1) The recent advancements in space exploration include missions to Mars by various space agencies, such as NASA's Perseverance rover landing on Mars in 2021, aiming to explore the planet's geology and search for signs of past microbial life.

2) In Norse mythology, the World Tree, known as Yggdrasil, is a massive ash tree that connects the nine realms of existence. It is considered the center of the cosmos and serves as a conduit between different realms, including Asgard (realm of the gods), Midgard (realm of humans), and Helheim (realm of the dead).

3) The role of the judiciary is to interpret laws, resolve disputes, and ensure justice in accordance with legal principles and the constitution. It serves as a check on the executive and legislative branches of government.

4) The universe is estimated to be around 13.8 billion years old.