Meg Hefferon

Majorities of Americans see at least some risk from food produced using hormones, antibiotics, pesticides or artificial ingredients; half the public says that foods with genetically modified ingredients are worse for one's health than foods without.

Americans' concerns about animal biotechnology focus on risks to animals, humans and the ecosystem.

About half of Americans believe that within the next 50 years science will find a way to eliminate virtually all birth defects through gene editing. Yet majorities of Americans harbor at least some reservations about the impact on society of more widespread use of gene editing.

Americans are more likely to anticipate negative than positive effects from widespread use of gene-editing technology

When Americans are asked why more students don’t pursue a degree in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM), they are most likely to point to the difficulty of these subjects, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. About half of adults (52%) say the main reason young people don’t pursue STEM degrees is they think these subjects are too hard.

While most Americans support requiring childhood vaccinations for measles, mumps and rubella, parents of young children rate the risks of the vaccine higher and the benefits lower.

Younger adults are more likely than older adults to think organic foods are better for their health and to believe GM foods are worse.

What leads people to a career in science? From a lifelong interest in science to the influence of mentors, working scientists explain why they pursued science.