Science News had a successful year in terms of online engagement, attracting millions of visitors to their website. The most-read and most-watched online news stories of 2024 included topics ranging from the effects of psilocybin to the dangers of social media on teen mental health.
One of the top news stories of the year was about psilocybin, a psychedelic drug that temporarily erases people’s neural fingerprints, particularly in the default mode network of the brain. Understanding how psilocybin impacts the brain could lead to new mental health treatments, as most of its effects typically wear off within a day.
Another popular story focused on the harmful effects of social media on teenagers’ mental health. While evidence continues to mount about these negative impacts, more research is needed to determine the causal link and identify which groups are most at risk. Policy makers, health professionals, parents, and other adults need to work together to protect young people online.
The 2024 total solar eclipse was a significant event that captured the attention of many. This eclipse was extraordinary due to a combination of factors, including the moon’s proximity to Earth and the sun’s peak activity level. Scientists took advantage of this rare opportunity to study the sun and learn more about its corona.
Geoscientists made a significant discovery about the Cascadia megathrust fault on the West Coast. They found that the fault is not a single continuous fracture but consists of at least four segments. The most dangerous segment stretches from southern Vancouver Island through Washington, posing a potential risk for seismic activity in the region.
An intriguing story involved DNA analysis of old hair found in the mouths of two 19th-century lions known as the “man-eaters of Tsavo.” The genetic analysis revealed that these lions had a diet that included giraffe, oryx, zebra, waterbuck, wildebeest, and even humans. This method of analysis could be used to study the dietary habits of other ancient predators.
In addition to the written news stories, Science News also saw success on TikTok with their video content about psilocybin. The most popular video featured an explanation by assistant managing editor Maria Temming on how a high dose of the drug can disrupt a person’s unique brain activity. This engagement across multiple platforms showcases the public interest in scientific discoveries and their implications for various aspects of life.
