PreviousDays✦THE WIKI
← All historyTHE ARCHIVE · 6 STORIES

Since 2000

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MOMENTS FROM THIS ERA

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6 illustrated stories · growing daily
A Chinese researcher examines a flask beside leafy plant specimens and laboratory glassware.Medicine & Scientific Discovery

Tu Youyou’s artemisinin research receives Nobel recognition

The Nobel medicine announcement on 5 October 2015 recognised Tu Youyou’s discovery of artemisinin. Her work combined historical Chinese medical literature with extraction experiments, purification and testing to develop an important antimalarial drug.

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Two tennis players in white embrace across a grass-court net as spectators applaud.Sport & Remarkable Records

Isner and Mahut finish Wimbledon's 70–68 final set

On 24 June 2010, John Isner defeated Nicolas Mahut in a Wimbledon first-round match that had begun two days earlier. The fifth set ended 70–68, and the match's recorded playing time reached 11 hours and 5 minutes.

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A king penguin stands on a path between a keeper and Norwegian ceremonial guards.Animals & Ceremonial Traditions

Nils Olav the penguin is knighted at Edinburgh Zoo

On 15 August 2008, a king penguin named Nils Olav received a ceremonial knighthood at Edinburgh Zoo. The honor continued a decades-long connection between the zoo and Norway's King's Guard.

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A Kenyan woman holds a rooted seedling while women tend saplings in a community nursery.Environment & Society

Wangari Maathai’s Nobel Peace Prize announcement

The Nobel Peace Prize announcement of 8 October 2004 recognised Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai, connecting environmental stewardship with democracy, livelihoods and peace.

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An Australian short-track skater trails four tightly grouped competitors approaching a bend.Sport & Unexpected Outcomes

Steven Bradbury’s 2002 Olympic Short-Track Gold Medal

On 16 February 2002, Steven Bradbury won Australia’s first Winter Olympic gold medal. Trailing the field in the 1,000-metre final, he avoided a collision involving all four opponents at the final bend.

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A lone determined swimmer crosses a teal pool lane while spectators applaud in a softly lit aquatic arena.Sport & Human Determination

Eric Moussambani's lone Olympic heat at Sydney 2000

On 19 September 2000, Eric Moussambani swam an Olympic 100-metre freestyle heat alone after both opponents were disqualified. His finish became a memorable example of determination, while also illustrating the difference between winning a heat and qualifying for the next round.

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