Happy New Year!

It's time once again for Reddit's "Best Of" Awards to recognize the most interesting submissions and comments made to r/science over the past year (see last year's recipients). Our users made over 30,000 posts and 2.4 million comments in 2022, so there are quite a few options!

The award categories for this year are as follows:

Most Significant Submission
Most Interesting Submission
Most Interesting Submission Below 1,000 Karma
Most Optimistic or Uplifting Submission
Best Comment
Best ELI5
Water Is… Dry? (Most interesting submission or comment debunking conventional wisdom)

https://preview.redd.it/mgcx7e16hv9a1.png?width=1500&format=png&auto=webp&v=enabled&s=d1305773f0a76225d50f6824f7f326910d620ff6

How Voting Works:

This submission is set to contest mode, which means all comments are randomly sorted and no scores are displayed. The only top-level comments will be for the seven categories detailed above. All other top-level comments will be removed.

To nominate a submission or comment, please reply to the corresponding top-level comment with a link to your nomination. Please only nominate a submission or comment once per category. If you already see the item you wanted to submit, just upvote it. At the conclusion of the voting process on January 13th, the highest scoring (by "Top" sorting) entries for each category will be deemed the winners.

Here are some helpful links to get you started:

Awards:

We will be recognizing the winners via exclusive "Best of r/science 2022" awards. The top entry in each category will receive 3 months of Reddit Premium, which includes 700 Coins a month. The two runners up in each category will receive 1 month of Reddit Premium.

Voting will conclude on January 13, 2022.

Comments

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ScienceModerator OP t1_j2svee1 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 6:50 PM

Best ELI5 (Explain Like I'm Five)

PHealthy t1_j2szr5y wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:17 PM

Sometimes different bacteria get close together and can exchange little bits of DNA. These little bits can sometimes contain antibiotic resistance genes. The researchers found a bacteria in sewage with these genes that we don't usually screen for this type of resistance gene. The implication then is that these genes are probably more widespread than we think. (But we all knew that anyway, good to have evidence though) by u/PHealthy

shiruken t1_j2tciu3 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 8:34 PM

u/Ugly_socks explains how the brain communicates with the enteric nervous system: https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/z0duu8/comment/ix5glra/

itsnotamatuerhour t1_j3enh1p wrote on January 8, 2023 at 12:52 AM

Here for it

[deleted] t1_j3kzhtn wrote on January 9, 2023 at 7:31 AM

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shiruken t1_j2tdoht wrote on January 3, 2023 at 8:41 PM

u/wlwyvern summarizes a study's findings on hormone blockers in transgender and gender-diverse adolescents: https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/yjnz7p/comment/iup42mv/

shiruken t1_j2ta293 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 8:19 PM

u/eniteris summarizes a study's findings on mating preference and genetics: https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/z3dd7r/comment/ixlrjoh/?context=3

shiruken t1_j2t79rd wrote on January 3, 2023 at 8:03 PM

u/GeoGeoGeoGeo explains the formation porphyry copper deposits: https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/zpfnzj/comment/j0t7hxz/

helm t1_j3l4bw2 wrote on January 9, 2023 at 8:33 AM

u/andromeda321 Explains how not having a picture of Sagittarius A* is still quite amazing:

https://old.reddit.com/r/science/comments/uo0o6y/the_event_horizon_telescope_collaboration_has/i8bd49s/

shiruken t1_j2tadcj wrote on January 3, 2023 at 8:21 PM

u/anfornum explains induced immunogenic cell death: https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/z171qw/comment/ixa7sar/?context=3

shiruken t1_j2t894j wrote on January 3, 2023 at 8:08 PM

u/_CMDR_ explains the limitations of organizing eukaryotes: https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/zji8uc/comment/izwe5qb/?context=2

[deleted] t1_j3lj0mf wrote on January 9, 2023 at 11:52 AM

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ScienceModerator OP t1_j2svac9 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 6:49 PM

