Captivating Chemistry Highlights of 2025: Innovations and Discoveries

Every image tells a unique narrative, and together, these seven captivating photos narrate a tale about the year 2025. From microscopic crystals found in asteroid debris that date back to the early solar system, to a joyful baby benefiting from groundbreaking medical advancements, these visuals exemplify how chemistry not only elucidates the complexities of our world but also enhances our quality of life.

Climate Change and Unseasonal Wildfires

In January, California faced some of the most destructive wildfires in its history, igniting across Los Angeles. These fires, occurring outside the usual wildfire season, served as a stark reminder of climate change’s role in exacerbating such disasters. The blazes highlighted the escalating dangers of fire in areas where urban development meets wilderness, as human encroachment into natural habitats increases. The combustion of plastics and construction materials releases a cocktail of toxic pollutants, a phenomenon that chemists are actively studying, as reported in our series ‘New Normal: Living at Wildfires’ Edge.’

Breakthroughs in Gene-Editing Therapy

In February, K.J. Muldoon made history as the first individual to receive a tailored CRISPR gene-editing therapy. Born with a rare condition that causes toxic levels of ammonia to build up in the bloodstream, there was no existing cure. However, within just six months of his diagnosis, researchers created an innovative treatment aimed at repairing the defective gene responsible for his condition (N. Engl. J. Med. 2025, DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2504747). While its long-term efficacy remains uncertain, this milestone has been described as a significant advancement in personalized medicine.

De-Extinction and Revived Species

These adorable wolf pups represent a pivotal moment in the controversial field of de-extinction. In April, Colossal Biosciences announced that they had succeeded in reviving the long-extinct dire wolf species with the birth of these pups (shown here humorously posed on a throne, reminiscent of their fictional counterpart in ‘Game of Thrones’). Critics argue that these pups are merely genetically modified gray wolves. The ongoing debate about the true requirements for de-extinction continues as Colossal targets other iconic species like the dodo and woolly mammoth.

Envision a neighborhood lit by glow-in-the-dark plants instead of traditional streetlights—this may become reality thanks to researchers who infused succulent leaves with phosphor particles capable of absorbing and emitting light.

Innovative Lighting with Phosphorescent Plants

Envision a neighborhood lit by glow-in-the-dark plants instead of traditional streetlights—this may become reality thanks to researchers who infused succulent leaves with phosphor particles capable of absorbing and emitting light (Matter 2025, DOI: 10.1016/j.matt.2025.102370). The team announced their findings in August, revealing that they engineered particles small enough to permeate leaf tissue, resulting in a vibrant display of living night-lights.

Paleontological Dating Breakthroughs

A long time ago, a dinosaur laid this egg in what is now China. In September, scientists revealed it to be 85.91 million years old. Traditionally, paleontologists estimate the age of dinosaur eggs by dating the surrounding geological layer, but this method can often lead to inaccuracies if the ground has been disturbed. Employing an innovative approach, researchers found that they could directly date the fossilized eggshell using uranium-lead dating techniques (Front. Earth Sci. 2025, DOI: 10.3389/feart.2025.1638838). This method may also be applicable for dating eggs from other prehistoric species.

Asteroid Bennu Samples and Origins of Life

In 2023, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft returned to Earth with samples collected from the surface of asteroid Bennu. In January, scientists disclosed their findings regarding these rocks and dust: they contain essential life-forming compounds. Notably, they discovered sodium carbonate crystals (depicted as purple needle-like structures in scanning electron microscopy images), which are likely remnants from saline water sources. The samples also included amino acids and nucleobases essential for DNA and RNA formation. Given that Bennu originated at the dawn of the solar system, it holds potential insights into the origins of life itself.

Government Science Funding Cuts and Public Response

In January, with Donald J. Trump taking office, one of his initial actions was establishing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Initially headed by billionaire Elon Musk, DOGE implemented significant budget cuts across agencies and reduced federal science funding, resulting in thousands of federal job losses. This prompted concerned scientists and citizens to gather for protests in Washington D.C. and other U.S. cities in March against these funding cuts that threaten to diminish the United States’ position as a leader in scientific innovation.