Departments
Past and Future Universe -- Criminal Wit -- From Mite to Man
Dumbing Down
The new Illiteracy--a challenge to the body politic?
The Inelegant Universe
Two new books argue that it is time for string theory to give way
Features
Fueling Our Transportation Future
New technologies, lighter vehicles and alternative fuels can lower greenhouse gas releases from cars and trucks
By John B. Heywood
A Plan to Keep Carbon in Check
Getting a grip on greenhouse gases is daunting but doable. The technologies already exist. But there is no time to lose
By Robert H. Socolow and Stephen W. Pacala
Plan B for Energy
If efficiency improvements and incremental advances in today's technologies fail to halt global warming, could revolutionary new carbon-free energy sources save the day? Don't count on it--but don't count it out, either
By W. Wayt Gibbs
An Efficient Solution
Wasting less energy is the quickest, least expensive way to stem carbon emissions
By Eberhard K. Jochem
The Nuclear Option
A threefold expansion of nuclear power could contribute significantly to staving off climate change by avoiding one billion to two billion tons of carbon emissions annually
By John M. Deutch and Ernest J. Moniz
What to Do about Coal
Cheap, plentiful coal is expected to fuel power plants for the
foreseeable future, but can we keep it from devastating the environment?
By David G. Hawkins, Daniel A. Lashof and Robert H. Williams
High Hopes for Hydrogen
Using hydrogen to fuel cars may eventually slash oil consumption and carbon emissions, but it will take some time
By Joan Ogden
A Climate Repair Manual
Global warming is a reality. Innovation in energy technology and policy are sorely needed if we are to cope
By Gary Stix
The Rise of Renewable Energy
Solar cells, wind turbines and biofuels are poised to become major energy sources. New policies could dramatically accelerate that evolutio
By Daniel M. Kammen
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Editor's Pick
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Adapting to the Freshwater CrisisForward-thinking experts are getting a better handle on the growing global water shortage and coming up with innovative approaches to ensuring the security, safety and sustainability of this resource
Scientific American Issue Alert
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Plants Share Light If Neighbor Is Related
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Slideshows
Why do human testicles hang like that?
Researchers Try to Solve the Mystery of HIV Carriers Who Don't Contract AIDS
Getting It Wrong: Surprising Tips on How to Learn
Secrets of the Phallus: Why Is the Penis Shaped Like That?
Skate punk'd: Taxonomic "oops" put rare fish species in danger of extinction
Fight to protect California condors from lead ammunition moves to Arizona
Circulation of LHC Beams Could Resume in Earnest over the Weekend
Measuring Up: New NIST Director, Plus Big Budget Put Measurement Science in Public Eye
How Long Can a Nuclear Reactor Last?
What to Do About Endocrine Disruptors? A Q&A with Linda Birnbaum