Best Comment

shiruken t1_j2t3kyz wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:40 PM

u/Robo-Connery provides context on the fusion "breakthrough" achieved by the National Ignition Facility: https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/zl56h9/comment/j03ehxz/

shiruken t1_j2t5ik8 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:52 PM

u/DuploJamaal explains, with plenty of citations, the efficacy of transitioning as a treatment for gender dysphoria: https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/t9892g/comment/hztifw6/

shiruken t1_j2t374w wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:38 PM

u/Andromeda321 explains their new paper about a black hole ejecting matter: https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/y2439s/comment/is0pesr/

[deleted] t1_j3kra4h wrote on January 9, 2023 at 5:58 AM

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shiruken t1_j2t406m wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:43 PM

u/xixouma explains how viruses can evade immunity by imitating cellular components: https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/xxq4pu/comment/ire11zm/

shiruken t1_j2t4pmp wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:47 PM

u/Andromeda321 explains the first image of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the heart of our Galaxy: https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/uo0o6y/comment/i8bd49s/

shiruken t1_j2t4wf9 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:48 PM

u/StoicOptom explains epigenetic reprogramming: https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/tyvbpi/comment/i3v2ale/

shiruken t1_j2t4i0a wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:46 PM

u/drzpneal answers questions about their new study on childfree/voluntary childlessness: https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/w8l4b8/comment/ihpv6j5/

shiruken t1_j33ow7s wrote on January 5, 2023 at 8:57 PM

u/drewiepoodle explains a frequently misrepresented study on desistance in childhood gender dysphoria: https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/w00e8d/comment/igc259b/

ScienceModerator OP t1_j2sv1c9 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 6:48 PM

Most Interesting Submission Below 1,000 Karma

shiruken t1_j2t0vwi wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:23 PM

Inability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds in mid to later life linked to near doubling in risk of death. Aound 1 in 5 participants failed to pass the test. The inability to do so rose in tandem with age, more or less doubling at subsequent 5 year intervals from the age of 51–55 onwards. by u/Wagamaga

shiruken t1_j2t13p2 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:25 PM

In a first, scientists have captured on video all the steps a virus follows as it enters and infects a living cell in real time and in three dimensions, using advanced imaging called lattice light sheet microscopy by u/giuliomagnifico

shiruken t1_j2t1r5r wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:29 PM

Large study challenges the theory that light alcohol consumption benefits heart health by u/Avieshek

blackbirdrisen t1_j2tlo1l wrote on January 3, 2023 at 9:29 PM

A new study describes the discovery and analysis of ancient DNA that is calculated to be two million years old, breaking the record for the oldest DNA to be discovered and studied by u/molrose96

shiruken t1_j2tsrsv wrote on January 3, 2023 at 10:13 PM

Link to the Reddit submission: https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/zf4sjj/a_new_study_describes_the_discovery_and_analysis/

blackbirdrisen t1_j2tu5qo wrote on January 3, 2023 at 10:21 PM

Oh, shoot. That's what I thought I shared. Apologies.

shiruken t1_j2tx5f9 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 10:41 PM

No worries!

PHealthy t1_j2tszde wrote on January 3, 2023 at 10:14 PM

Study finds that it is unlikely that SARS-COV-2 circulated widely in humans prior to November 2019 by u/PHealthy

shiruken t1_j2sy31p wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:06 PM

An updated analysis of American COVID-19 deaths throughout 2021 highlights a continued drop in life expectancy as well as persistent disparities by race and ethnicity. Life expectancy at birth decreased 2.2 years between 2019 and 2021, with the decrease for 2021 being 0.6 years larger than 2020. by u/shiruken

ScienceModerator OP t1_j2suzbx wrote on January 3, 2023 at 6:47 PM

Most Interesting Submission (Top Submissions of 2021)

shiruken t1_j2sweh8 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 6:56 PM

In 2007, NASCAR switched from leaded to unleaded fuel. After the switch, children who were raised near racetracks began performing substantially better in school than earlier cohorts. There were also increases in educational performance relative to students further away. by u/smurfyjenkins

shiruken t1_j2sw579 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 6:54 PM

