It was the best of times, it was the worst of times for research in 2025. Medical breakthroughs and stunning discoveries were paired with the undermining of the very foundation of American science as the Trump administration began dismantling the federal funding apparatus that has supported biomedical research in this country since World War II.
But all of that is a bit too intense for the holiday season.
Let’s instead wrap up this wild year by highlighting the positives: Here are some of Fierce’s favorite research stories from 2025.