Celebrity Astronauts and the Year's Big Moments

AI’s Sputnik Moment

In 2025, the world witnessed a significant shift in the technological landscape, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence. One of the most notable events was when Chinese tech startup DeepSeek launched their reasoning model R1 in January. This model was more efficient, faster, and cheaper than ChatGPT, challenging the dominance of US AI companies. The global markets responded swiftly, with Nvidia, a key player in the US AI strategy, losing $600 billion in value in a single day. However, the US tech sector rebounded, becoming richer than ever just 11 months later.

Colossal’s Mammoth Achievement

Colossal Biosciences made headlines last year by bringing back dire wolves from extinction through gene editing. This year, the company focused on the woolly mammoth, creating "woolly mice" with long fur using the same technique. Their next goal is to apply this process to elephant DNA, potentially reviving the woolly mammoth.

Groundbreaking Fertility Treatment

In September, researchers at Oregon Health and Science University achieved a milestone in fertility treatment. They created functioning human eggs from reprogrammed skin cells capable of being fertilized with sperm. This breakthrough could offer new options for individuals unable to produce eggs, transforming the field of reproductive medicine.

Perry in Space

Katy Perry's brief journey to space in April was a memorable event. She was part of the first all-female space mission since 1963, conducted by Blue Origin. Perry's trip was a trial run for Blue Origin's commercial space travel service, NS-31. Upon returning to Earth, she expressed her gratitude by kissing the Texan soil.

Pig Lung Transplant

In October, Chinese surgeons performed the world’s first pig-to-human lung transplant. The operation involved replacing the lung of a 39-year-old brain-dead man with one from a genetically engineered pig. Although the organ survived for nine days, the body's immune system eventually attacked it. This development offers hope for future animal-human organ transplants.

Goodbye Dr. Goodall

Dr. Jane Goodall, a beloved British primatologist, passed away at the age of 91. Over her 65-year career, she revealed the complex social lives and tool use of chimpanzees, challenging the notion that humans are unique. Her death prompted widespread tributes, including heartfelt messages from Hollywood stars like Leonardo DiCaprio.

CRISPR Breakthrough

One of the most significant medical advances this year was the use of CRISPR technology. In May, scientists at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia successfully cured a baby of a disease that previously required a liver transplant. Experts described this breakthrough as "totally extraordinary," offering hope for treating other genetic disorders.

Cyborg Manifesting

2025 was also a year of human optimization, with Elon Musk’s Neuralink gaining prominence. A European study demonstrated the effectiveness of a microchip to combat age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The ultra-thin chip, inserted into the back of the eye, connected to glasses with a video camera, allowing AMD sufferers to read.

No More Nobel?

The prestigious Scandinavian awards recognized British achievements again this year. Professor Richard Robson won for his work on a "magic" material similar to Hermione’s bag in Harry Potter. His discovery of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with large internal surface areas has potential applications in various fields.

Rumble in the Jungle

The annual global climate conference, Cop30, held in Brazil, was marked by controversy and drama. Senior US officials were notably absent, but an agreement was reached, including commitments to reduce fossil fuels, support developing countries, and address deforestation. While some were disappointed, the event highlighted ongoing efforts to combat climate change.