Year in Review Science & Society

These science claims from 2020 could be big news if confirmed

Findings in need of more proof include potential signs of life on Venus and Earth’s oldest parasites

a false color composite image of the planet Venus

A report that Venus (shown in a false-color composite image) has phosphine gas — a potential sign of life — in its atmosphere stoked controversy in 2020.

JPL-Caltech/NASA

By Cassie Martin

Discoveries about the cosmos and ancient life on Earth tantalized scientists and the public in 2020. But these big claims require more evidence before they can earn a spot in science textbooks.

Cloudy with a chance of life

The scorching hellscape next door may be a place to look for life.