The Best Articles of 2025: From the Batteries of the Future to the Secrets of the Brain.

According to Vox: At the end of the year, Vox summarizes the most interesting stories of 2025. To compile this list, I received recommendations from colleagues about their favorite materials and tried to present you with a variety of topics for familiarization. I hope these articles will bring you pleasure and benefit, whether you're working or relaxing. Here they are, presented in no particular order:

1. We Found the Holy Grail of Clean Energy. This Is Just the Beginning.

In April, one of the most promising stories in clean energy this year was revealed: true large batteries. New systems of quality batteries are reportedly a key element in harnessing the potential of wind and solar energy, as well as a necessary upgrade for the outdated US energy grid:

“Peanut butter to chocolate of renewable energy, making all the best qualities of clean energy even better and balancing some of its drawbacks.”

2. Most Animals on This Island Nation Can Be Found Nowhere Else on Earth. Now They Are Disappearing.

It seems that no one at Vox had a more interesting year than my colleague who told incredible stories from the island state of Madagascar shortly before the military coup. He highlighted crises observed with coral reefs, lemurs, and chameleons—and how conservation can be successful by addressing economic needs.

3. What Podcasts Are Doing to Our Brains

One story discusses how technology impacts our brains and our desire to resist it. However, the piece on the importance of silence and what we lose by listening to podcasts while walking may have become my favorite. I know this story will most influence my listening in 2026.

4. Exclusive: RFK Jr. and the White House Buried Major Research on Alcohol and Cancer. Here’s What It Shows.

Given the events in healthcare this year, it's a miracle that my colleague found time to run the newsletter 'Today, Explained'. Nevertheless, he managed to obtain the results of a major alcohol study that the Robert Kennedy Department of Health tried to hide, which revealed new evidence linking alcohol consumption to cancer mortality.

5. The Most Likely Apocalypse from Artificial Intelligence

2025 unfortunately became the year of awareness about the dangers of artificial intelligence. This serious issue is revealed in an article about a potential apocalypse: what is described as

“fully automated neo-feudalism,”

6. Their Democracy Has Died. They Have Lessons for America on Trump's Power Grab.

Excellent work highlighting the Trump administration's attacks on democracy. The piece drew parallels between Trump and Hungary's Viktor Orbán—and the lessons Americans should draw from the crisis in Hungary remain a vital guide.

7. The Enchanting World on the Edge of the Ocean from the Vox Podcast

The Vox podcast is always fun and interesting, but this July episode tells about tidal pools on the California coast: how climate change is impacting their delicate ecosystem and how researchers studying them are responding to these changes.

8. A Great American Classic That We’ve Misread for 100 Years

An article about how the classic novel The Great Gatsby emerged and why it became an immortal work, partly due to a series of coincidences.

9. The Fastest Growing Suburbs in America Are About to Get Very Expensive

Another urgent question in the American housing market: expanded, affordable suburbs of America will soon reach their limits—and become too expensive.

10. Republicans Have a Problem with Nazis from the Vox Podcast

In November, the Vox podcast looked at the internal conflicts within the Republican Party related to significant issues of Nazism.

Bonus: Don’t Let Clutter at Home Stop You from Entertaining Guests

This story encourages not to let clutter prevent spending time with friends.

A version of this story previously appeared in the newsletter 'Today, Explained'.

This year, Vox presented a number of important topics that drew attention. From environmental issues to the impact of technology on our lives—these materials show how various aspects of modernity require our attention. Readers can find valuable lessons and insights into what is happening in the world.