Utah's DWR was hearing that hunters weren't finding elk during hunting season. They also heard from private landowners that elk were eating them out of house and home. So they commissioned a study. Turns out the elk were leaving public lands when hunting season started and hiding on private land. by u/mtoddh

shiruken t1_j2sxokn wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:04 PM

Medicare could have saved an estimated $3.6 billion buying generic drugs at Mark Cuban's direct-to-consumer online pharmacy according to an analysis of 89 drugs available for purchase on the platform. by u/shiruken

shiruken t1_j2syrpb wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:10 PM

Record-breaking chip can transmit entire internet's traffic per second. A new photonic chip design has achieved a world record data transmission speed of 1.84 petabits per second, almost twice the global internet traffic per second. by u/MistWeaver80

shiruken t1_j2sxg46 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:02 PM

We can now decode pigs’ emotions. Using thousands of acoustic recordings gathered throughout the lives of pigs, from their births to deaths, an international team is the first in the world to translate pig grunts into actual emotions across an extended number of conditions and life stages by u/giuliomagnifico

shiruken t1_j2swz85 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 6:59 PM

Cats learn the names of their friend cats in their daily lives. In a new study, scientists discovered that in addition to knowing their own names, cats also appear to recognize the names of other cats they're familiar with, and may also know the names of people who live in the same household. by u/MistWeaver80

shiruken t1_j2sz95x wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:13 PM

The Event Horizon Telescope collaboration has obtained the very first image of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the heart of our Galaxy by u/fullersam

shiruken t1_j2syvjb wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:11 PM

Exposure to humorous memes about anti-vaxxers boosts intention to get a COVID-19 vaccine, study finds by u/CapSwing

shiruken t1_j2szcjg wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:14 PM

Adults who neglect COVID-19 health recommendations may also neglect basic road safety. Traffic risks were 50%-70% greater for adults who had not been vaccinated compared to those who had. Misunderstandings of everyday risk can cause people to put themselves and others in grave danger by u/Wagamaga

[deleted] t1_j3l6orf wrote on January 9, 2023 at 9:06 AM

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[deleted] t1_j342t8a wrote on January 5, 2023 at 10:21 PM

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[deleted] t1_j3inhb5 wrote on January 8, 2023 at 9:05 PM

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ScienceModerator OP t1_j2svfi0 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 6:50 PM

Water Is… Dry? (Most interesting submission or comment that goes against conventional wisdom)

shiruken t1_j2t1ycb wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:30 PM

Since 1982, all Alaskan residents have received a yearly cash dividend from the Alaska Permanent Fund. Contrary to some rhetoric that recipients of cash transfers will stop working, the Alaska Permanent Fund has had no adverse impact on employment in Alaska. by u/smurfyjenkins

shiruken t1_j2szqf5 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:16 PM

Small study suggests money can buy happiness — for households earning up to $123,000. In a six-month experiment, people who received cash transfers of $10,000 generally reported feeling happier than people who did not receive the payment. by u/mossadnik

[deleted] t1_j2uctt8 wrote on January 4, 2023 at 12:25 AM

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shiruken t1_j2sy9k3 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:07 PM

Female emission at orgasm (squirting) confirmed in new study to release fluid from the bladder. by u/MotherHolle

shiruken t1_j2t26hg wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:32 PM

The consumption of Saturated Fat does not seem to be harmful to cardio-metabolic health and, on the contrary, Short chain saturated fat may exert beneficial effects. Further studies are needed to clearly validate the results of the present study. by u/Meatrition

shiruken t1_j2t21nz wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:31 PM

In 2013, France massively increased dividend tax rates. This led firms to reduce dividends (payments to shareholders) and invest profits back into the firm. Contrary to some claims, dividend taxes do not lead to a misallocation of capital, but may instead reduce capital misallocation. by u/smurfyjenkins

shiruken t1_j2zbafc wrote on January 5, 2023 at 12:00 AM

Cannabis use does not increase actual creativity but does increase how creative you think you are, study finds by u/mossadnik

shiruken t1_j2zdam1 wrote on January 5, 2023 at 12:13 AM

E-cigarettes reverse decades of decline in percentage of US youth struggling to quit nicotine by u/giuliomagnifico

