Scientific American Magazine Vol 205 Issue 1

Scientific American Magazine

Volume 205, Issue 1

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Features

The Census of 1960

Detailed figures from the decennial head count show the population is concentrated more than ever in metropolitan areas. Families are larger, households smaller and the people both younger and older

Philip M. Hauser

The Muon

This fundamental particle has 200 times the mass of the electron but otherwise closely resembles it. Why it should be heavier is a question physicists have sought to answer in recent experiments

Sheldon Penman

The Artificial Kidney

In it a membrane of cellophane performs many of the main functions of the natural kidney. In addition to its clinical usefulness it is an excellent tool for studying certain physiological processes

John P. Merrill

Weather Satellites

Tiros I and Tiros II have provided a broad view of the circulation of the atmosphere. Future satellites will gather even more useful information on this circulation and the earth's total heat budget

Harry Wexler, Morris Neiburger

Hormones and Skin Color

The color of the skin of man and many other animals is established by cells containing the dark pigment melanin. Recent investigations indicate that these cells are strongly influenced by three hormones

Aaron B. Lerner

Experiments in Animal Psychophysics

New techniques for controlling the behavior of animals make it possible to measure their response to varying stimuli. In these experiments pigeons are trained to "tell" what they see

Donald S. Blough

Superconducting Computers

The demand for computers of greater capacity calls for smaller and faster computer elements. One approach to the problem is to design elements that take advantage of the phenomenon of superconductivity

C. J. Kraus, William B. Ittner

Air-Conditioned Termite Nests

Some African termites build nests that are brilliantly designed to maintain the temperature and humidity within the nest while permitting oxygen to flow into it and carbon dioxide to flow out

Martin Lüscher

Departments

Letters to the Editors, July 1961

50 and 100 Years Ago: July 1961

The Authors

Science and the Citizen: July 1961

Mathematical Games

The Amateur Scientist

Books

Bibliography