Electronics

While terms like "smart grid" and "smart economy" are hard to peg down, we can at least say that for "smart mobility" we're starting to see some of the bluster turning into reality.

As a graphics designer, I have a love/hate relationship with circles. The humble form provides a relief from rigid rectangular chart structures that are pinned to x- and y-axes.

A new set of search tools called Memex, developed by DARPA, peers into the “deep Web” to reveal illegal activity

Law enforcement agencies have handheld radar that can “see” through walls via RF signals, raising Fourth Amendment concerns. Larry Greenemeier reports

 

While we all may vary on just how much time we like spending with other people, humans are overall very social beings. Scientists have already found this to be reflected in our health and well-being - with social isolation being associated with more depression, worse health, and a shorter life.

Innovation and discovery as chronicled in past issues of Scientific American

New security features for plastic cards might keep Apple Pay, Google Wallet and others at bay

In Case You Missed It: Need-to-Know News from around the World

While smartphone payment systems battle one another for users, people are finding better ways to transfer funds

Researchers have made a secure, waterproof wireless keyboard that gets charged by the action of your fingertips as you type. Larry Greenemeier reports

 

This 2007 photograph of a fire ant brandishing her stinger is among the most heavily circulated images from my collection. Since several people have asked how I managed to coax the animal into such a dramatic pose, I bring you the following recipe.

Details about where and when you use your credit card could help reveal your identity to data thieves—even if they don't know your name, address and other personal information.