Science & Society
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Life
Insects flocking to artificial lights may not know which way is up
Insects may use light to figure out where the ground is. Artificial lights send them veering off course, data from high-speed infrared cameras suggests.
- Science & Society
Geneticist Krystal Tsosie advocates for Indigenous data sovereignty
A member of the Navajo Nation, she believes Indigenous geneticists have a big role to play in protecting and studying their own data.
- Physics
50 years ago, timekeepers deployed the newly invented leap second
After more than 50 years, metrologists will stop using the leap second to align the time kept by atomic clocks with the rate of Earth’s spin.
- Animals
A new exhibit invites you into the ‘Secret World of Elephants’
As elephants face survival threats, the American Museum of Natural History highlights their pivotal role in shaping landscapes — and their resilience.
- Paleontology
The real culprit in a 19th century dinosaur whodunit is finally revealed
Contrary to the stories handed down among paleontologists, creationism wasn’t to blame for the destruction of Central Park’s dinosaurs.
- Science & Society
Most people say self-control is the same as willpower. Researchers disagree
Psychologists say self-control is about planning ahead to avoid relying on willpower in the moment. Laypeople see things differently.
- Psychology
Here’s how to give a good gift, according to science
Gifting researcher Julian Givi outlines common mistakes gift givers make and how science can help us avoid those costly errors.
- Life
The Endangered Species Act is turning 50. Has it succeeded?
After 50 years, this landmark law has kept many species alive — but few wild populations have recovered enough to come off the “endangered” list.
- Science & Society
These are the most popular Science News stories of 2023
Science News drew over 21 million visitors to our website this year. Here’s a look back at the most-read and most-watched stories of 2023.
- Science & Society
History buffs will dig these 5 science stories from 2023
This year, new science threw the lives (and deaths) of Beethoven and other historical figures into sharp relief.
- Climate
COP28 nations agreed to ‘transition’ from fossil fuels. That’s too slow, experts say
COP28 ended with a historic climate agreement to begin moving away from fossil fuels, but stopped short of mandating phasing them out.
- Health & Medicine
Why weight-loss drugs became more popular than ever this year
Ozempic and related drugs can drastically reduce body weight, and more potent versions are on the way. But questions remain about who should take them.
