The new book Red Moon Rising chronicles the early days of the Russian-American space race
How realistic are images of planets around other stars—and should they be? CLICK HERE FOR AN IMAGE GALLERY
Limiting climate change without damaging the world economy depends on stronger and smarter market signals to regulate carbon dioxide
A myth as durable as gum itself holds that the chewy confection sticks to your innards like it does to the bottom of a desk
The blue whale is big, but nowhere near as huge as a sprawling fungus in eastern Oregon
This week's clue:
Earth-shattering events
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- Free preview. Full coverage is available at Scientific American Digital
SPECIAL REPORT
Humans are returning to the moon. This time the plan is to stay a while
SPECIAL REPORT
Planetary scientists have articulated goals for exploring the solar system
SPECIAL REPORT
The launch of the Soviet Sputnik satellite half a century ago inaugurated the Space Age. What comes next?
INNOVATIONS
Big Lab on a Tiny Chip
Squeezing a chemistry lab down to fingernail size could provide instant medical tests at home and on the battlefield
Big Lab on a Tiny Chip
Squeezing a chemistry lab down to fingernail size could provide instant medical tests at home and on the battlefield
The Diamond Age of Spintronics
Quantum electronic devices that harness the spins of electrons might one day enable room-temperature quantum computers—made of diamond
Conservation for the People
Pitting nature and biodiversity against people makes little sense. Many conservationists now argue that human health and well-being should be central to conservation efforts
DEBATE
How Does Consciousness Happen
Two leading neuroscientists, Christof Koch and Susan Greenfield, disagree about the activity that takes place in the brain during subjective experience
How Does Consciousness Happen
Two leading neuroscientists, Christof Koch and Susan Greenfield, disagree about the activity that takes place in the brain during subjective experience
MEDICINE
Experimental Drugs on Trial
A controversial lawsuit challenges the FDA's system of controlling access to experimental drugs and, some say, the scientific basis of drug approval
Experimental Drugs on Trial
A controversial lawsuit challenges the FDA's system of controlling access to experimental drugs and, some say, the scientific basis of drug approval
Liquid Zoom
Adaptive lenses change magnification without moving
Toxic Bulbs
Recycling rules vary for mercury-containing fluorescents
New Beginnings
Ideas for a time before the big bang—which might be testable
Surviving Side Effects
Security fears spawn ways to treat radiotherapy's downside
Can the U.S. improve fuel economy without sacrificing safety?
Oceangoing Iron
A venture to profit from a CO2-eating algae bloom riles scientists
Easing Hormone Anxiety
For women just past menopause, hormone pills seem safe
Helium Shortage--Cytokine Storm--Martian Dust Threat--Novel HIV Drug
Deadbeat granddads, life-shortening sons and genetically bullying brothers—these are just a few effects revealed in biologist Virpi Lummaa's studies of how evolutionary forces shape later generations
Today competition matters less than conquering space
To be of true service to humanity, science must be an exquisite blend of data, theory and narrative
Some strange science stories of recent vintage
One of the world's worst killers can be stopped soon if we make the investment
One of the world's worst killers can be stopped soon if we make the investment
