The Human Experiment

Our species is transforming itself and the world. How will it work out?

Bryan Christie

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

1

What Mark Will We Leave on the Planet?

2


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.


How Will Climate Change Us?

3

Who Will Prosper, and Who Will Fall Behind?

4

Will Civil Society Endure?

5

Will We Control Our Genetic Destinies?

6

Will We Defeat Aging?

7

If We Could, Would We Want to Live Forever?

8

How Long Will We Last?

9

Can We Trust Our Own Predictions?

10

20 Big Questions about the Future of Humanity

Scientific American Magazine Vol 315 Issue 3This article was published with the title “The Human Experiment” in Scientific American Magazine Vol. 315 No. 3 (), p. 28
doi:10.1038/scientificamerican0916-28

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