At the end of 2025 Futurity published its top ten research news posts of the year, covering veterinary care, energy, archaeology, neuroscience, nutrition, materials science and environmental health. The list mixed practical guidance with findings that could affect future research and policy.
Notable items included advice on keeping pets free of fleas, with Lori Teller of Texas A&M University describing typical symptoms and prevention. Cengiz Ozkan of the University of California, Riverside argued that “Solid-state batteries are moving closer to reality every day” and outlined steps needed for wider use. Archaeological lidar work produced a 45% increase in estimated Maya population at the civilisation’s height.
Other research linked eye markers to brain changes that might help diagnose Alzheimer’s earlier, and the article noted that nearly 7 million Americans live with the disease. Richard Kreider warned that low creatine and low-quality protein can harm recovery after training. University of Utah work revisited colonisation dates for Australia, with James O’Connell expecting the field to move toward an under 50,000-year date within the next five years or so. ETH Zurich researchers created an ultra-thin lens that converts infrared to visible light, while Botond Antal described a “midlife window” for preventing brain decline. University of Rochester research found that zolpidem suppressed the glymphatic system, affecting removal of toxic proteins, and Maiken Nedergaard noted the broad implications for restorative sleep. Boston University suggested a common dietary supplement may lower PFAS levels, and Jennifer Schlezinger said, "Every person in the United States, essentially, is walking around with PFAS in their body."
Futurity thanked readers and invited them to return in 2026 for more research news.
Difficult words
- veterinary — medical treatment and care for animalsveterinary care
- archaeology — study of past human societies and remains
- lidar — survey method using laser light from aircraft
- colonisation — process of people settling a new land
- glymphatic system — brain network that removes waste during sleep
- suppress — to stop or reduce a natural activitysuppressed
- creatine — natural compound that helps muscles recover
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Which item from the top ten list do you think could most influence public policy, and why?
- How might the finding that zolpidem suppresses the glymphatic system affect advice about sleep or medication?
- Should researchers test dietary supplements as a way to lower PFAS in people? Give reasons for your view.
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