Review of 2023 (article)

A sensational year - 25th December 2023

This year had sensational news stories in tech innovations, pop culture and the environment.

Tech companies Microsoft and Google have both launched chatbots which are based on AI (artificial intelligence). However, they experienced major problems. The virtual assistants gave false information and were rude to journalists. Many celebrities were also upset by the misuse of AI. Tom Hanks found an advertisement which used his face and voice. But the advert was made by an AI without his permission.

Pop singers were in many news stories. At the Grammys, Beyoncé made history as the artist to take home the most awards. Meanwhile, Justin Bieber sold the rights to his music back catalogue for $200 million. However, Katy Perry lost a lawsuit to Australian designer Katie Perry. Fashion designer Perry had trademarked her name, which singer Perry then used without permission.

In health, researchers have produced significant innovations and achievements. UK scientists employed special suits to identify patients’ movement problems. These suits are more often used in Hollywood movies like Avatar. The World Health Organisation celebrated a victory against malaria due to its successful vaccine programs in Malawi, Kenya and Ghana.

In October, doctors were shocked to find a worm alive in a woman’s brain. A month later, two Qatari students claimed first prize in an innovation challenge. They created cheap, healthy carrots on a 3D printer with vegetable cells and UV light.

Money was in the news with Croatia switching its currency to the euro. Mid-way through the year, a heartwarming story about money came from India, where a group of poor cleaners shared a lottery win. However, the British Museum admitted that an employee had stolen 2,000 valuable items, with some for sale on eBay. It was also discovered that international criminals buy Dominican citizenship to enjoy visa-free travel.

Animals made headlines when Guinness World Records named Bobi from Portugal the oldest dog to ever live. However, this claim is being reviewed. Wildlife experts in Cameroon worked to save the world’s largest frog from extinction. Meanwhile, activists in Italy protested to free a bear which the government said had killed a man. And New Zealand passed legislation to protect its next generation. Anyone born from January 2009 onwards will never be able to purchase tobacco products within the nation’s borders.

Although there were natural disasters and record high temperatures, 2023 also had positive environmental stories, which included the UN deal to protect the oceans. Young activists also celebrated in Montana, USA. They successfully sued their government on environmental grounds. Its support for fossil fuel businesses was against the state’s constitution.