On December 18, the UK edition of Nature magazine's website featured an article that cast its gaze forward to the scientific milestones anticipated in 2026. This forward-looking piece spanned a multitude of cutting-edge domains, including artificial intelligence (AI), gene editing, and space exploration.

In the realm of AI, groundbreaking advances are on the horizon, particularly in AI-powered scientific research. AI agents, which are capable of integrating multiple models seamlessly, are projected to gain widespread traction. These intelligent systems might even reach a stage where they can conduct autonomous scientific research, marking a significant leap forward in the field.

Gene editing technology is also poised for robust development. Two clinical trials are slated to commence, with the aim of crafting personalized treatment regimens for children afflicted with rare genetic disorders. This represents a promising stride towards more precise and effective medical interventions.

Turning our attention to space exploration, China has outlined plans to launch the Chang'e-7 probe, a mission that promises to deepen our understanding of the lunar surface. Meanwhile, the United States is gearing up for a circumlunar flight mission, which will serve as a stepping stone for future deep-space exploration. Japan, Europe, India, and other spacefaring nations are also formulating ambitious exploration plans, signaling a global resurgence in space endeavors.

In the field of physics, the Large Hadron Collider is set to undergo a comprehensive upgrade, enhancing its capabilities to probe the fundamental mysteries of the universe. Additionally, the Mu2e detector, a state-of-the-art apparatus designed to study rare particle decays, is nearing completion, heralding a new era in particle physics research.