Physics

Eyelashes’ special features help fling water from the eyes

Eyelashes “micro-ratchet” structure and curved shape help wick water away from the eyes.

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.

Space

50 years ago, astronomers saw the surface of a distant star for the first time

In the 1970s, technological advances let scientists peer through stars’ atmospheres. Now, scientists can measure roiling gas in the stars themselves.

Health & Medicine

Telehealth helps people get health care, but access may soon be in limbo

COVID-era telehealth laws made health care more accessible for rural patients, but telehealth might not be as easy to access next year.

Health & Medicine

Stage 0 breast cancer patients may not need to rush to surgery

Women with Stage 0 breast cancer who got biannual mammograms and delayed surgery for two years fared as well as those who got immediate surgery.

Life

These scientific feats set new records in 2024

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

Health & Medicine

Deaths related to the cold have grown since 1999 in the U.S.

From 1999 to 2022, the rate of cold-related deaths rose from about 4 per 1 million people to 9 per 1 million in the United States.

Artificial Intelligence

AI sniffs out whiskey flavor notes as well as the pros

A machine learning algorithm identified the top five flavor notes in 16 types of whiskey. Each matched the aggregate of what a panel of human pros said.

Chemistry

A new microbead proves effective as a plastic-free skin scrubber

The nonplastic polymer cleaned up eyeliner and permanent marker and broke down into molecules related to sugar and amino acids.

Space

What will space exploration look like under Trumpov?

A lot is unknown, but the roles of billionaires like Elon Musk and Jared Isaacman suggests a focus on human and private spaceflight.

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.