Science & Society

  1. 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.

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  2. 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.

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  3. 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.

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  4. 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.

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  5. 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.

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  6. 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.

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  7. 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.

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  8. 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.

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  9. Artificial Intelligence

    Generative AI grabbed headlines this year. Here’s why and what’s next

    Prominent artificial intelligence researcher Melanie Mitchell explains why generative AI matters and looks ahead to the technology’s future.

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  10. Environment

    Landscape Explorer shows how much the American West has changed

    The online tool stitches together historical images into a map that’s helping land managers make decisions about preservation and restoration.

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  11. Science & Society

    These are Science News’ favorite books of 2023

    Books about deadly fungi, the science of preventing roadkill, trips to other planets and the true nature of math grabbed our attention this year.

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  12. Climate

    A new UN report lays out an ethical framework for climate engineering

    The report’s release, which coincides with COP28, weighs the ethics of using technological interventions to mitigate climate change.

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