Scientific American Magazine

Experimental techniques demonstrate how to strengthen memories when our brains are off-line

Microbial partnerships turn out to be more common and influential than scientists could have ever imagined

Astronomers have found some of the most distant galaxies in the universe, opening a window on a previously unknown period of cosmic history

Mathematicians are developing statistical forensics to identify districts that disenfranchise voters

How high economic inequality negatively impacts nearly every aspect of human well-being—as well as the health of the biosphere

And what we can do about it

The growing gulf between rich and poor inflicts biological damage on bodies and brains

How algorithms designed to alleviate poverty can perpetuate it instead

Power imbalances facilitate environmental degradation—and the poor suffer the consequences

Corruption, distrust and inequality reinforce one another in a destructive loop

Paying attention to how algorithmic systems impact marginalized people worldwide is key to a just and equitable future