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. Earth

    Tsunami’s trek traced in the sky

    Scientists photograph atmospheric ripples that followed the March tsunami across the Pacific.

  2. Space

    Not seeing sunspots

    Scientists predict a delay for the sun’s next cycle.

  3. Animals

    Changing climate alters fish behavior

    Study finds clownfish don’t swim away from scary sounds in future ocean conditions.

  4. Health & Medicine

    Gut Instinct

    New mouse study reveals a connection between intestinal bacteria and behavior.

  5. Animals

    Deep-down worm is far out

    New worm discovered almost a mile underground could hint at life on other planets.

  6. Climate

    Germy weather

    Bacteria high in the sky could be causing rain, snow and hail.

  7. Animals

    Silky spider footprints

    Tarantulas use foot-spun silk to hold tight in slippery situations.

  8. Health & Medicine

    Microbes in the music

    A new study finds germs linger on musical instruments.

  9. Oceans

    Life beneath the ‘berg

    Scientists find Antarctic icebergs play a new and bigger role in the climate cycle.

  10. Tech

    Lasers of a feather

    A nifty light trick in bird feathers inspires researchers to create a new kind of laser.

  11. Space

    End of an era

    As NASA’s space shuttles land for the last time, they leave behind a sound scientific legacy.

  12. Health & Medicine

    Sunlight worsens jet pollution

    Chemical reactions caused by the sun’s rays worsen air pollution from idling jets at airports.