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 the potential for small-scale AI models to outperform Large Language Models (LLMs) in reasoning tasks, offering a potentially more efficient and targeted approach to AI development.

Miryam Naddaf, a reporter featured on the podcast, explained that these smaller AI models are designed for specific tasks, allowing them to focus their computational power and potentially achieve superior results in those areas compared to the more generalized LLMs. This shift could have significant implications for industries relying on AI-driven solutions, potentially leading to more specialized and effective applications. The development of these models could also address concerns about the environmental impact and computational cost associated with training and running massive LLMs.

In the realm of medicine, 2026 is expected to see crucial clinical trials of gene editing technologies aimed at treating rare human disorders. These trials represent a significant step forward in the application of gene editing, offering hope for individuals and families affected by conditions that currently have limited treatment options. The podcast referenced the earlier success of personalized gene editing in treating a baby, raising questions about the feasibility of wider implementation. Ethical considerations and long-term effects remain key areas of focus for researchers and regulatory bodies.

Space exploration will also be in the spotlight, with a sample collection mission from Phobos, one of Mars' moons, planned for 2026. This mission aims to gather samples from the Martian moon and return them to Earth for analysis, potentially providing valuable insights into the origins of the solar system and the possibility of past or present life on Mars. The analysis of these samples could revolutionize our understanding of planetary formation and the conditions necessary for life to arise.

The Nature Podcast also addressed the potential impact of changes to US science policy under the Trump administration. The podcast suggested that policies implemented in 2025, including grant cuts, arrests, and layoffs, created a challenging environment for scientific research. The long-term consequences of these changes are still unfolding, but concerns remain about their potential to stifle innovation and hinder scientific progress. The scientific community is closely monitoring these developments and advocating for policies that support research and development.