Stephen Ornes

Freelance Writer

Stephen Ornes has been writing for Science News Explores since 2008, and his 2014 story "Where Will Lightning Strike?" won an AAAS/Kavli Gold Award. He lives in Nashville, Tenn., and he has three children, who are inventing their own language. His family has a cat, six chickens, and two rabbits, but he secretly thinks hagfish are the most fascinating animals. Stephen has written two books. One is a biography of mathematician Sophie Germain, who was born during the French Revolution. The other, which was published in 2019, features art inspired by math. Visit him online at stephenornes.com.

All Stories by Stephen Ornes

  1. Space

    Wanted: Garbage collectors in space

    Scientists say we should clean up the cosmos now to avoid crashes in the future.

  2. Tech

    A greener way to keep flames away

    Scientists use safer materials to create a new flame retardant.

  3. Space

    Fireworks near the Big Dipper

    Astronomers see a star as it explodes.

  4. Animals

    An energy lesson from panda poop

    Scientists say microbes in panda feces may help convert grasses into fuel.

  5. Animals

    An elephant’s “aha!” moment

    A young elephant named Kandula passes a tricky test.

  6. Planets

    Possible new saltwater stains on Mars

    Dark streaks that grow in spring, fade in winter may point to saltwater on the Red Planet.

  7. Health & Medicine

    A viral sniff

    A common virus may get to the brain through the nose.

  8. Space

    How the outer sun gets so hot

    Magnetic waves boost the corona to extreme temperatures.

  9. Animals

    Dolphin dimples detect electricity

    Depressions in a dolphin’s snout sense electric fields, may help find dinner.

  10. Animals

    The little lizards that could

    Lizards aren’t known for their smarts, but maybe they should be.

  11. Health & Medicine

    Fats encourage overeating

    Scientists find that fats push an “eat more” button in rats.

  12. Animals

    Lotion takes a bite out of snake venom

    Scientists discover that a cream can slow the spread of a serpent’s poison.