Cassie Martin is a deputy managing editor at Science News. She has a bachelor's degree in molecular genetics from Michigan State University, and a master's degree in science journalism from Boston University.

All Stories by Cassie Martin

  1. Science & Society

    The U.S. has resisted the metric system for more than 50 years

    Australia adopted the metric system 50 years ago. The United States tried by passing legislation for a voluntary conversion that was largely ignored.

  2. Health & Medicine

    50 years ago, scientists were trying to get a grip on Lassa fever

    In 1970, scientists were on the trail of a deadly new virus. Fifty years later, a vaccine is just now being tested in people.

  3. Health & Medicine

    50 years ago, scientists debated the necessity of a smallpox vaccine

    In 1970, scientists debated the necessity of routine smallpox vaccinations as the disease declined. Fifty years later, the debate continues.

  4. Science & Society

    These science claims from 2019 could be big deals — if true

    Some of this year’s most tantalizing scientific finds aren’t yet ready for a “best of” list.

  5. Science & Society

    Why a warrant to search GEDmatch’s genetic data has sparked privacy concerns

    A search warrant issued by a state judge in Florida gives police access to DNA profiles of over a million Americans in a public genealogy database.

  6. Science & Society

    How circling the globe has evolved in the 500 years since Magellan’s famous trip

    Humankind has found new and improved ways to circle the globe in the five centuries since Magellan set sail.

  7. Health & Medicine

    50 years ago, a drug that crippled a generation found new life as a leprosy treatment

    In 1969, a drug that crippled a generation found new life as a treatment for leprosy.

  8. Oceans

    A mysterious coral disease is ravaging Caribbean reefs

    Scientists are racing to learn what’s behind a disease that’s “annihilating” whole coral species in hopes of stopping it.

  9. Health & Medicine

    Here’s the science behind some of your favorite things to do in summer

    Inject some science into your summer.

  10. Animals

    Some dog breeds may have trouble breathing because of a mutated gene

    Norwich terriers don’t have flat snouts, but can suffer the same wheezing as bulldogs. It turns out that a gene mutation tied to swelling could be to blame.

  11. Life

    50 years ago, scientists were unlocking the secrets of bacteria-infecting viruses

    In 1969, a bacteria-infecting virus held promise for unlocking the secrets of viral replication. Fifty years later, the virus is a versatile tool for scientists.

  12. Science & Society

    NSF science research funds are flowing again after the shutdown

    Assessing the scope of the shutdown’s impact on NSF-funded science will be a long process.