I actually think the bigger problem comes not from any specific scientific discoveries, but from the pace of modern scientific expansion and technological growth.  Traditional Judaism was very skilled at adapting to gradual change,  incorporating necessary innovations while formally keeping the system "unchanged."  (My understanding is that despite the formal closing of "the gates of itjihad", traditional Islamic law found ways to innovate as well.)  However, when faced with a radical change, such as the emancipation of the ghetto, or changes in the ancient math of reproductive biology, the traditional system broke down.  Liberals discarded elements of the faith inconsistent with new scientific and social truths.  Fundamentalists rejected acceptance of these new truths as incomptable with faith.  Traditionalists are left in an increasingly untenable middle ground, which is why they have lost ground to both sides.