Scientific American Magazine

Studies of how the human engine burns calories help to explain why physical activity does little to control weight—and how our species acquired some of its most distinctive traits

The latest astrophysical measurements, combined with theoretical problems, cast doubt on the long-cherished inflationary theory of the early cosmos and suggest we need new ideas

Aerial drones and chaos theory help researchers explore the many ways that microorganisms spread havoc around the world

The long-running effort to ditch the decaying, 19th-century artifact that defines the kilogram nears its conclusion

New studies show cosmic radiation could be even more damaging to astronauts' brains than we thought. Can humanity still live and travel among the stars?

Before the smartphone or even Morse code, some rural peoples “spoke” long distance by whistling. Linguists are racing to study the dying languages

Millions of patients depend on a rare radioactive form of one element to scan them for disease. But the old nuclear reactors that make it are shutting down