Some of 2025’s scientific discoveries pushed the limits. Earth’s longest lightning and the first AI-generated genomes are among this year’s superlative achievements, along with black holes old and large. Here are the record-breaking findings that stretched scientific boundaries and captured our attention.
Light up the sky The record-breaking lightning megaflash (illustrated) spanned about 829 kilometers, roughly the distance from Dallas to Kansas City, Mo.MICHAEL PETERSON/GTRI
In October 2017, a colossal lightning bolt flashed from Dallas to Kansas City, Mo., a distance of roughly 830 kilometers, researchers reported in July. That flash, which lasted 7.39 seconds, this year officially took the title of longest known megaflash, unseating a 709-kilometer-long