Scientists anticipate significant advancements across several key areas in 2026, including artificial intelligence, gene editing, and space exploration, according to the Nature Podcast released January 1, 2026. The podcast highlighted upcoming clinical trials of gene editing for rare human disorders, a sample collection mission from Phobos, and the potential impact of US policy changes enacted by the Trump administration on the scientific community.

One of the most anticipated developments is the emergence of small-scale AI models that could potentially outperform Large Language Models (LLMs) in reasoning tasks. These smaller models, designed for specific applications, are expected to offer advantages in efficiency and explainability. Miryam Naddaf, a reporter featured on the Nature Podcast, explained that while LLMs have shown impressive capabilities in generating text and translating languages, their "black box" nature and high computational costs present challenges. The development of smaller, more focused AI models could address these issues, making AI more accessible and transparent.

The implications of this shift towards smaller AI models are far-reaching. Experts believe that these models could be particularly useful in fields such as medical diagnosis, financial analysis, and scientific research, where accuracy and interpretability are crucial. "We're moving towards a future where AI is not just about scale, but also about specialization," Naddaf noted. "This could democratize AI, allowing smaller organizations and researchers to leverage its power without needing vast resources."

In the realm of biomedicine, 2026 is expected to see significant progress in gene editing therapies. Clinical trials are underway to assess the safety and efficacy of gene editing techniques for treating rare genetic disorders. These trials build upon earlier successes, such as personalized gene editing that helped treat a baby with a rare condition. However, researchers caution that widespread implementation of gene editing faces challenges, including ethical considerations and the need for rigorous safety testing.

Space exploration will also be a focus in 2026, with a sample collection mission to Phobos, one of Mars' moons. This mission aims to gather samples from the Martian moon and return them to Earth for analysis. Scientists hope that these samples will provide insights into the origin and evolution of Mars and its moons, as well as the potential for past or present life on the Red Planet.

The Nature Podcast also addressed the impact of US policy changes under the Trump administration on the scientific community. According to the podcast, 2025 was a tumultuous year for science, marked by grant cuts, arrests, and layoffs. These policy shifts have raised concerns about the future of scientific funding and international collaboration. The long-term effects of these changes are still unfolding, but many scientists fear that they could hinder progress in critical areas of research.