2025 in Review: AI, Weight-Loss Breakthroughs, and Biotech Milestones Set Stage for 2026

In just a couple of weeks, the world will bid farewell to 2025, marking the end of a year that has seen significant advancements in artificial intelligence, weight-loss drugs, and biotechnology. The team at MIT Technology Review has been compiling its list of breakthrough technologies for 2026, which is set to be published in the new year. Meanwhile, colleague Antonio Regalado has compiled his list of the year's worst technologies, and MIT Technology Review invites readers to test their knowledge of the year's biotech stories. According to Regalado, the year has seen major developments in gene therapy, IVF, and neurotech, among other areas. "We've seen a surge in the use of CRISPR gene editing technology, with several companies and researchers making significant breakthroughs in treating genetic diseases," Regalado said. "However, we've also seen some disappointing results, such as the failure of several gene therapy trials to meet their endpoints." The year has also seen significant advancements in our understanding of vitamin D, with research suggesting that the sunshine vitamin plays a crucial role in immune system function and heart health. "Vitamin D is often overlooked, but it's a vital nutrient that can have a major impact on our overall health," said Dr. Jessica Hamzelou, a researcher at MIT. "Our research has shown that vitamin D can help to regulate the immune system and reduce the risk of heart disease." In the field of IVF, the year has seen the development of new technologies that allow for more precise and efficient fertilization. "We're seeing a shift towards more personalized and targeted approaches to IVF, which is leading to better outcomes for patients," said Dr. Jacob Han, a fertility specialist. "Our team has developed a new type of embryo model that allows us to study the development of embryos in greater detail, which is helping us to better understand the underlying causes of infertility." The year has also seen significant advancements in neurotech, with the development of new brain-computer interfaces and neural prosthetics. "We're seeing a major shift towards more invasive and implantable devices, which are allowing us to restore vision and motor function in patients with paralysis and other neurological disorders," said Dr. Antonio Regalado. "However, we're also seeing concerns about the long-term safety and efficacy of these devices, which will need to be addressed in the coming year." As the year comes to a close, the biotech industry is looking forward to the next developments in these areas. "We're excited to see the continued advancement of gene therapy and CRISPR technology, as well as the development of new treatments for neurological disorders," said Dr. Regalado. "However, we also need to be mindful of the potential risks and challenges associated with these technologies, and ensure that they are developed and implemented in a responsible and safe manner."