Significant Scientific Advancements Amidst 2020's Challenges
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In a recent discussion about the scientific landscape of 2020, a colleague humorously remarked, “There was this little thing called the coronavirus…” It’s a grim joke, yet it’s hard not to chuckle. Years from now, we will undoubtedly associate this period with Covid-19 and the frantic efforts to grasp its complexities.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the prevailing narrative of 2020 was not solely defined by this pandemic; rather, it was the culmination of numerous scientific developments that have been in progress for quite some time.
Humanity has recognized its propensity for destruction for ages. This past year, our continuous encroachment into wildlife habitats set the stage for the emergence of zoonotic diseases, as scientists had long forewarned. The disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on Black and minority communities in the U.S. reflects the deep-seated issues of unequal healthcare access and systemic racism that persist in this nation. As vaccines begin to roll out, we must confront the growing skepticism towards public health institutions and government, leading to a justified hesitancy among many regarding the safety and efficacy of the vaccines.
Despite the tumult, 2020 proved to be a remarkable year for scientific progress, which may have been overshadowed by the cascade of negative news.
Covid-19 was merely one manifestation of the lessons we should have already learned. If we do not alter our approach to scientific guidance, we will face more such challenges in the future. Nevertheless, there are dedicated individuals who are building upon the accumulated knowledge of prior research. Amidst adversity, 2020 showcased extraordinary scientific breakthroughs that may have gone unnoticed due to the overwhelming bad news.
In a year filled with struggles, it’s essential to celebrate the successes: particularly in 2020, scientific advancements served as a powerful reminder of human potential when we “trust the process,” as NBA star Joel Embiid puts it. Consider the vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna, which were created in record time and validated by several expert panels as both safe and 95% effective. This illustrates the remarkable feats we can achieve when we are committed to our goals. My aspiration for 2021 is that we will finally find the resolve to pursue these objectives earnestly.
The Lows
The U.S. Public Health Response to Covid-19. When the pandemic was officially declared in March, it was surreal to witness U.S. leaders oscillate on the effectiveness of lockdowns and mask mandates, in stark contrast to scientific recommendations. There was a shocking shortage of Covid-19 tests, with many being faulty, and the situation remains dire. Contact tracing, a reliable public health strategy that successfully curbed the virus in countries like Taiwan and Japan, has been implemented inconsistently and is still inadequate to halt transmission. As of now, the U.S. has over 17.2 million cases and more than 310,000 deaths. While Vice President Mike Pence has publicly received the vaccine, President Trump has yet to announce his vaccination plans.
Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. This year tied with 2016 for the hottest on record, coupled with an unprecedented wildfire season on the West Coast. It was the worst possible moment for the U.S. to exit the Paris Climate Agreement, which officially occurred in November, fulfilling a three-year-old promise by Donald Trump. This withdrawal means the U.S. is no longer committed to keeping global temperatures below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The Trump administration also rolled back numerous environmental protections, including those safeguarding the country’s largest untouched landscapes from drilling. President-elect Joe Biden has pledged to rejoin the Paris Agreement on his first day in office.
Unsafe Gene Editing in Human Embryos. Gene editing offers hope for treating and potentially eradicating genetic disorders. However, researchers at the Francis Crick Institute in London encountered catastrophic results while experimenting with this technique in human embryos. They did not intend for these embryos to develop; their aim was to examine the influence of a specific gene on early development. Unfortunately, even minor edits resulted in significant unintended consequences—changes that could lead to genetic disorders or cancer later in life. As Emily Mullin reported, an expert in the field remarked, “This is a restraining order for all genome editors to stay the living daylights away from embryo editing.”
The Pandemic Within a Pandemic. U.S. data revealed that Covid-19 disproportionately affects Black individuals and people of color. This disparity, as Drew Costley highlighted in April, is a grim outcome of systemic racism entrenched in every aspect of life. These communities often lack access to healthcare, clean air, and nutritious food, and many are forced into essential jobs that place them on the front lines. These systemic inequalities, which paved the way for the virus to inflict its most severe toll, were evident long before the pandemic. The interplay between Covid-19 and the Black Lives Matter protests, which exposed the harsh realities of racial violence, compelled us to confront these issues. Now, as the Covid-19 vaccine is being distributed, we must see if these truths have been internalized: Experts have suggested prioritizing minorities for vaccination, but it remains to be seen if states will heed this guidance.
Farewell to the Arecibo Observatory. In November, the National Science Foundation announced plans to dismantle Puerto Rico’s Arecibo Observatory, a prestigious radio telescope that contributed to astronomical research for nearly 60 years. In early December, the telescope collapsed, marking a tragic end for the iconic facility. One researcher voiced frustration in the New York Times, insisting that its destruction was avoidable: “If they had properly maintained it, it’s likely that wouldn’t have happened.” Funding challenges had plagued Arecibo in recent years, with its management transferred to the University of Central Florida. Its closure signals the end of an era of publicly funded scientific exploration, as private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin take the lead.
The Highs
Record-Time Vaccine Development. The swift creation, testing, and distribution of multiple Covid-19 vaccines this year stands as an incredible accomplishment. Typically, this process spans at least a decade; achieving it in under 12 months is nearly miraculous. The vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, both authorized in the U.S., demonstrate around 95% efficacy—far exceeding the initial goal of 50%. They represent the culmination of three decades of research into mRNA vaccine technology, which had never before been applied in human vaccines. This progress lays the groundwork for a more agile and efficient vaccine development process in the future.
Long-Lasting HIV Cure Evidence. In March, it was reported that a man who became the second individual cured of HIV in 2019 remains free of the virus after 30 months. Formerly known as the “London patient,” he has since revealed his identity as Adam Castillejo, hoping to serve as an “ambassador of hope.” The treatment involved infusing Castillejo with stem cells that carry a genetic mutation providing protection against HIV, effectively replacing his immune system with one resistant to the virus. While this treatment isn’t widely accessible, it opens avenues for genetic therapies utilizing similar resistance-conferring mutations.
SpaceX's Successful Manned Mission. In May, just months before the Arecibo Observatory's closure, SpaceX successfully transported two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station, marking what many consider a new chapter in space exploration—one where private companies primarily facilitate orbital travel, diminishing NASA’s role. While there are valid concerns regarding privatization, particularly with ultra-wealthy individuals like Elon Musk leading these ventures, this shift could accelerate the development of new space technologies, similar to how private pharmaceutical firms expedited Covid-19 vaccine production.
Nobel Prize for CRISPR Innovators. In October, Jennifer Doudna, PhD, and Emmanuelle Charpentier, PhD, received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking work on the gene-editing tool CRISPR, making history as the first female duo to win a science Nobel. CRISPR allows precise modifications to the genomes of living organisms and is hailed as a revolutionary advancement. When perfected, it could facilitate the eradication of genetic diseases, the engineering of climate-resilient crops and animals, and improved disease diagnosis. In a conversation with Emily Mullin in October, Doudna shared her vision for CRISPR’s future, which includes regulating rather than permanently altering human genomes.