ScienceModerator OP t1_j2sv5bp wrote on January 3, 2023 at 6:48 PM

Most Significant Submission (Top Submissions of 2022)

shiruken t1_j2swup4 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 6:59 PM

The US has increased its funding for public schools. New research shows additional spending on operations—such as teacher salaries and support services—positively affected test scores, dropout rates, and postsecondary enrollment. But expenditures on new buildings and renovations had little impact. by u/rustoo

shiruken t1_j2sxaeo wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:01 PM

Covid vaccines prevented at least 330,000 deaths and nearly 700,000 hospitalizations among adult Medicare recipients in 2021. The reduction in hospitalizations due to vaccination saved more than $16 billion in medical costs by u/Wagamaga

shiruken t1_j2sw97g wrote on January 3, 2023 at 6:55 PM

For more than 14% of people who use insulin in the U.S., insulin costs consume at least 40% of their available income, a new study finds by u/marketrent

shiruken t1_j2sxuy8 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:05 PM

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has captured the first clear evidence for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of a planet outside the solar system by u/shiruken

shiruken t1_j2swmm4 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 6:57 PM

The Federal Assault Weapons Ban of 1994 significantly lowered both the rate *and* the total number of firearm related homicides in the United States during the 10 years it was in effect by u/nowlan101

shiruken t1_j2t61sr wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:55 PM

5-year study of more than 300 transgender youth recently found that after initial social transition, which can include changing pronouns, name, and gender presentation, 94% continued to identify as transgender while only 2.5% identified as their sex assigned at birth. by u/drewiepoodle

shiruken t1_j2swqkr wrote on January 3, 2023 at 6:58 PM

Federally funded sex education programs linked to decline in teen birth rates, new study shows. by u/thebelsnickle1991

shiruken t1_j2txh2i wrote on January 3, 2023 at 10:43 PM

A team of researchers have determined that the earliest cases of COVID-19 in humans arose at a wholesale fish market in Wuhan China in December, 2019. They linked these cases to bats, foxes and other live mammals infected with the virus sold in the market either for consumption or for their fur. by u/thebelsnickle1991

ScienceModerator OP t1_j2sv6oh wrote on January 3, 2023 at 6:49 PM

Most Optimistic or Uplifting Submission

shiruken t1_j2syn18 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:10 PM

Women vaccinated against COVID-19 transfer SARS-CoV-2 antibodies to their breastfed infants, potentially giving their babies passive immunity against the coronavirus. The antibodies were detected in infants regardless of age – from 1.5 months old to 23 months old. by u/Wagamaga

shiruken t1_j2zc89s wrote on January 5, 2023 at 12:06 AM

An hour-long stroll in nature helps decrease activity in an area of the brain associated with stress processing by u/HugNup

HugNup t1_j3lob93 wrote on January 9, 2023 at 12:48 PM

>shiruken

Thank you!!

shiruken t1_j2syxmq wrote on January 3, 2023 at 7:11 PM

Replacing red meat with chickpeas & lentils good for the wallet, climate, and health. It saves the health system thousands of dollars per person, and cut diet-related greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 35%. by u/MistWeaver80

shiruken t1_j2zbf87 wrote on January 5, 2023 at 12:01 AM

Greta Thunberg effect evident among Norwegian youth. Norwegian youth from all over the country and across social affiliations cite teen activist Greta Thunberg as a role model and source of inspiration for climate engagement by u/thebelsnickle1991

shiruken t1_j2zdtbg wrote on January 5, 2023 at 12:17 AM

Return on Investment of the COVID-19 Vaccination: every $1 invested in the New York City vaccination campaign yielded an estimated $10.19 in cost savings from lower infection and mortality rates, fewer productivity losses, and averted health care use. by u/Userisusers

[deleted] t1_j2sust0 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 6:46 PM

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[deleted] t1_j35np2m wrote on January 6, 2023 at 5:01 AM

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