"With science on our side, we can defeat this virus."

The words of one of Britain's top politiciansSomeone whose job it is to be involved in running a country. Politicians try to persuade people they have the best ideas to run the country. rang out. In 2021, one story dominated headlines. Scientists around the world searched for the origins of Covid-19, distributed vaccines, announced new variants and tested treatments. Politicians and journalists alike watched their every move, reporting ferventlyVery enthusiastically or passionately. It originates from the Latin fervere, meaning to boil.  on developments.  

Coronavirus is not the only field scientists have worked on. From climate change to dinosaurs, here are seven scientific breakthroughs this year: 

Malaria vaccine. A vaccine for malaria would soon be rolled out to children across sub-Saharan Africa, announced the World Health Organisation in October. Malaria has devastated humanity for thousands of years. The success of programmes in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi is one of medicine's greatest achievements. 

Robot reproduction. Xenobots, tiny living robots formed from the stem cellsUnspecialised cells that have the ability to develop into different types of cell. of frogs, were unveiled to the world last year. Now, they have demonstrated a new form of biological reproduction: collecting loose stem cells into piles which mature into offspring. Academics think the discovery could one day revolutionise climate science and regenerative medicineThe branch of medicine developing new methods to regrow, replace or repair damaged or diseased cells, organs and tissues. . 

Climate shapeshifters. Animals are having to adapt faster than ever to survive on a warming planet. Some warm-blooded creatures are evolving larger beaks, legs and ears to help get rid of heat. 

Covid-19 pill. Molnupiravir could be a "gamechanger". The drug is the first antiviral treatment for Covid-19 that can be taken as a pill. It targets an enzymeA protein that acts as a biological catalyst, accelerating chemical reactions.  the virus uses to copy itself and prevents the disease from multiplying. 

Far, far away. Nasa may have discovered the first planet outside our galaxy. If proved, it would be an extraordinary find. Most known exoplanetsThe name given to any planets that exist outside the solar system. are less than 3,000 light years away. Meanwhile, M51-ULS-1b is 28 million light years away. 

Paralysis cure? Scientists are a "step closer to reversing paralysis" in humans after a single injection allowed paralysed mice to walk again. The central nervous system cannot repair itself. The new therapy harnessed "dancing molecules" to communicate with the body's cells. Drug developers want to start trials on people. 

Welsh dragon. A tiny dinosaur has been identified as the oldest meat-eating dinosaur in the UK. Pendraig milneraePendraig means chief dragon in Middle Welsh. The dinosaur's name also honours palaeontologist Angela Milner. , a chicken-sized theropod, lived in Wales over 200 million years ago. This is a "golden age" for British palaeontologyThe scientific study of prehistoric species. It focuses mainly on data from fossils.. Finds on the Isle of Wight include two new spinosaurids and an Iguanodon relative. "British dinosaurs are certainly not something that's done and dusted at all. I think we are onto a new renaissance."

Yes. Leaders are faced with two major crises: Covid-19 and climate change. In response, many turn to the higher power of "science". They follow the words of advisors. It is the same faith that others put in established religions. 

No. It is about curiosity, questioning and rational disagreement. Politicians have forgotten the nature of science. Individuals can be on somebody's side, but "the science" cannot. Blindly following science like a divine authority is absurd.