Science & Society

  1. Genetics

    Why using genetic genealogy to solve crimes could pose problems

    Rules governing how police can use DNA searches in genealogy databases aren’t clear, raising civil rights and privacy concerns.

    By Tina Hesman Saey
  2. Tech

    50 years ago, NASA astronauts prepared to return to space

    Apollo 7 crewmembers underwent their first major tests 50 years ago. Today, U.S. astronauts struggle to get into space.

    By Dan Garisto
  3. Genetics

    Privacy and consumer genetic testing don’t always mix

    Interested in taking a direct-to-consumer genetic test? Here are some things you should know.

    By Cassie Martin
  4. Neuroscience

    Here’s why scientists are questioning whether ‘sonic attacks’ are real

    Sonic attacks would be hard to pull off and a terrible way of incapacitating diplomats, experts say.

    By Tina Hesman Saey
  5. Science & Society

    The power of great editors, their lessons and legacy

    Editor in Chief Nancy Shute reflects on the history and legacy of Science News editors.

    By Nancy Shute
  6. Science & Society

    Readers respond to pesticides, Hawking radiation and more

    Readers had questions about pesticides, Hawking radiation and the intersection of science and the public.

    By Science News Staff
  7. Health & Medicine

    Hurricane Maria killed at least 4,645 people in Puerto Rico, a study estimates

    Researchers estimate Puerto Rico’s death toll from Hurricane Maria at more than 4,500 people based on household surveys — dwarfing the official count of 64.

    By Aimee Cunningham
  8. Genetics

    The history of heredity makes for a fascinating, and chilling, read

    From eugenics to gene editing, Carl Zimmer’s She Has Her Mother’s Laugh recounts genetics’ biggest discoveries.

    By Cori Vanchieri
  9. Astronomy

    Pluto’s demotion ignores astronomical history

    A historical review of asteroids’ planetary status suggests Pluto’s demotion was not justified.

    By Tom Siegfried
  10. Tech

    Fleets of self-driving taxis could be choreographed to cut traffic

    Hive-minded self-driving cars could curb traffic congestion and vehicle pollution.

    By Maria Temming
  11. Genetics

    Genetic sleuthing again IDs a murder suspect in a cold case

    The arrest of a second murder suspect with the help of genetic genealogy raises worries that suspicionless searches may be next.

    By Tina Hesman Saey
  12. Genetics

    Consumer DNA testing promises more than it delivers

    Chances are your DNA doesn’t contain dark secrets. But there may be lots of variety in results from testing company to company.

    By Tina Hesman Saey