The Year in Review: A Look Back at 2025
As the year comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on all the bizarre and fascinating events that have unfolded in 2025. From nuking the seabed to stop climate change to the creation of a mischievous robot, it’s been a year full of surprises and peculiarities.
Best Scientific Acronym
One of the highlights of the year has been the abundance of clever and sometimes ridiculous acronyms in the scientific world. From the Flavor Analysis and Recognition Transformer (FART) to the Diffusion for Rare Elements in Variation Inventories that are Large (DR EVIL), researchers have certainly showcased their creativity in naming their projects.
Best Old New Technology
Amidst the rush of new technologies, there was a standout winner in the form of Ugmonk’s minimalist, paper-based to-do manager. In a world dominated by online task-management systems, this simple yet innovative device offers a refreshing offline alternative.
Best Extrapolation
Demographers David Swanson and Jeff Tayman made headlines with their bold extrapolation from a small decline in human fertility to the extinction of the human species in 2339. Their study sparked debates and discussions about the future of humanity.
Best Use of AI
The use of artificial intelligence has been widespread in 2025, but one standout example is AI music. The Velvet Sundown, a fake AI band, has captured attention with their unique blend of Coldplay and Eagles-inspired music, showcasing the potential of AI in creative endeavors.
And Finally…
Ending on a lighter note, the Scunthorpe problem made waves in 2025 as innocent words caused issues for online moderation systems. From a chatbot objecting to the word “virgin” to a bank server refusing to communicate with a French server named after the Asterix character Petitsuix, these incidents highlight the quirks of language and technology.
Share Your Story with Us
If you have a peculiar or amusing story to share, we’d love to hear from you. Send your stories to feedback@newscientist.com and be sure to include your home address. For more stories like this, visit our website for past editions of Feedback.
