Science & Society
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Climate
195 nations approve historic climate accord
The Paris climate talks end with delegates from 195 nations releasing a hard-fought agreement to curb climate change and limit warming to 2 degrees Celsius.
- Genetics
Human gene editing research gets green light
Gene editing research can move forward, but not for reproductive purposes, international summit committee says.
- Genetics
Scientists consider new genetic power and its impacts
Thanks to CRISPR, scientists’ plans for effective use of gene drives suddenly look feasible.
- Genetics
Gene drives spread their wings
Gene drives may wipe out malaria and take down invasive species. But they may be difficult to control.
- Genetics
Can DNA predict a face?
DNA-based facial sketches are moving into the crime-solving arena. With current science, predictions of some features are better than others.
- Earth
Pioneering geologist sought to demystify volcanic eruptions
In The Last Volcano, a geologist profiles Thomas Jaggar, one of the 20th century’s most influential volcanologists.
- Science & Society
Genetically modified salmon gets approval in U.S.
Fast-growing salmon become first genetically engineered animals approved for human consumption.
- Science & Society
The vagus is the nerve to know
The nervous system's meandering superhighway has the potential to lead researchers treatments for myriad health conditions.
- Planetary Science
Bright minds, antineutrinos and more reader feedback
In the November 28, 2015, issue of Science News, readers discussed humanizing science, frog mating calls, antineurtrinos and Martian dust storms.
- Psychology
Caffeine gives cocaine an addictive boost
Not only is it popular to “cut” cocaine with caffeine, the combination might be more addictive.
- Climate
Geoengineering is world’s last hope, new book argues
Geoengineering is humankind’s only viable solution to curb climate change impacts, a journalist contends in The Planet Remade.
- Chemistry
Tricky element isolated from spent nuclear fuel
A new chemical technique makes it easier to extract the radioactive element americium from used nuclear fuel, potentially paving the way for better ways to reprocess and recycle nuclear waste.
