Miryam Naddaf, a reporter for Nature, dives into the exciting scientific landscape of 2025. She highlights upcoming lunar missions aimed at mapping resources on the Moon, crucial for climate science. The discussion touches on the impact of political changes, especially regarding climate commitments, and how they might shape scientific innovation. Naddaf also explores advancements in drug treatments and breakthrough physics projects, like CERN’s potential circular collider, which could redefine healthcare and exploration.
2025 will be a pivotal year for space exploration, featuring various lunar missions aimed at enhancing our understanding of the moon and solar interactions.
The 30th COP climate conference will address vital financial commitments for climate action, influenced by political dynamics and the potential return of Donald Trump.
Deep dives
Exciting Developments in Space Exploration
2025 is expected to be another major year for space exploration, building on the successes and challenges of 2024. Private companies like iSpace are making new attempts to land on the moon, specifically with their Venture Moon mission, which aims to deploy a lander and micro rover after a previous near-success. Similarly, Intuitive Machines will partner with NASA to launch a Falcon 9 rocket aimed at investigating the lunar south pole. Additionally, other significant missions, such as NASA's PUNCH mission and the SMILE satellite, will focus on understanding solar wind and its interaction with Earth, further expanding our knowledge of space.
Focus on Climate and Policy at COP30
The upcoming COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil, marks the 30th year of the United Nations climate talks, where significant discussions are anticipated regarding unresolved financial commitments made in COP29. Delegates are expected to finalize details on the allocation of climate finance, addressing concerns about how funds will be delivered to developing countries, and examining the distinctions between grants and loans. The politicization of climate policy is influenced by figures like Donald Trump, whose potential return to power raises worries about the future of the Paris Climate Agreement and environmental regulations. Additionally, there are ongoing concerns about the implications of recent nominations related to public health that could affect climate-related health policies.
Innovations in Pharmaceuticals and Big Physics
The pharmaceutical landscape is set for changes with advancements in GLP-1 agonists, including drugs like ozempic, which are showing promise in treating diabetes and obesity. Companies such as Eli Lilly and Emgen are conducting trials on new formulations that could expand the range of these medications' benefits beyond weight loss to include conditions like Alzheimer’s and addiction. In the realm of big physics, the European spallation source in Sweden will become operational and begin delivering neutron beams for material research, while CERN is closing in on a feasibility study for a massive new particle collider. These advancements in both health and physics underscore a broader trend of innovation likely to unfold throughout the year.
In this episode, reporter Miryam Naddaf joins us to talk about the big science events to look out for in 2025. We’ll hear about: the latest Moon missions, 30 years of the United Nations' COP climate summits, the return of Donald Trump, and more.