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. On Monday¹ reports emerged 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, releasing a huge burst of energy. A small cup of the hydrogen fuel could theoretically power a house for centuries without any carbon emissions.

Malaria milestone. In October the World Health Organisation approved the world's first vaccine to combat the deadly mosquito-borne disease. At present malaria kills more than 600,000 people a year, most of them children under five. Combined with preventative measures such as bed nets, the vaccine is expected to reduce deaths by up to 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. at the centre of the Perseus galaxy. Although most of space is a vacuum where nothing can be heard, there is enough gas and dust in Perseus to provide a medium for soundwaves. The scientists took pressure waves measured by the Chandra X-Ray Observatory space telescope and made them audible by raising them 57 octaves above their real pitch.

Moon soon. NasaThe National Aeronautics and Space Administration, responsible for the US space programme. launched its most powerful rocket yet on an unmanned mission which was the first step towards revisiting the Moon. Artemis sent the astronaut capsule Orion into an orbit 45,000 miles from the lunar surface - further than any craft designed for humans has ever travelled.

Basalt assault. The world's largest factory for removing carbon from the air opened in Iceland. Air is sucked through a filter which captures CO₂ molecules; they are then mixed with water which is pumped underground to react with basalt rock, eventually turning into stone. The plant runs on carbon-free electricity from a geothermalProduced by the internal heat of the Earth. power plant.  

Tissue issue. Scientists have long tried to grow tendonsFlexible tissue that attaches muscles to bones. in laboratories for use in transplants. The problem was making them strong enough, since naturally grown tissues are constantly compressed, stretched and twisted. 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 device for detecting skin cancer without the need for a biopsyAn examination of tissue removed from a person to see if there are signs of disease. . Using millimetre-wave light - the same technology as airport scanners - it takes just 20 seconds to examine lesions and determine whether they are cancerous or not.

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.