News Scans

In Brief

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

Cloud-borne bacteria may be to blame for rain, snow and hail because they affect the way water molecules bind. Does that mean snowballs are germ warfare?

Trials of two different drugs show promise in treating advanced melanoma, which is usually fatal.

NASA finds “a significant amount” of water on the moon, heightening the practicality of a future lunar base just as the space shuttle program draws to a close.


On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


The Milky Way may contain many billions of stray, Jupiter-size planets that were kicked out of their solar systems and left to wander space on their own. This would mean there are many, many more planets than stars, making earthlings even more insignificant.

The World Health Organization issues a finding that cell phones are “possibly carcinogenic.” An informal visual survey in New York City shows no apparent reduction in use.

Scientific American Magazine Vol 305 Issue 2This article was published with the title “News Scans” in Scientific American Magazine Vol. 305 No. 2 ()
doi:10.1038/scientificamerican082011-yYyD1AoGjjUnzNd01jvwW

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Subscribe