Was 2022 a turning point? From medicine to space exploration and the quest for a carbon-neutral world, scientists have made extraordinary breakthroughs in the last 12 months.
Review of the year: scintillating science
Was 2022 a turning point? From medicine to space exploration and the quest for a carbon-neutral world, scientists have made extraordinary breakthroughs in the last 12 months.
While anxiety about climate change grew, and large parts of the world continued to struggle with Covid-19, there were some awe-inspiring scientific achievements that offer hope for the future.
Nuclear breakthrough. Reports emerged on Monday1 that scientists in California2 had succeeded in producing more energy from a nuclear fusion reaction than they put into it. The process involves smashing together light elements such as hydrogen to form heavier elements. A small cup of the hydrogen fuel could theoretically power a house for centuries without any carbon emissionsWhen a gas is let off from something, like a car, it is an emission. Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming..
Malaria milestone. The World Health Organisation approved the world's first vaccine to combat the deadly disease. At present malaria kills more than 600,000 people a year. Combined with mosquito nets, the vaccine could reduce deaths by 70%.
Black noise. Astronomers have managed to reproduce the sound of a black holeA region of space where the force of gravity is such that no matter or radiation can escape. after measuring pressure waves with a space telescope. Although most of space is a vacuum where nothing can be heard, there is enough gas and dust in the Perseus galaxy to support soundwaves.
Moon soon. NasaThe National Aeronautics and Space Administration, responsible for the US space programme. launched its most powerful rocket yet as a first step towards revisiting the Moon. Artemis sent the astronaut capsule Orion into an orbit 45,000 miles from the lunar surface.
Basalt assault. The world's largest factory for removing carbon from the air opened in Iceland. An air filter captures CO2 molecules; they are then mixed with water which is pumped underground to react with basalt rock, eventually turning into stone.
Tissue issue. Scientists have long tried to grow tendonsFlexible tissue that attaches muscles to bones. in laboratories for use in transplants. A technique has now been developed to grow them on an artificial skeleton whose movements simulate those of a human.
Carbon catalyst. The methane produced when cows burp is a major factor in global warming. The newly invented Zelp mask contains a catalyst which oxidises the methane and releases it into the air as CO2 and water vapour. The mask, which can reduce the impact of emissions by a factor of 85 over 20 years, fits the cow comfortably without stopping it from feeding.
Cancer detector. Scientists have come up with a way of detecting skin cancer using the same technology as airport scanners. It takes just 20 seconds to discover whether lesionsAn area of abnormal tissue in the body, caused by injury or disease. are cancerous.
<h5 class=" eplus-wrapper" id="question"><strong>Was 2022 a turning point?</strong></h5>
Yes: Nuclear fusion has been called the Holy Grail of energy research, and could end our dependence on fossil fuels for ever. The malaria vaccine will save an enormous number of lives.
No: Brilliant though these achievements are, they all need further development, and it will be years before they have a significant effect on our lives. Only then will a turning point be reached.
Or... "Turning point" is an odd phrase to use in this context. Science is about moving forward and building on previous discoveries, not about changing direction altogether.
Carbon emissions - When a gas is let off from something, like a car, it is an emission. Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
Black hole - A region of space where the force of gravity is such that no matter or radiation can escape.
Nasa - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, responsible for the US space programme.
Tendons - Flexible tissue that attaches muscles to bones.
Lesions - An area of abnormal tissue in the body, caused by injury or disease.
Review of the year: scintillating science

Glossary
Carbon emissions - When a gas is let off from something, like a car, it is an emission. Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
Black hole - A region of space where the force of gravity is such that no matter or radiation can escape.
Nasa - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, responsible for the US space programme.
Tendons - Flexible tissue that attaches muscles to bones.
Lesions - An area of abnormal tissue in the body, caused by injury or disease.