Science & Society

  1. Science & Society

    Reader favorites of 2015

    Science News' online readership sometimes surprised us with their clicking habits this year.

    By Science News Staff
  2. Science & Society

    Surprises at new frontier trump a tool’s potential power

    Because it highlighted discovery at its most basic, Pluto won our No. 1 spot in the top 25 science news stories of 2015.

    By Eva Emerson
  3. Science & Society

    Top stories of 2015: Pluto, gene editing, a new hominid and more

    Pluto up close, the power gene editor CRISPR, new early human kin and more make Science News' list of the top 25 science stories of 2015.

    By Science News Staff
  4. Genetics

    Year in review: Breakthrough gene editor sparks ethics debate

    The gene editing system CRISPR has opened the door to new scientific advancements — and ethical concerns.

    By Tina Hesman Saey
  5. Science & Society

    Year in review: Scientists tackle the irreproducibility problem

    In 2015, several research groups reported the extent to which experimental results don't hold up to replication.

    By Tina Hesman Saey
  6. Science & Society

    Analysis gives a glimpse of the extraordinary language of lying

    A study of fraudulent research articles reveals patterns in language that indicate a paper is worthy of closer scrutiny.

    By Rachel Ehrenberg
  7. 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.

    By Thomas Sumner
  8. Genetics

    Human gene editing research gets green light

    Gene editing research can move forward, but not for reproductive purposes, international summit committee says.

    By Tina Hesman Saey
  9. Genetics

    Scientists consider new genetic power and its impacts

    Thanks to CRISPR, scientists’ plans for effective use of gene drives suddenly look feasible.

    By Eva Emerson
  10. Genetics

    Gene drives spread their wings

    Gene drives may wipe out malaria and take down invasive species. But they may be difficult to control.

    By Tina Hesman Saey
  11. 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.

    By Meghan Rosen
  12. 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.

    By Sid Perkins