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Science in 2025: A year of wonder and warning
From colossal dinosaur footprints to a rare planetary alignment, 2025 offered striking scientific revelations-alongside stark reminders of environmental threats. Researchers uncovered breakthroughs in human history, animal behavior, and space exploration, while a drifting iceberg underscored the urgency of monitoring Earth's changing systems.
Dinosaur tracks: A Jurassic snapshot
An Oxfordshire quarry revealed one of the largest dinosaur trackway sites ever documented, with roughly 200 footprints dating back 166 million years. The imprints capture the movements of two distinct species: a long-necked Cetiosaurus sauropod and the bipedal predator Megalosaurus.
Some trackways extend up to 150 meters, with scientists suspecting the full site may be even larger, as excavation remains incomplete. The discovery provides a rare glimpse into the behavior of Middle Jurassic giants.
Fire-making: A 400,000-year-old revolution
Archaeologists in Barnham, Suffolk, unearthed evidence of the earliest known human-controlled fire, pushing the timeline of this pivotal technology back by over 350,000 years. The find, dated to approximately 400,000 years ago, marks a transformative moment in human evolution.
Fire enabled early humans to cook food, stay warm, and foster cognitive development, laying the groundwork for complex thought and social structures. The discovery reshapes our understanding of how our ancestors adapted and thrived.
The science of love: Humans in the animal kingdom
A comparative study on pairing behavior across species revealed that humans, with 66% forming monogamous bonds, occupy a middle ground in the animal world. While we outpace chimpanzees and gorillas, we fall short of the California deermouse, which holds the title for lifelong fidelity.
The research highlights that while humans aren't the most monogamous creatures, our tendency to form lasting partnerships remains notable among primates.
A celestial parade: Seven planets align
In February, skywatchers witnessed a rare planetary alignment as seven planets-Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury, and Saturn-appeared simultaneously in the evening sky. Four were visible to the naked eye, while Saturn hovered near the horizon and Uranus and Neptune required telescopes.
Astronomers noted that such a clear and well-timed display won't recur until 2040, making the event a fleeting spectacle for stargazers.
Moon dust arrives in the UK
For the first time in nearly half a century, lunar samples arrived in the UK on loan from China. The tiny grains of Moon dust, stored in a high-security facility in Milton Keynes, are being studied by Prof. Mahesh Anand, the sole UK scientist granted access.
Described as rarer than gold due to their scientific value, the samples could unlock new insights into the Moon's formation and geological history.
Chimpanzees: Nature's healers
In Uganda, wild chimpanzees were filmed using plants to treat wounds-a behavior observed by researchers from the University of Oxford and local teams. The animals applied plant material to their own injuries and, in some cases, to those of others, suggesting a sophisticated understanding of natural remedies.
The findings build on decades of observations and reinforce the idea that humans share more behavioral traits with our closest primate relatives than previously thought.
Environmental caution: A drifting iceberg's threat
While 2025 brought awe-inspiring discoveries, it also served as a reminder of science's role in identifying risks. A massive iceberg drifting toward a remote island posed a potential threat to local wildlife, highlighting the need for continued environmental monitoring.
The contrast between groundbreaking findings and looming dangers underscored the dual role of science: uncovering wonders while safeguarding the planet's future.
