Researchers anticipate significant advancements across several scientific domains in 2026, including artificial intelligence, gene editing, and space exploration, according to the Nature Podcast released January 1, 2026. The podcast highlighted the potential for small-scale AI models to outperform Large Language Models (LLMs) in reasoning tasks, ongoing clinical trials utilizing gene editing to treat rare genetic disorders, and the progress of a sample collection mission to Phobos, a moon of Mars. The report also addressed the anticipated impact of changes to US science policy enacted by the Trump administration.

The discussion around AI focused on a potential shift away from massive, resource-intensive LLMs towards more specialized, smaller models. Miryam Naddaf, a reporter featured on the podcast, explained that these smaller models could be more efficient and effective for specific reasoning tasks. "The idea is that by focusing on specific problems, these models can be trained more effectively and require less computational power," Naddaf stated. This development could have significant implications for the accessibility and sustainability of AI technology, potentially democratizing access to advanced AI capabilities.

In the realm of gene editing, the podcast highlighted ongoing clinical trials exploring the use of personalized gene editing techniques to treat rare human disorders. The success of personalized gene editing in treating some infants has spurred further research into its broader applicability. However, ethical considerations and the high cost of these therapies remain significant hurdles. "While the initial results are promising, we need to ensure that these treatments are both safe and accessible to all who need them," Naddaf commented.

The sample collection mission to Phobos represents a major step forward in space exploration. Scientists hope that analyzing samples from Phobos will provide valuable insights into the formation of the solar system and the potential for life beyond Earth. The mission is expected to collect and return samples to Earth for analysis in late 2026 or early 2027.

The podcast also addressed the impact of US policy changes on the scientific community. The Trump administration's policies in 2025, including grant cuts, arrests, and layoffs, created a challenging environment for researchers. These policies are expected to continue to have a ripple effect on scientific funding and research priorities in 2026. The long-term consequences of these policy shifts remain to be seen, but many scientists are concerned about their potential impact on American scientific leadership.