2021
Finalist - Pulitzer Prize, with Helen Branswell and Andrew Joseph, "for their prescient, expert and accessible coverage of the emergence of COVID-19, sounding the alarm on the potential spread and potency of the virus."
2019
AAAS-Kavli Award for science journalism; online category
2017
Victor Cohn Prize for Excellence in Medical Science Reporting. Given by the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing, this science reporting career achievement award honors a writer whose work stands out "for reasons of uncommon clarity, accuracy, breadth of coverage, enterprise, originality, insight and narrative power."
2009
The American Statistical Association's Excellence in Statistical Reporting Award for 'her whole body of work, especially for untangling numbers, probabilities, and statistics to enable public understanding of current science issues.'
Finalist: National Magazine Awards, for Public Interest, for We Fought Cancer and Cancer Won
First Place Award: New York Association of Black Journalists, for How Your Brain Looks at Race
Genesis Award for Outstanding Written Word: The Humane Society of the United States, for The Extinction Trade
2008
Specialized Writing - Finalist, Science, Technology, Medical or Environmental Reporting: Deadline Club, New York City Chapter, Society of Professional Journalists, for The Truth about Denial
2007
Global Media Award of Excellence, for Best Environmental Reporting: The Population Institute, for The Truth About Denial
Genesis Award: Humane Society of the United States, for Cry of the Wild: Gorilla Warfare
2005
Clarion Award, Magazine Article, Weekly, Best Non-Opinion Newspaper Column: The Association for Women in Communication, for Science Journal
Public Understanding of Science Award: The Exploratorium, San Francisco, for lifetime achievement
Excellence in Journalism: The American Aging Association, for Coverage of Research on Alzheimer's Disease
2004
Clarion Award, Magazine Article, Weekly, Best Non-Opinion Newspaper Column: The Association for Women in Communication, for Science Journal
Honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters: University of North Carolina/Asheville, "For Contributions to Public Understanding of Science"
2003
Best Spot News Reporting: Print Deadline Club, New York City Chapter, Society of Professional Journalists, for The Sleazy Side of Skating
2002
Front Page Award: Best Column/Editorial, Newspaper Newswomen’s Club of New York, for Even Thoughts Can Turn Genes On and Off
NAMI Outstanding Media Award: National Association for Mental Illness, for The Mystery of Schizophrenia
2000
Front Page Award: Newswomen’s Club of New York
Best Feature Reporting: Magazine Deadline Club, New York City Chapter, Society of Professional Journalists
1999
PASS Award: National Council on Crime and Delinquency, for The Secret Life of Teens
Best Feature Reporting: Magazine Deadline Club, New York City Chapter, Society of Professional Journalists
1998
Wilbur Award, Magazines, National: Religion Communicators Council, for Science Finds God
1997
Distinguished Achievement Award: Educational Press Association of America, for Your Child's Brain
Clarion Award, Magazine Article: The Association for Women in Communication, for Your Child's Brain
1995
Honorable Mention, Consumer Journalism: National Press Club, for Phytochemicals
First Place, Food News Reporting: Association of Food Journalists, for Phytochemicals
1994
Distinguished Achievement Award: Educational Press Association of America, for The Puzzle of Genius
Genesis Award, Commendation, Periodical: The Ark Trust, for Loved to Death
1993
Vincent Downing Award for Excellence in Medical Communication: American Medical Writers Association, Metro NY Chapter
Premier Award for Space Coverage: Aviation/Space Writers Association, for ET Phone Us and The Science of Doom
Global Award for Media Excellence, Best Team Reporting Effort: The Population Institute
1992
Outstanding Achievement in Media: American Society on Aging
Journalism Award Magazines, Eastern Chapter Aviation/Space Writers Association, for Heavens!
Award for Excellence, Feature Writing: Magazine Deadline Club, New York City Chapter, Society of Professional Journalists
1991
Distinguished Achievement Award: Educational Press Association of America, for How to Teach Our Kids