# 2020: A Year of Struggles and Scientific Breakthroughs
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Chapter 1: Reflections on a Challenging Year
In a recent discussion about the tumultuous events of 2020, a colleague humorously remarked, "There was this small matter called the coronavirus..." While the comment was grim, it served as a reminder that years from now, we will likely recall the pandemic and the frantic race to comprehend it. However, we must not overlook the broader context: the prevailing narrative of 2020 was a culmination of long-standing scientific issues we have been aware of for years.
Humanity has recognized its propensity for destruction for centuries. This past year, our encroachment into wildlife habitats set the stage for the emergence of zoonotic diseases, a scenario that scientists have long warned against. The pandemic disproportionately affected Black and minority communities in the U.S., highlighting the enduring legacy of systemic racism in healthcare access and geographical disparities. As vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are rolled out, we now grapple with a climate of mistrust towards public health initiatives and government, which has led to hesitancy in vaccine uptake, sometimes for justified reasons.
In the midst of these challenges, 2020 was also a remarkable year for scientific progress. Many may have overlooked this amidst the barrage of negative news.
The Covid-19 pandemic was merely the latest manifestation of issues that have been known for some time. If we fail to heed scientists' warnings, we will likely face more crises in the future. Yet, there are those who are building upon the foundation of previous research. This year serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we embrace scientific processes, as noted by NBA star Joel Embiid. The rapid development of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, deemed safe and effective with a 95% efficacy rate, illustrates the remarkable capabilities of science when we commit to progress. My hope for 2021 is that we will collectively strive for this progress.
The Lows
The ineffectual U.S. public health response to Covid-19 was disheartening. From the onset of the global pandemic in March, it was surreal to witness the inconsistent messaging from U.S. leaders regarding shutdowns and mask-wearing, despite clear scientific recommendations. The lack of adequate Covid-19 testing, compounded by the distribution of faulty tests, remains a significant issue. Contact tracing, an essential public health strategy that has proven effective in countries like Taiwan and Japan, has been implemented inconsistently, failing to curtail transmission adequately. As of now, the U.S. has reported 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 disclose his vaccination plans.
The U.S. also withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement during a year that tied with 2016 as the hottest on record, exacerbated by the worst wildfire season on the West Coast. The decision to exit the agreement, a promise made by Donald Trump, came at a time when global cooperation on climate change was crucial. This withdrawal means the U.S. is no longer committed to limiting global temperature increases to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The Trump administration has also rolled back numerous environmental protections. President-elect Joe Biden has pledged to re-enter the Paris Agreement on his first day in office.
In a disappointing turn, gene editing in human embryos was found to be unsafe. Although gene editing holds promise for tackling genetic diseases, researchers at the Francis Crick Institute in London experienced disastrous outcomes while experimenting with human embryos. Their goal was to study the impact of a single gene in early development, but they discovered that even minor edits could lead to significant unintended consequences, potentially resulting in genetic diseases or cancers later in life. This revelation has prompted calls for caution among genome editors, emphasizing the need for stringent regulations regarding embryo editing.
The pandemic has also been accompanied by a "pandemic within a pandemic." Data indicated that Covid-19 has disproportionately affected Black individuals and people of color in the U.S. This disparity is a byproduct of entrenched systemic racism, which has long limited access to healthcare, clean air, and nutritious food for these communities. Many in these groups were forced into essential jobs that placed them on the frontlines of the pandemic. The intersection of Covid-19 and the Black Lives Matter protests has forced society to confront these inequalities. As the vaccine rollout progresses, experts have recommended prioritizing minorities for vaccination, but whether this guidance will be implemented in state distribution plans remains uncertain.
The Arecibo Observatory, a landmark in astronomical research, faced demolition this year. The National Science Foundation announced plans to dismantle the iconic facility, which had served the scientific community for nearly six decades. The collapse of the telescope in December marked a tragic conclusion to its storied history. One researcher lamented that the destruction was not inevitable and pointed to inadequate maintenance as a contributing factor. Funding issues had plagued Arecibo in recent years, leading to its management being transferred to the University of Central Florida. The observatory's closure signifies a shift away from publicly funded research towards private enterprises like SpaceX and Blue Origin.
The Highs
Despite the challenges, 2020 saw unprecedented scientific achievements. The swift development, testing, and distribution of multiple safe and effective Covid-19 vaccines marked an extraordinary accomplishment. Typically, this process spans over a decade, yet it was achieved in less than 12 months, a feat considered miraculous. The vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, both approved in the U.S., demonstrated approximately 95% efficacy, surpassing initial expectations. These breakthroughs are the culmination of three decades of research into mRNA vaccine technology, which has now set a precedent for a more agile vaccine development process moving forward.
In March, researchers revealed that a man who was cured of HIV in 2019 remains free of the virus 30 months later. Known as the "London patient," he disclosed his identity to the New York Times as Adam Castillejo, aiming to serve as an "ambassador of hope." This groundbreaking treatment involved infusing Castillejo with stem cells carrying a genetic mutation that provides protection against HIV, effectively replacing his immune system with an HIV-resistant one. While this approach may not be accessible to all, it opens doors for genetic therapies utilizing similar resistance-conferring mutations.
In May, SpaceX made history by successfully transporting two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station, heralding a "new era" of spaceflight where private companies play a significant role in human space travel. Although there are valid concerns regarding privatization, particularly with billionaires like Elon Musk leading space ventures, this shift could accelerate advancements in space technology, similar to how private pharmaceutical companies expedited the Covid-19 vaccine development.
In October, Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking work on the gene-editing tool CRISPR, making history as the first female duo to receive a science Nobel. CRISPR allows for precise modifications to the genomes of living organisms and holds immense potential for eradicating genetic diseases, engineering climate-resilient crops, and diagnosing illnesses. In an interview, Doudna shared her vision for the future of CRISPR, which includes regulating human genomes without making permanent changes.
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