Science & Society

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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.

  1. Science & Society

    Empathy for animals is all about us

    We extend our feelings to what we think animals are feeling. Often, we’re wrong. But anthropomorphizing isn’t about them. It’s about us.

    By Bethany Brookshire
  2. Science & Society

    Special Report: Aging’s Future

    What is aging? How does it change the brain? How did different life histories evolve? This special report addresses those questions and more.

    By Science News Staff
  3. Plants

    ‘Lab Girl’ invites readers into hidden world of plants

    In Lab Girl, geobiologist Hope Jahren reveals secret lives of plants — and scientists.

    By Meghan Rosen
  4. Psychology

    Moral dilemma could put brakes on driverless cars

    Driverless cars race into a moral conflict over saving passengers or pedestrians.

    By Bruce Bower
  5. Science & Society

    Tough gun laws in Australia eliminate mass shootings

    Following the 1996 implementation of strict gun control laws in Australia, the country has not experienced any mass shootings.

    By Meghan Rosen
  6. Math

    Courts’ use of statistics should be put on trial

    Bayesian statistics offer a useful tool for avoiding fallacies in legal reasoning.

    By Tom Siegfried
  7. Science & Society

    On a mission for science, on Jupiter and on Earth

    Editor in chief Eva Emerson discusses promoting science and the new sponsor of the Science Talent Search.

    By Eva Emerson
  8. Chemistry

    Movie viewers’ exhaled chemicals tell if scene is funny, scary

    Changes in trace gases exhaled by movie audiences could point the way to a subtle form of human communication.

    By Cassie Martin
  9. Environment

    Bikini Atoll radiation levels remain alarmingly high

    Lingering radiation levels from nuclear bomb tests on Bikini Atoll are far higher than previously estimated.

    By Thomas Sumner
  10. Science & Society

    Francis Crick’s good luck revolutionized biology

    Francis Crick, born 100 years ago, chose to study molecular biology first and then later tackled consciousness.

    By Tom Siegfried
  11. Science & Society

    Science fairs offer top students a grand stage

    Editor in chief Eva Emerson discusses the value of science communication for students.

    By Eva Emerson
  12. Science & Society

    Biologist Kate Rubins’ big dream takes her to the space station

    Molecular biologist Kate Rubins led a 14-person virology lab before becoming an astronaut. She heads to the International Space Station on June 24.

    By Siri Carpenter