2021 highlights in science and technology

Despite the ongoing disruption from COVID-19, many impressive breakthroughs in science and technology occurred this year. Below we have listed our top 20 most viewed blogs of 2021, in reverse order. In June, researchers from Google reported a new machine learning technique for microchip floorplanning that can outperform human experts. In November, the world's first electric and self-piloting container ship – Yara Birkeland – undertook its maiden voyage in the Oslo Fjord. This will cut 1,000 tonnes of CO2 and replace 40,000 trips by diesel-powered trucks a year.