The 10 Most Intriguing Science Breakthroughs of 2023 - Bloomberg
The 10 Most Intriguing Science Breakthroughs of 2023 - Bloomberg
The 10 Most Intriguing Science Breakthroughs of 2023
Big advances in fusion, Crispr, artificial intelligence and astronomy made it a special year.
One of the amazing 2023 images from the James Webb Space Telescope. Photographer: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI via Getty Images
Every year, scientists make amazing new discoveries — findings that often don’t get the attention they deserve. War, tragedy and political controversies understandably dominate social media and the front pages, but not all the news is bad. As 2023 draws to a close, let’s look back on some of the astounding breakthroughs we’ve seen in the last 12 months.
The most talked-about science story in 2023 was the expanding use of the diet drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, most popularly known as Ozempic. Marketed as Wegovy when prescribed for weight loss, this drug and a slew of others have already helped thousands lose weight. In 2023, several studies also showed GLP-1s reduced the risk of heart attacks and strokes in obese people.
Related Knowledge Center: ENERGY BASICS: nuclear
Nuclear energy provides almost 20 percent of the U.S. electricity supply. Advocates have called for an expanded role for nuclear as an emissions-free fuel source. But the economics of building new reactors are daunting. In addition, lingering safety concerns are an institutionalized part of the calculation of nuclear regulation, and highly radioactive nuclear waste remains a can that public officials have been inclined to kick down the road. The Energy Information Administration projects a sharp decline in nuclear power generation over the next decade, as new nuclear plants — two are planned — are more than offset by anticipated retirements of several operating reactors.