The best WIRED Science stories of 2020

PLUS: Covid on surfaces, the world in 2030, and a deleted fish immune system. View this email in your browser  |  Manage newsletter subscriptions  12.29.20   The Doctor Who Helped Defeat Smallpox Explains What's Coming BY STEVEN LEVY Epidemiologist Larry Brilliant, who warned of pandemic in 2006, says we can beat the novel coronavirus—but first, we need lots more testing.   HANDS OFF How Long Does the Coronavirus Last on Surfaces? BY GREGORY BARBER Researchers looked at how long the virus can survive on cardboard, plastic, and stainless steel, as well as after being aerosolized and suspended in midair.   TOGETHER FOREVER The Anglerfish Deleted Its Immune System to Fuse With Its Mate BY ERIC NIILER Underwater "sexual parasitism" between male and female allows two bodies to become one. Now we know the reason why.   FUTURE TENSE Here's What the World Will Look Like in 2030 ... Right? BY WIRED STAFF These six visions from humans today span space colonies, a genetic panopticon, and straight-up apocalypse.   SPONSORED CONTENT The Ingredients in Alcohol Matter. This Brand Uses Only the Good Stuff It's time for a better way to drink. Haus makes all-natural apéritifs with real fruits, herbs, and botanicals. Nothing artificial. GET WIRED New year, new ideas. Get WIRED for $10 $5. Last chance to get 1 year of access for 50% off. Plus get free stickers! Tech news and analysis you won't find anywhere else. Subscribe now.   RACE AGAINST TIME Can an AI Epidemiologist Get Public Health Warnings Out Faster? BY ERIC NIILER The BlueDot algorithm scours news reports and airline ticketing data to predict the spread of diseases like those linked to the coronavirus.   SUNRISE, SUNSET Solar Panels Are Starting to Die, Leaving Behind Toxic Trash BY MADDIE STONE Photovoltaic panels are a boon for clean energy but are tricky to recycle. As the oldest ones expire, get ready for a solar e-waste glut.   Q&A Bill Gates on Covid: Most US Tests Are 'Completely Garbage' BY STEVEN LEVY The techie-turned-philanthropist on vaccines, Trump, and why social media is "a poisoned chalice."   PUBLIC HEALTH Why the Coronavirus Hit Italy So Hard BY MATT SIMON The country has the second-oldest population on earth, and its young mingle more often with elderly loved ones.     This e-mail was sent to you by WIRED. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, wired@newsletters.wired.com, to your address book.   View our Privacy Policy Unsubscribe or Manage your newsletter subscriptions