Exploring the Folds of the Brain--And Their Links to Autism
New studies are revealing how the brain's convolutions take shape. The findings could aid the diagnosis and treatment of autism, schizophrenia and other mental disorders
Features
The Origin of the Ocean Floor
The deep basins under the oceans are carpeted with lava that spewed from submarine volcanoes and solidified. Scientists have solved the mystery of how, precisely, all that lava reaches the seafloor
Do Naked Singularities Break the Rules of Physics?
The black hole has a troublesome sibling, the naked singularity. Physicists have long thought--hoped--it could never exist. But could it?
Nanomedicine--Revolutionizing the Fight against Cancer
Nanoscale technologies can transform how disease is understood, attacked and possibly prevented
How Meat Contributes to Global Warming
Producing beef for the table has a surprising environmental cost: it releases prodigious amounts of heat-trapping greenhouse gases
The Efficient Future of Deep-Space Travel--Electric Rockets
Efficient electric plasma engines are propelling the next generation of space probes to the outer solar system
Departments
Transforming the Auto Industry [Extended Version]
Using Chaos Theory to Revitalize Fisheries
The Unkempt Results of Post-9/11 Airport Security Rules
150 Years Ago: The Birth of the Industrial Revolution
Ask The Experts
- From the Editor
A Molecular Checkup: The Nano Future of Medicine
- Letters
The 3-Door Monty Hall Problem
Readers Respond on "The Search for Intelligence"
- Advances
Removing Roads and Traffic Lights Speeds Urban Travel
Ocean Acidification from CO2 Is Happening Faster Than Thought
Quantum Entanglement Benefits Exist after Links Are Broken
Updates: Whatever Happened to the Risk for Another Indian Ocean Tsunami?
New Fossil Shows How the Turtle Got Its Shell
Fighting the Plague in the Great Plains with Gerbils
Hurdles Facing Unused Prescription Drug Repositories
"Lazy Eye" Treatments Provide New Insight on Brain Plasticity
Amnio Alternative
New Kind of Thermometer
Bug vs. Bug
Booby Traps for Bacteria
Rx Generics via Electronics
- Recommended
Scientific American Reviews: In Search of Time
- Skeptic
A Skeptic's Take on the Public Misunderstanding of Darwin
- Perspectives
How Obama Can Boost the Economy by Investing in Science
- In Brief
Data Points: Truncated Lives
In Brief, February 2009
- Working Knowledge
Smart Phones: Touch Screens Redefine the Market