Science

Latest Science News

đź“…December 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM
2025's top science breakthroughs include fusion records, quantum computing advances, AI-designed enzymes, climate tipping points, and exoplanet biosignatures.
1

China's EAST Tokamak Achieves 100 Million Degrees for 1,066 Seconds

China's EAST device set a world record by sustaining plasma at 100 million degrees Celsius for nearly 18 minutes, advancing fusion energy research.Source 1 This breakthrough overcomes key plasma confinement challenges, inching closer to clean, limitless energy.Source 1 The achievement highlights progress in high-confinement plasma stability.Source 1

2

Peking University Unveils High-Precision Analog Matrix Computing Chip

Researchers developed a scalable analog chip outperforming GPUs by up to 1,000 times in energy efficiency and throughput.Source 1 This innovation enables large-scale scientific calculations and diverse applications.Source 1 It represents a leap in computing technology beyond digital processors.Source 1

3

World-First Large-Area Two-Dimensional Metal Materials Created

Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences produced ultra-thin, single-atom-thick 2D metals, thinner than a human hair.Source 1 Published in Nature, it opens doors to new 2D material research and tech innovations.Source 1 The discovery has garnered global acclaim for its potential.Source 1

4

AI Designs Enzymes from Scratch Using RFdiffusion and PLACER

Researchers used RFdiffusion to generate proteins and PLACER to evaluate active sites, creating de novo enzymes.Source 1 This advances protein engineering for biotechnology applications.Source 1 The method showcases AI's role in custom enzyme design.Source 1

5

Photonic Computing Chips Surpass Electronic Hardware

A Singaporean oMAC system achieved over 100x improvements in latency and computation time versus GPUs.Source 1 Photonic chips promise revolution in high-speed processing.Source 1 This boosts efficiency for complex simulations.Source 1

6

Vera C. Rubin Observatory Releases First Images

The NSF-DOE observatory captured millions of stars and galaxies in unprecedented detail.Source 1 It marks a new era in wide-field astronomy surveys.Source 1 The images enable breakthroughs in cosmology and galaxy studies.Source 1

7

Google's Quantum Echoes Algorithm Proves Quantum Advantage

The new algorithm demonstrates verifiable superiority over classical computers.Source 1 It advances practical quantum computing applications.Source 1 This solidifies quantum tech's edge in specific tasks.Source 1

8

Stephen Hawking's Area Theorem Confirmed by Gravitational Wave

The 1971 theorem was verified with high precision via GW250114 observations.Source 1 This validates black hole physics predictions.Source 1 It strengthens general relativity in extreme conditions.Source 1

9

Earth Reaches First Climate Tipping Point: Coral Reefs at Risk

The Global Tipping Points Report 2025 warns of irreversible coral reef threats from rising temperatures.Source 1 Issued by 160 scientists, it highlights planetary boundaries crossed.Source 1 Urgent action is needed to avert cascading effects.Source 1

10

First Cross-Species Mammalian Brain Cell Development Atlas Released

Scientists unveiled the most detailed spatiotemporal map of brain development across mammals.Source 1 It provides insights into neural evolution and disorders.Source 1 The atlas aids comparative neuroscience research.Source 1

11

Strongest Evidence Yet for Biosignatures on Exoplanet K2-18b

JWST data from a Cambridge-led team detected potential dimethyl sulfide, linked to marine life on Earth.Source 1Source 5 The ocean world may teem with life, per researchers.Source 5 This bolsters habitable exoplanet searches.Source 5

12

Reelin Protein Discovered as Potential Depression Treatment via Gut

New findings show Reelin could treat depression through gut-brain pathways.Source 2 It offers novel therapeutic avenues beyond traditional drugs.Source 2 The research highlights microbiome-mental health links.Source 2