Scientific American MagazineJuly/August 2026

How did we get here?

These young scientists are making waves in their own ways. Keep an eye on them—great things are ahead

In his final interview, the “swashbuckling” geneticist pointed the way for science

The story of the author’s extremely early career

It’s a complicated time to be a young scientist in America. Lessons from history can tell us what the future might hold

On reclaiming America’s edge in research and public health

The great American brain drain could define science for a generation

On safeguarding independent research in the age of big tech

Despite funding woes, American scientists are finding reasons for optimism

On fighting for truth, inclusion and the next generation of scientists

Scientists are seen as oddballs, and that’s a problem

The federal funding system for scientific research in the U.S. is crumbling. Here’s how it can be rebuilt

On steering the path forward for research and innovation

Robots and AI are running experiments around the clock, from battery chemistry to cancer therapies. But can they be trusted to get it right?