hokkaido University in Japan, researchers unearthed a new type of duck-billed herbivorous dinosaur, the largest ever found in the island nation. And in Canada, a new type of flying reptile — its scientific name translates to “frozen dragon of the north wind” — with a wingspan the size of a small plane was discovered.
21. Saudi Arabia opens up for tourism21. Saudi Arabia opens up for tourism
Saudi Arabia has made visas available for foreign tourists interested in visiting for nonreligious reasons, a first for the conservative kingdom. The visas are widely viewed as part of the country’s attempt to shift away from its economic dependence on oil, as well as its effort to modernize and counter critics who are skeptical of its human rights record. Under the plan, foreign female tourists are not required to wear the abaya — the head-to-toe covering that is mandatory for Saudi women when appearing in public — but they are expected to dress modestly.Saudi Arabia has made visas available for foreign tourists interested in visiting for nonreligious reasons, a first for the conservative kingdom. The visas are widely viewed as part of the country’s attempt to shift away from its economic dependence on oil, as well as its effort to modernize and counter critics who are skeptical of its human rights record. Under the plan, foreign female tourists are not required to wear the abaya — the head-to-toe covering that is mandatory for Saudi women when appearing in public — but they are expected to dress modestly.
22. Two women make historic NASA spacewalk22. Two women make historic NASA spacewalk
Astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir completed the first all-woman spacewalk in NASA’s history in October. They headed outside of the International Space Station to repair a power controller. Women weren’t allowed to join NASA’s astronaut program until 1978.Astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir completed the first all-woman spacewalk in NASA’s history in October. They headed outside of the International Space Station to repair a power controller. Women weren’t allowed to join NASA’s astronaut program until 1978.