Are we living in a golden age? This has been a year of stunning science and amazing medicine. Many think this could be the best period in Earth’s history for new knowledge.
2025 in science: AI and animal testing
Testing testing: One hundred years ago, there was no such thing as antibiotics. Today, we have gene therapies for rare diseases. Glossary
Dr Faustus - An Elizabethan tragedy by playwright Christopher Marlowe, about a scholar who makes a pact with the devil.
Frankenstein - A novel about a scientist who builds a monster out of different human body parts. The name “Frankenstein” refers to the monster’s creator rather than the creature itself.
nuclear fusion - A potential means of generating nuclear power by combining two atoms to produce a new atom as well as a large amount of energy. It mimics the way in which stars produce energy.
Plasma - a gas charged with electricity, found in stars such as the Sun. Physicists regard it as a state of matter, along with gas, liquid and solid.
Genetic disorders - A health problem caused by a mutation or abnormality in your genes. Some genetic disorders are inherited from your parents, while other mutations may happen randomly.
Blight - Something that causes serious harm or ruins something (a major problem).
Defective - Not working.
Gaggle - A noisy, crowded group of people (often used humorously).
Antarctic - The ship taking the expedition crew back to Russia was not due to arrive for another year.
Raft - A flat floating platform (or simple boat) used on water; also, a large amount or number of something.
Microplastics - Microplastics are fragments of degraded plastic that are less than five millimetres in length. They are blown into the atmosphere and transported by ocean currents.
Exoplanet - A planet that orbits a star outside of our solar system. The radio frequency detected was too precise to be made by nature alone.
Enzymes - Proteins that act as a biological catalyst, accelerating chemical reactions.
Salamanders - A group of amphibians with a lizard-like appearance.
Appendages - Body parts that stick out from the main body, such as arms, legs, hands, feet, wings, or tails.