Visualizing Science: Illustration and Beyond
Where does the illustrator end and the infographer begin? How does data visualization fit in? And what does science have to say about the design decisions we make?
Stories by Jen Christiansen
Only 150 of Your Facebook Contacts Are Real Friends
Even with social media, we max out at 150 real relationships
Aerial Fireworks, Illustrated
Graphics from the Scientific American archive provide a glimpse of the history and science of pyrotechnics
Pi City
Data visualizers Martin Krzywinski and Jake Lever map city centers for an annual Pi Day art exploration
The Evolution of a Scientific American Graphic: Pregnancy in Progress
When we return to a topic where the research has advanced, our visual explanations need to be updated accordingly
Circadian Rhythms, Illustrated
A graphic from the Scientific American archive provides a look into the brain’s molecular clock—research that contributed to this year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
Visualizing the Innards of Subatomic Particles
With a nod to the recently discovered Xi-cc++ particle, here’s a look at the quantum foam that lies within
Revisiting a Climate Data Viz Icon
This humble 59-year-old chart reveals that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels continue to climb upward
Unexplained Light Curves
Boyajian’s star is dimming again. This graphic shows why that’s weird.
Interactive Brain Art
A new media installation at Columbia University renders the brain larger than life
Sleeping Beauties of Science
Scientific American graphic about slumbering research papers wakes up for an award
Visualizing Uncertain Weather
Storm prediction is tricky business. So is illustrating it
Atmospheric Rivers, Illustrated
Graphics from the Scientific American archive show how these storm systems impact California
Vera Rubin's Numbers
Evidence for dark matter is visible in this elegant set of simple charts, rooted in data published decades ago
Solar Superstorms, Illustrated
An executive order calling for more preparedness and better forecasting for space weather is creating a buzz about electromagnetic storms. What are they?
Landing on Mars: How and When
A graphic from the Scientific American archive provides context for this month’s Mars landing attempt
Autophagy, Illustrated
A graphic from the Scientific American archive shows how cells clean house—the basics behind this year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
Visualizing Polls
A playful, explorable explanation demonstrates the impact of chance on poll results