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.

Science & Society

A new biography of Benjamin Franklin puts science at the forefront

Richard Munson’s new book, Ingenious, shows how scientific research inspired the founding father’s diplomacy.

Space

What will it take to defend the world from an asteroid?

In How to Kill an Asteroid, Robin George Andrews looks at the successes and shortcomings of planetary defense.

Health & Medicine

‘The Power of Prions’ explores misfolded proteins’ role in brain diseases

Michel Brahic’s new book spotlights prions’ role in diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Paleontology

‘Uncovering Dinosaur Behavior’ unearths paleontology’s biases

Paleontologist David Hone’s latest book fleshes out our understanding of dinosaur behavior.

Science & Society

The ‘Does It Fly?’ podcast separates fact from science fiction

The podcast ‘Does It Fly?’ asks whether the technology of Star Trek, Doctor Who and other popular sci-fi shows could really work.

Animals

‘Night Magic’ invites you to celebrate the living wonders of the dark

In the book ‘Night Magic,’ Leigh Ann Henion writes of encounters with salamanders, bats, glowworms and other life-forms nurtured by darkness.

Artificial Intelligence

A new book tackles AI hype – and how to spot it

In AI Snake Oil, two computer scientists set us straight on the power and limits of AI and offer advice for moving forward.

Oceans

National Geographic’s ‘OceanXplorers’ dives into the ocean’s mysteries

National Geographic’s documentary series ‘OceanXplorers,’ produced by James Cameron, invites you aboard one of the most advanced research vessels in the world.

Earth

‘Turning to Stone’ paints rocks as storytellers and mentors

Part memoir, part geology explainer, Marcia Bjornerud’s latest book explores the hidden wisdom of Earth’s rocks.

Neuroscience

‘Then I Am Myself the World’ ponders what it means to be conscious

Neuroscientist Christof Koch’s new book discusses how information integration in the brain leads to consciousness and whether AI will ever be self-aware.

Environment

The world has water problems. This book has solutions

The Last Drop tackles global water problems and explores how humans can better manage the precious resource.