Nuclear breakthrough. Scientists in California¹ have got 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 should be able to 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's first vaccine to combat the deadly disease has been created. Combined with mosquito nets, it 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.. Most of space is a vacuum where nothing can be heard, but the Perseus galaxy has enough gas and dust 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 the CO₂, which is mixed with water and pumped underground. There it reacts with basalt rock and turns into stone. 

Tissue issue. Scientists have long tried to grow tendonsFlexible tissue that attaches muscles to bones. in laboratories to use in transplants. They are now growing them on an artificial skeleton with movements like a human's.

Carbon catalyst. A lot of global warming is caused by the methane from burping cows. The Zelp mask turns the methane into CO² and water vapour. It 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. By shining concentrated light on the skin they can work out whether marks on it are cancerous.

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.