Science Magazine's year-end list of major breakthroughs is somewhat a testament to major news stories of the year; part controversy and part tragic. Major studies providing evidence towards the validity of evolutionary theory are 2005's number one breakthrough, and the possible role of human influence on climate change was noted by U.S. politicians after the busiest hurricane season in recorded history.

Evolution - With the human genome decoded in 2000, researchers were able to unravel the genetic make up of chimpanzees and found the total difference in DNA content is only about 4%. A study of a body frozen in Alaska's permafrost since 1918 allowed scientists to compare the recent Avian flu strain with the 1918 version that killed millions around the world. They concluded the nearly century-old influenza started out similarly to today's version and mutations allowed it to easily infect human hosts.

Solar System Exploration - Probes from international organizations are now or currently on their way to Mercury, Venus, Mars, a comet, an asteroid, Saturn, the moon, and the very edge of the solar system. Science magazine awards this year's high-point to the ESA Huygens probe landing on Saturn's moon, Titan.

Plant Life - The molecular process behind what initiates seasonal development in plants was uncovered.

Neutron Stars - New instruments provided astrophysicists with information about the violent activities of nature's most densely packed objects. The cause of the brightest galactic flash ever recorded to hit Earth is proposed to have occurred when a neutron star collided with a black hole.

Brain Diseases - Researchers now suspect several brain diseases (tourettes, dyslexia, etc.) are caused by genes which are also linked to development. Blocking the activity of a gene called DISC1 in mice was shown to alter the structure of their brains. Cerebral abnormalities observed are comparable to those found in post-mortem schizophrenia patients.

Earth's Formation - Technological advances have led to new observations of terrestrial rocks, which when compared to chemicals known to have been present during the formation of the solar system are found to be strikingly different. As a consequence, the previously accepted model for how Earth formed (oversimplification - dust and ice collected) can no longer be maintained. With intelligent design theory recently dealt a blow by U.S. courts, creationism supporters should take notice.

Molecular Imaging - "This year, researchers got their best look yet at the molecular structure of a voltage-gated potassium channel, a protein as essential to nerve and muscle as transistors are to computers."

Climate Change - Several studies released this year are comprised of mounting evidence towards confirming the effect human activity is having on Earth's climate. Increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have warmed water systems in the tropics, adding to the intensity of storms in the region. The arctic Ocean ice cover for 2005 was found to be at another record low.

Cellular Communication - Tracking concurrent inward and outgoing signals in cellular networks have provided scientists with an understanding of how cells react to environmental and chemical interactions.

Fusion Reactor Construction - The site of the world's first fusion reactor, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, was announced - Cadarache, France.


Science Magazine's 2005 Breakthrough List