Science & Society
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Science & Society
This new year, maybe resolve to quit
Western cultural stories tend to emphasize perseverance. But science shows that knowing when to quit has a place in our success too.
- Health & Medicine
Research hailing the benefits of the COVID-19 shot keeps coming
There was more good health news about the COVID-19 vaccine for infants, kids and adults in December. There’s still time to get the shot this winter.
- Health & Medicine
He made beer that’s also a vaccine. Now controversy is brewing
An NIH scientist’s maverick approach reveals legal, ethical, moral, scientific and social challenges to developing potentially life-saving vaccines.
- Psychology
As gambling addiction spreads, one scientist’s work reveals timely insights
Psychiatrist Robert Custer spent his life convincing doctors that compulsive gambling was not an impulse control problem. Today, his research is foundational for diagnosis and treatment.
- Psychology
Chatbots spewing facts, and falsehoods, can sway voters
Chatbots that dole out fact-laden arguments can sway voters. Those facts don’t have to be true.
- Science & Society
Gratitude can increase joy, even if it feels a little cringe
Like exercise, gratitude takes many forms. Finding the right practice, research shows, is up to the individual.
- Science & Society
Meet 5 scientists reshaping the way we understand the world
These five early- and mid-career researchers are shaking up what we know about the Arctic, black holes and beyond.
- Science & Society
Science has made America great. Is that era over?
Expectations of continued success for American science were shaken this year when the Trump administration cut billions of dollars in funding and fired thousands of scientists.
- Science & Society
Science News’ Top Reads of 2025
Books about AI, Mars and infectious disease were among our top reads this year.
- Space
America risks losing its role as a space science pioneer
Funding uncertainties are pushing U.S. space scientists out of the field and putting existing and future space missions on the chopping block.
- Health & Medicine
Eroding access to childhood vaccines jeopardizes health for all
Recent U.S. decisions about vaccines signal bigger changes to come that could threaten the foundation of the national childhood immunization schedule.
- Oceans
Combining western science with Indigenous knowledge could help the Arctic
Polar marine ecologist Marianne Falardeau investigates how Arctic ecosystems are shifting under climate change.
