Year in Review
- Science & Society
From Elvis worms to the Milky Way’s edge, these science stories sparked joy in 2020
During a gloomy year dominated by a pandemic, these scientific discoveries were reminders that we live in a world of wonder.
- Science & Society
This COVID-19 pandemic timeline shows how fast the coronavirus took over our lives
Look back on how the coronavirus pandemic took over 2020 and how efforts to fight back evolved.
- Science & Society
What’s ahead for science in 2020? Here’s what we’re watching
Science News writers are awaiting new Mars missions, a new search for dark matter, results from a male birth control pill study and more.
- Paleontology
Science News’ favorite fossils of 2019
Fossil discoveries reported this year included Cambrian creatures, ancient bone cancer and a peek at life’s recovery after the dinosaur die-off.
- Space
How 2019’s space missions explored distant worlds
Planets and asteroids and Arrokoth, oh my. Space probes had a busy year.
- Science & Society
These science claims from 2019 could be big deals — if true
Some of this year’s most tantalizing scientific finds aren’t yet ready for a “best of” list.
- Health & Medicine
In 2019, a ketamine-based antidepressant raised hopes and concerns
Ketamine and related molecules might ease severe depression, but the drugs come with baggage.
- Science & Society
Top 10 stories of 2019: A black hole picture, measles outbreaks, climate protests and more
Science News' top stories for 2019 include the first picture of a black hole, a quantum computing milestone and CRISPR's first U.S. clinical trials.
- Animals
A year of big numbers startled the world into talking about nature
One million species are at risk. Three billion birds have been lost. Plus surges in Amazon burning.
- Health & Medicine
Vaping’s dangers loom large amid more than 50 U.S. deaths this year
Lung injuries and deaths linked to vaping in 2019 are a sobering indication of the dangers of e-cigarettes as teen use continues to rise.
- Space
2019 brought us the first image of a black hole. A movie may be next
The Event Horizon Telescope team is gearing up for more black hole discoveries.
- Humans
Mysterious Denisovans emerged from the shadows in 2019
Denisovan fossil and DNA finds this year highlighted the enigmatic hominid’s complexity and our own hybrid roots.
