Amidst Adversity: Scientific Breakthroughs of 2025

In 2025, science faces numerous challenges, ranging from vaccine skepticism within the U.S. government to the ongoing global inertia in addressing climate change. Those who value logic and empirical evidence must rally against this growing adversity. New Scientist not only highlights these issues but also celebrates the awe and curiosity elicited by space exploration.

As you prepare to indulge in the joyful festivities represented in our Double Vacation issue, it’s essential to recognize the threats encountered by those passionate about science. The past year has been riddled with stark instances of scientific principles being distorted and misapplied.

The degradation of U.S. scientific integrity under President Donald Trump is glaring, even for those outside the country (see “Donald Trump and Elon Musk jeopardize science in 2025”). For many years, the U.S. has been a significant funder of scientific research, benefiting both the nation and many others. However, that narrative shifted dramatically this year. By severely cutting funding (or, in Elon Musk’s case, going as far as using a chainsaw), numerous breakthroughs will remain undiscovered, essential medicines will go untested, and technological advancements will stagnate, ultimately impoverishing us.

While government funding is crucial, it’s not the sole source. Two articles this year underscore the risks inherent in relying on corporate interests for scientific funding. If you are a regular reader of New Scientist, you may have encountered Colossal Biosciences, a U.S. company that claims to work on “de-extinction” of endangered species (see “De-extinction of endangered species captivated 2025, yet fell short of expectations”). One of their most talked-about acts this year was the introduction of genetically modified gray wolves named Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi.

Colossal asserted that these were the first extant dire wolves since their extinction 10,000 years ago—a claim fervently endorsed by global media despite backlash from independent scientists. In the ongoing struggle between fact and spectacle, it seems the latter continues to prevail.

A similar scenario unfolded in a British documentary that aired in November, entitled Hitler’s DNA: The Dictator’s Blueprint. Although the scientists succeeded in identifying and sequencing the genome of the infamous dictator, the sensationalistic interpretations asserting potential schizophrenia or autism cast doubt on the credibility of their findings. While the documentary and its distressing headlines have faded, the scientific paper that would allow us to critically assess the study’s conclusions is still forthcoming.

On another front, progress in climate action is evident. Science and public policy have been effectively aligned since the Paris Agreement, which was designed to limit global warming to below 1.5°C. Unfortunately, it appears this goal is not being realized.

The Paris Agreement includes a “ratchet” mechanism aimed at holding nations accountable for making new commitments every five years to combat climate change. Regrettably, about 95% of countries failed to meet their deadlines by February, with only around 60% making progress before the COP30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil, in November.

The retreat didn’t stop there. As we approached the end of 2024, we urged Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to “take the stage with solemn world leaders who have concrete plans to improve and publicly recognize the failures of the COP process thus far.” Yet, countries could not even reach a consensus on the inclusion of “fossil fuels” in the final COP30 document.

But let’s shift focus from the gloom for a moment. After all, it’s a festive time, and there’s much to celebrate! Another significant theme of 2025 is the centennial of quantum mechanics, extensively covered in our special issue in April. The year concludes with the exciting revelation that a thought experiment conceived by Einstein and Bohr has come to fruition (see “Quantum experiment resolves century-long tension between Einstein and Bohr”). This certainly confirms the strangeness of quantum mechanics!

Other delightful news in 2025 includes the ongoing success of GLP-1 medications not only aiding weight loss but also treating a myriad of conditions (see “The transformative potential of GLP-1 drugs skyrocketed in 2025”) and, in perhaps a playful twist, individuals being able to perceive entirely new colors (see “New colors witnessed by people for the first time in 2025”).

This issue offers an enticing array of content to please both your palate and your intellect during the holiday season. If you’re in the mood for a fresh take on Charles Dickens, explore “How Three Imaginary Physics Demons Tear the Laws of Nature Apart,” which tells the tale of three demons haunting a physicist. As you unwind after another frenetic year, consider a novel approach to meditation for those with limited time (see “Too Busy to Meditate? Microdosing Mindfulness Packs Major Health Benefits”). Learn about the top careers in science at the Touch and Tickle lab, with insights on “What the Evolution of Tickling Reveals About Being Human.” Finally, why not quench your thirst with the world’s oldest beer (see: “Did ancient peoples begin farming to increase their beer consumption?”)?

As we set our sights on 2026 and the challenges that lie ahead, let’s not forget the immense power and wonder that science holds. Despite skepticism and negativity, scientific research and the knowledge it imparts remain unrivaled in understanding and improving our world. Though it may take time to witness results—much like the century-spanning gap between Einstein and Bohr’s debate and its resolution—science exists to serve, save, and bring joy to us all.

Here’s to hoping for better fortune in the coming year, or at the very least, a more advantageous outcome from random chance.