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From massive dinosaur footprints to new clues about early human fire use, 2025 delivered several major scientific discoveries across archaeology, astronomy and wildlife research.
One of the year’s most striking finds came from an Oxfordshire quarry in the UK, where researchers uncovered one of the world’s largest dinosaur trackway sites. Around 200 giant footprints, dating back about 166 million years to the Jurassic period, were found preserved in stone. Scientists believe the tracks were made by a long-necked sauropod, likely Cetiosaurus, and the meat-eating dinosaur Megalosaurus. Some trackways extend up to 150 metres, with more possibly still buried.
In another significant discovery, archaeologists in Barnham, Suffolk, found evidence suggesting humans were able to make fire around 400,000 years ago. The finding pushes back the known origins of controlled fire-making by more than 350,000 years and highlights its role in shaping human evolution by providing warmth, cooked food and new opportunities for social and cognitive development.
Research published this year also examined monogamy across species, finding that about 66 percent of humans form long-term monogamous bonds. While humans ranked higher than chimpanzees and gorillas, they were still surpassed by species such as the California deermouse, which is known for lifelong pair bonding.
In astronomy, skywatchers witnessed a rare planetary alignment in February, when seven planets appeared in the evening sky at the same time. Mars, Jupiter, Venus and Mercury were visible to the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune required telescopes. Scientists said a similar event is unlikely before 2040.
The UK also received Moon rock samples for the first time in nearly five decades. Loaned by China, the tiny grains of lunar dust are being studied in a high-security laboratory to better understand the Moon’s formation and history. Scientists described the samples as extremely valuable for research.
Meanwhile, wildlife research revealed that wild chimpanzees in Uganda use plants to treat wounds and injuries. Observed by researchers from the University of Oxford and local teams, the behaviour adds to growing evidence that chimpanzees possess knowledge of natural remedies.
Scientists also warned that not all developments were positive. Environmental monitoring showed growing risks to wildlife in some regions, underlining the importance of science in identifying emerging threats as well as making discoveries.
With inputs from BBC
