Year in Review

  1. Science & Society

    These are the 5 most popular Science News stories of 2024

    Science News drew millions of visitors to our website this year. Here’s a recap of the most-read and most-watched news stories of 2024.

    By Science News Staff
  2. Life

    These scientific feats set new records in 2024

    Noteworthy findings include jumbo black hole jets, an ultrapetite frog, ancient asteroid remnants and more.

    By Andrea Tamayo

  3. Looking back on the year in science and what’s next

    By Nancy Shute
  4. Health & Medicine

    Here’s how public health fared in 2024

    Viral outbreaks, extreme heat and access to clean water are among the year’s big public health headlines.

    By Aimee Cunningham
  5. Life

    These are our favorite animal stories of 2024

    Pigeons that do somersaults, snakes that fake death with extra flair and surprised canines are among the organisms that enthralled the Science News staff.

    By Darren Incorvaia
  6. Archaeology

    Archaeology’s top discoveries of 2024 include preserved brains and a lost city

    From the plight of ancient Egyptian scribes to the identities of ancient Maya sacrifices, 2024 brought a rich medley of insights into human history.

    By Maria Temming
  7. Life

    Here are 8 remarkable scientific firsts of 2024

    Making panda stem cells, mapping a fruit fly’s brain and witnessing a black hole wake up were among the biggest achievements of the year.

    By Sophie Hartley
  8. Space

    These discoveries in 2024 could be groundbreaking — if they’re true

    Did microbes ever live on Mars? Did an "elevator" help build Egypt’s first pyramid? Some signs pointed to yes this year, but confirmation is still needed.

    By Maria Temming
  9. Health & Medicine

    These are the viruses that defined 2024

    Here’s the latest on mpox, bird flu, dengue and other viral outbreaks that flared up this year.

    By Erin Garcia de Jesús
  10. Health & Medicine

    The benefits of Ozempic and its kin may extend far beyond weight loss

    Studies suggest that semaglutide reduces heart attack and stroke and may curb addiction and more. Scientists reflect on the future of GLP-1 drugs beyond weight loss.

    By Meghan Rosen
  11. Science & Society

    These are Science News’ favorite books of 2024

    Books about killer asteroids, human consciousness, nuclear weapons and the collapse of the Late Bronze Age were among our top reads this year.

    By Science News Staff
  12. Artificial Intelligence

    Generative AI is an energy hog. Is the tech worth the environmental cost?

    Generative AI and the hype around it has rung in excitement and alarm bells this year. Here’s how to consider climate, energy and AI's intersection.

    By Lauren Leffer