The best stories of 2025 in health, science, and medicine
2025 has been a monumental year for us at STAT. As we celebrated our 10th anniversary, we were also inundated with a whirlwind of news that kept us on our toes. From accidental leaks of internal strategy documents by a major health insurer to covering stories ranging from a history-making tuxedo-wearing baby to the controversial tale of a towering scientist, our year was filled with captivating narratives.
Our most popular series, “American Science, Shattered,” delved into the impact of the Trump administration on health and medicine. This comprehensive 10-part series explored the upheaval in academia and government-funded research caused by the administration’s policies. We also delved into the intriguing mystery of a bruise on President Trump’s hand and questioned the necessity of an MRI for a 79-year-old man.
One of the standout profiles of the year was on Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s health secretary, and the driving force behind the Make America Healthy Again movement. We closely followed his ambitious agenda and tracked the progress of his promises. Additionally, we spotlighted key figures in health agencies like Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz, NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, each making waves in their respective fields.
The biotech and pharma sector saw significant developments in 2025. Eli Lilly’s drugs Zepbound and Mounjaro outsold Keytruda as the world’s best-selling medicines, while FDA rejections sent shockwaves through the industry. Boston remained the biotech capital of the nation, while Chinese biotech emerged as a formidable player on the global stage.
In the realm of science and discovery, breakthroughs abounded, from promising results in cancer treatment to new insights into cognitive processes. We also dedicated substantial efforts to debunking misinformation, particularly around vaccines and autism.
Our year was punctuated by various events and initiatives, from honoring young scientists through STAT Wunderkinds to hosting summits featuring renowned speakers like Bill Nye. We also paid tribute to notable figures who passed away in 2025, including James Watson, the co-discoverer of DNA, whose controversial legacy was remembered by the late Sharon Begley.
As we bid farewell to 2025, we reflect on the myriad stories that shaped the year and look forward to continuing our mission of delivering impactful and insightful journalism in the years to come.
