2011 in Review: books, breakthroughs and blunders

Was 2011 one of those years that made you look back fondly on the Gulf oil spill? These 2011 ‘best-ofs’ and ‘breakthroughs’ may lift your spirit.

• The journal Science has chosen the finding that antiretroviral drugs reduce the risk of heterosexual transmission of HIV as its Breakthrough of the Year. 2011 Breakthrough of the Year: HIV Treatment as Prevention
• Time Magazine named the use of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) to create stem cells and the newly created malaria vaccine, in addition to ARV to prevent heterosexual HIV transmission. Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs
• AirStrip Cardiology, the FDA approved and HIPAA compliant cardiac patient monitoring solution, won top honors as best US medical application for the iOS platform by the Apple Editorial Staff. Top 5 medical apps from iMedicalApps.com
• Nature journal offers a color-coded, interactive timeline for 2011 science news in brief. Nature News 365 days: A clickable calendar of the yearÔÇÖs events
• Scientific American has several retrospectives, but my favorites are Duh! 11 Obvious Science Findings of 2011 and Doh! Top Science Journal Retractions of 2011
• And what would a 2011 review list be without some snazzy science book recommendations? Blood Work, Science Ink & The Information are on my 2012 to read list. A Brilliant List of Science Books for People Who Want Their Minds Blown