The article highlights significant technological breakthroughs of 2024, emphasizing advancements beyond artificial intelligence, such as CRISPR therapeutics and Moon landings. It discusses how AI influences scientific research, with notable achievements like DeepMind's AlphaFold aiding Nobel Prize-winning discoveries. The text also addresses the U.S.'s declining dominance in science, potential challenges from China, and the implications of increasing distrust on global scientific collaboration and innovation.