Science & the Public
Where scienceand society meet
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Tech
When it comes to self-driving cars, what’s safe enough?
Even as unmonitored self-driving cars take to the streets, there’s no consensus about how safe is “safe enough” for driverless vehicles.
- Astronomy
New questions about Arecibo’s future swirl in the wake of Hurricane Maria
The iconic Arecibo Observatory was damaged in Hurricane Maria, but not as much as originally thought. But its funding is still in doubt.
- Earth
How hurricanes and other devastating disasters spur scientific research
Hurricanes such as Harvey, Irma and others have been devastating, even deadly, yet they drive our desire for scientific discovery.
- Life
Wild yeasts are brewing up batches of trendy beers
Wild beer studies are teaching scientists and brewers about the tropical fruit smell and sour taste of success.
- Science & Society
Your solar eclipse experience can help science
The Aug. 21 total solar eclipse offers a rare opportunity for crowdsourced data collection on a spectacular celestial phenomenon.
- Science & Society
Does doom and gloom convince anyone about climate change?
New York magazine spurred conversation with a recent article on climate change. Will its apocalyptic approach have an impact?
- Science & Society
Latest stats are just a start in preventing gun injuries in kids
New stats on firearm deaths and injuries are disturbing, but the picture to make policy is far from complete, researchers say.
- Science & Society
Trump’s proposed 2018 budget takes an ax to science research funding
Administration would cut total federal research spending by about 17 percent, according to a preliminary estimate.
- Science & Society
HPV vaccine as cancer prevention is a message that needs to catch on
Vaccination against HPV is cancer prevention, but low vaccination rates suggest that message isn’t clear.
- Science & Society
We went to the March for Science in D.C. Here’s what happened
Science News staff members reported live updates from the March for Science in Washington, D.C., on April 22.
- Science & Society
March for Science will take scientists’ activism to a new level
The March for Science may be the first of its kind, science historians say.
- Environment
When coal replaces a cleaner energy source, health is on the line
Health concerns prompted a shift from nuclear power to coal. But that shift came with its own health troubles, a new study suggests.
