Hello Hubski!
Over the past few weeks I have been attempting to make a year end list of the most significant scientific discoveries of 2012. I want to make this an annual list on The Advanced Apes (www.theadvancedapes.com). Although I have had some success in creating this list, I decided it be much better if I threw the question out to a large, intelligent network of individuals.
Originally, when I started compiling the list I wanted to do a top 10 significant discoveries in life, physical, environmental and, social sciences. However, I have since done away with this structure and opted to make a holistic list that does not attempt to place any value judgement on the superiority of one area of scientific inquiry over another. I believe all types of knowledge generated by utilizing the scientific method have significant application and value.
At the end of the year (around December 31st) I will post the final list and hopefully it will be a much more informative and interesting post as a result of some of your suggestions!
PS - It would be helpful if you cite the study with your suggestion! PSS - This list won't be included developments in health and technology. The advances in these fields are hard for me to compare and integrate with more abstract, theoretical developments. And in all honesty I am not qualified to rank these.
Well, this isn't particularly important in the grand scheme of things, but my favorite scientific discovery of 2012 (well, partially -- but definitely confirmed and announced in 2012) is this. It's an event when a previously unknown "large" mammal is discovered -- but eight in one semi-small area is amazing. That's where my interests lie, so hey.
Also it's a reminder that every hectare of rainforest destroyed includes many species we don't even know exist yet. So we'll never see them. Just saying.