Year in Review

Science & Society

2020’s science superlatives include the oldest, highest and grossest discoveries

From the earliest modern bird to the highest-temperature superconductor, science set plenty of records in 2020.

Health & Medicine

Against all odds, 2020 featured some good health news

Good health news in 2020 included a first treatment for peanut allergies, a rare self-cure for HIV, and an Ebola outbreak ends.

Space

Here are the highlights from a busy year in space launches

Satellites, Mars rovers and astronauts launched into space in 2020.

Science & Society

The science stories that defined 2020: coronavirus, diversity movements and more

While this year was all about the coronavirus pandemic, climate change effects continued, diversity movements were born and research carried on.

Science & Society

These science claims from 2020 could be big news if confirmed

Scientific findings reported this year that still need more proof include potential signs of life on Venus and Earth’s oldest parasites.

Animals

Rumors of a ‘murder hornet’ apocalypse may have been exaggerated

Murder hornets sightings in the Pacific northwest inspired a mix of concern and delight.

Climate

Wildfires, heat waves and hurricanes broke all kinds of records in 2020

Climate change did not take a break during the pandemic.

Science & Society

From Elvis worms to the Milky Way’s edge, these science stories sparked joy in 2020

During a gloomy year dominated by a pandemic, these scientific discoveries were reminders that we live in a world of wonder.

Science & Society

This COVID-19 pandemic timeline shows how fast the coronavirus took over our lives

Look back on how the coronavirus pandemic took over 2020 and how efforts to fight back evolved.

Science & Society

What’s ahead for science in 2020? Here’s what we’re watching

Science News writers are awaiting new Mars missions, a new search for dark matter, results from a male birth control pill study and more.

Paleontology

Science News’ favorite fossils of 2019

Fossil discoveries reported this year included Cambrian creatures, ancient bone cancer and a peek at life’s recovery after the dinosaur die-off.

Space

How 2019’s space missions explored distant worlds

Planets and asteroids and Arrokoth, oh my. Space probes had a busy year.