Stories by Steve Mirsky

In this episode, the first of a two-part interview with anthropologist Carel Van Schaik about the role of culture in boosting intelligence in animals; historian and writer William Lanouette discusses an upcoming History Channel program about the roles of Einstein and Leo Szilard in the beginning of the nuclear age; and Scientific American editor-in-chief John Rennie reports on a recent sustainable development conference. Plus, test your knowledge about some recent science in the news.

Only A Scientist Would Brag, "I Once Caught A Fish This Small ..."

In this episode, Scientific American writer Gary Stix talks about the ingenious way researcher Floyd Romesberg is attacking the problem of antibiotic resistance; award-winning journalist Joel Shurkin discusses his new biography of controversial physics Nobel Laureate William Shockley; and genomics researcher Steven Salzberg raises questions about the way flu data is currently shared and disseminated among scientists and the effects on public health. Also, test your knowledge about current events in science with our quiz.

In this episode, clinical psychologist and U.S. Army Captain Bret Moore discusses combat stress in Iraq and his article on combat stress in the February/March issue of Scientific American Mind; Intel Science Talent Search winner Shannon Babb talks about her winning project; and astronomer Stephen Pompea speaks about the GLOBE At Night worldwide science project taking place the week of March 22. Also, beer with us while you listen to our current events quiz.

In this episode, Scientific American.com editorial director Kate Wong talks about the anthropology community's latest take on the remains of tiny humans from Flores; chemist Jennifer Mass discusses how she uses her science background artistically; and journalist Paul D. Thacker reveals how what appear to be environmental groups may be wolves in sheep's clothing. Also, test your science knowledge with our current events quiz.

In this episode, biologist Lenny Guarente talks about his Scientific American article on the genetics of aging; anthropologist Meredith Small discusses the "diaper-free movement"; and computer engineer M. Granger Morgan talks about the possible dangers to aircraft navigation posed by electronic devices used by passengers. Also: see if you can spot the fake science story in the batch we'll throw your way.

In this episode, astrophysicist Eugene Parker talks about his Scientific American article on the threat that cosmic rays pose to astronauts; geneticist Dave Coltman discusses testing the DNA of an alleged sasquatch; and geochemist Don Siegel discusses how he became the author of a Chinese cookbook. Also: test your science smarts with our quiz.

In this episode, Scientific American senior writer Wayt Gibbs talks about what he learned at a major computer security conference, the RSA Conference 2006; physicist Mark Shegelski reveals some of the science secrets about the Olympic sport of curling; and frequent Scientific American contributor JR Minkel discusses a number of stories he picked up at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Also: test your knowledge with our science-in-the-news quiz

In this episode, Scientific American staff editor Christine Soares talks about avian flu; Bruce Mirken discusses marijuana policy in the U.S. and England; and paleontologist Gregory Erickson describes the newfound long-lost cousin of T. rex. Also: test your science smarts with our quiz and hear how yesterday's comics might have handled today's news.

In this episode, Scientific American editor-in-chief John Rennie reflects on the Korean stem cell debacle; the National Inventors Hall of Fame announces this year's inductees; and evolution defender Eugenie Scott discusses the importance of the decision in the recent Dover evolution trial. Also: hear outtakes from the CSI show you're never going to see on TV.

Some notes on our feathered and finned friends

Wherever evolution education is under attack by creationist thinking, Eugenie Scott will be there to defend science--with rationality and resolve

The second law trumps the tenth amendment

Because eternal vigilance is the price of liberty, we have to talk about intelligent design again

Much ado about N

Making a case for a new planet and two dead stars

News items closely, or distantly, related to America's birthday party

Tracking down real rock rodents and imaginary Amazon apes

A cross-cultural look at cultural crossings

Academic exams taken by true and false people

TV superscientists affect real courts, campuses and criminals

Can football's ancillary antics possibly out-insult the game itself?