Language966 articles archived since 1845

What Is Pseudoscience?

Distinguishing between science and pseudoscience is problematic

The Eyes Have It

Eye gaze is critically important to social primates such as humans. Maybe that is why illusions involving eyes are so compelling

Following the Crowd: Changing Your Mind to Fit In May Not Be a Conscious Choice

Password Prevented, by David Pogue

In a world drowning in absurd security requirements, it's nice to see a few islands of reason

Why Is Average IQ Higher in Some Places?

A surprising theory about global variations in intelligence

Seeds of Destruction: Mating Opportunities as Motivation for War

Readers Respond to "The Unleashed Mind"-- and More

Letters to the Editor about the May/June 2011 issue of Scientific American MIND

Calendar: MIND events in September and October

Museum exhibits, conferences and events relating to the brain

Noble Nobel Faces

A week in Lindau, where scientists are celebrities

What is the Sex of 17?

People think of many things, even numbers, as being either male or female

Street Talk: What Innovations Would Make Cities More Livable?

What innovation—technological or otherwise—would make any city a substantially more livable place? We put this question to urban leaders and our own readers. Here's what they said...

The Pitfalls of Positive Thinking

How rosy thoughts can lead to negative outcomes

Stress Less

The Partner Paradox: Why Buddying Up to Achieve Goals May Backfire

The Secret Language Code

Psychologist James Pennebaker reveals the hidden meaning of pronouns

All Together Now: Scientists Take Peer Review Public

Scientists take peer review public

Can I Help You? Solving a Problem Is Easier When It Belongs to Someone Else

Outsmarting Mortality

Your intelligence affects your life span in several surprising ways

Who's the Boss?

A supervisor's feedback may affect identity more in certain cultures

Out of the Brains of Babes

Small children can have big ideas