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. Fossils

    Mini T. rex

    Scientists have unearthed a dinosaur skeleton that looks like a person-sized Tyrannosaurus rex.

  2. Environment

    A gassy threat from above

    In Earth’s atmosphere, nitrous oxide threatens the ozone layer.

  3. Brain

    A brain-boosting video game

    A new study suggests that playing Tetris builds gray matter.

  4. Health & Medicine

    Making good, brown fat

    Researchers find a way to make energy-burning fat out of other types of cells.

  5. Chemistry

    Worm glue

    A glue similar to the one made by sandcastle worms may one day paste together bones in the human body.

  6. Chemistry

    World’s largest lizard is venomous too

    Komodo dragons kill prey in a way similar to some snakes, scientists find.

  7. Health & Medicine

    Brain cells take a break

    As you fall into deep sleep, some neurons pause their electrical activity.

  8. Health & Medicine

    Taking the sting out of scorpion venom

    Drug given to stung children in Mexico lessens symptoms.

  9. Tech

    New eyes to scan the skies

    Two new telescopes will watch for asteroids, map the galaxy.

  10. Chemistry

    Seeing red means danger ahead

    A tiny molecule may make a big difference in future warning systems.

  11. Chemistry

    Night of the living ants

    Chemicals make the difference between life and death for these insects.

  12. Health & Medicine

    Swine flu goes global

    The disease is likely to keep spreading, but a vaccine may be in sight.