Stories That Lifted Spirits in 2025

Amid conflicts and crises, 2025 also brought reasons for optimism, medical breakthroughs, encouraging signs for the planet and sporting and cultural surprises. As the world heads into 2026, FRANCE 24 looks back at some of the stories that offered moments of relief.

Welcome to 2026! As the new year begins, FRANCE 24 takes a final look back at the stories that lifted spirits in recent months. From scientific breakthroughs to signs of hope for the planet, there was enough to end 2025 on a high note.

The Sun as never seen before

Scientists had awaited the moment since the 1950s. In July, NASA released the closest images ever taken of the Sun, captured by the Parker Solar Probe.

In the black-and-white images, untrained eyes may see wisps resembling smoke. Experts, however, identify overlapping plasma eruptions and solar wind captured in unprecedented detail, providing valuable data to better understand space weather and the workings of the star.

Major medical breakthroughs

There was also cause for optimism in the medical field. In January, a team of US researchers made a major breakthrough on multiple sclerosis, demonstrating a link between the autoimmune disease – which affects more than 2.8 million people worldwide – and the Epstein-Barr virus.

The discovery raised hope that vaccination against the virus could one day eliminate one of the disease’s triggers.

Another positive development concerned HIV prevention. Generic versions of injectable lenacapavir, a preventive treatment against the virus that causes AIDS, are expected to become available at a lower cost in around 100 countries from 2027.

The development is expected to greatly expand access to a treatment considered far more practical than a daily pill, particularly in low-income countries.

Lynx and turtles rebound

The Iberian lynx, recognisable by its pointed ears and spotted coat, recorded a significant recovery. After narrowly avoiding extinction, the species was removed this year from the "endangered" category on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species.

This year, there were 2,021 Iberian lynxes worldwide, a significant jump from just 94 recorded in 2001.

The green sea turtle also showed signs of recovery. Long hunted for its eggs and shell, it is no longer classified as endangered, highlighting the effectiveness of conservation measures when properly enforced.

- Author: Cyrielle CABOT, France24

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