Science & Society
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Physics
Separating science fact from fiction in Netflix’s ‘3 Body Problem’
Real science underpins much of the action in the show — along with a hefty dose of artistic liberty.
- Science & Society
Language models may miss signs of depression in Black people’s Facebook posts
Researchers hope to use social media posts to identify population-wide spikes in depression. That approach could miss Black people, a study shows.
- Health & Medicine
Aimee Grant investigates the needs of autistic people
The public health researcher focuses on what kinds of support people with autism need rather than on treating the condition as a disease to cure.
- Science & Society
In ‘Get the Picture,’ science helps explore the meaning of art
Journalist Bianca Bosker infiltrates the secretive art world to understand the science and psychology of why art matters to the human experience.
- Science & Society
What Science News saw during the solar eclipse
Science News staffers took to different parts of the United States to take in the eclipse’s glow. Here’s a glimpse of what we saw during the 2024 event.
- Space
During the awe of totality, scientists studied our planet’s reactions
Earth’s atmosphere was a big area of focus for scientists studying the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
- Science & Society
Your last-minute guide to the 2024 total solar eclipse
From getting eclipse glasses to checking your weather, we’ve got you covered to help you enjoy this incredible solar eclipse.
- Chemistry
Protein whisperer Oluwatoyin Asojo fights neglected diseases
Oluwatoyin Asojo’s work on hookworm protein structures have contributed to a vaccine being tested in people.
- Astronomy
How a 19th century astronomer can help you watch the total solar eclipse
Astronomer Maria Mitchell’s observations of total solar eclipses from more than 100 years ago hold tips that are still relevant for watching an eclipse.
- Psychology
Timbre can affect what harmony is music to our ears
The acoustic qualities of instruments may have influenced variations in musical scales and preferred harmonies.
- Science & Society
Not all cultures value happiness over other aspects of well-being
Nordic countries topped the 2024 world happiness rankings. But culture dictates how people respond to surveys of happiness, a researcher argues.
- Space
‘Space: The Longest Goodbye’ explores astronauts’ mental health
The documentary follows NASA astronauts and the psychologists helping them prepare for future long-distance space trips to the moon and Mars.
