World Changing Ideas 2014
10 problem-solving, planet-improving, lifesaving advances set to drive progress in the years ahead
Features
Is the Gene-Editing Revolution Finally Here?
A DNA-editing technique based on bacterial “memories” could revolutionize medicine. But some worry it could get out of control
How to Hijack A Cell
Taking control of cells by squeezing them
Fuel Cell Runs on Spit
Saliva could be a new renewable energy source for medical devices
Turning Lab Animals Transparent
A Body Worlds–inspired method promises to speed up biomedical research
Smartphone Screens Correct for Your Vision Flaws
Self-correcting screens on smartphones and iPads tailor themselves to a viewer's vision—no glasses necessary
Stacks of Atom-Thin Form Materials the World Has Never Seen
Snapping together one-atom-thick sheets of material creates substances with completely new properties—and amazing possibilities
Wireless Gadget Recharging with Sound Waves
An efficient way to beam electricity through the air
New Class of Polymers Discovered By Accident
Eco-friendly polymers strong enough to use in cars and airplanes
Ultrasharp Video Cameras Record Motions of Nanoparticles
Electron microscope resolution for quick-and-dirty industrial applications
Batteries Could Capture Low-Grade Waste Heat
A third of all the energy wasted in the U.S. could produce electricity instead
Destroyed Dwarf Galaxies Reveal Milky Way’s History
Early in its history the Milky Way gobbled up many tiny galaxies. The cosmic rubble it left behind is now yielding fresh clues into how our corner of the universe came to be
Centipede and Snake Venoms Form a Basis for New Pain Drugs
Venom molecules could provide alternatives to addictive opiate drugs
A Wacky Jet Stream Is Making Our Weather Severe
Extreme summers and winters of the past four years could become the norm
Stunning Sculpture Holds Clues to Mysterious Maya Politics
Newly discovered Maya artwork illuminates an ancient clash
New Evidence Supports an Old—and Somewhat Strange—Idea about How the Immune System Works
Sophisticated mathematical tools suggest that the immune system has a blind spot when it comes to subtle mutations of the influenza virus
The Spiders That Would Be Ants
Some arachnids go to extraordinary lengths to mimic the appearance and behavior of ants
Departments
Plan to Ease World Hunger Wins at Google Science Fair
Prospects for Treating Chronic Pain Are Improving
- From the Editor
The Discovery Continuum from Past to Present in Scientific American
- Letters
Readers Respond to "ClimeApocalypse"
- Advances
Cities to the Rescue
Bendy Screens a Step Closer
NASA Takes on the Clouds
NASA to Launch New Spacecraft
What Would John Muir Do Now?
Lonesome George, the Giant Tortoise, Preserved in All His Glory
Know the Jargon: Plantibody
The Mushroom Man
Power to the Internet of Things
In Case You Missed It: Need to Know News From Around the World
Crying Baby Mammals All Sound the Same to Mama
- Forum
Why We Need a Federal Agency on Robotics
- The Science of Health
Never Too Old to Fight Cancer
- The Science Agenda
Cities Want Cops to Wear Cameras, but Technology Could Heighten Distrust If Not Carefully Used
- TechnoFiles
How the Smartphone Killed Typing—But Started an AI Revolution
- Recommended
Book Review: The Lost Elements
Book Review: Spare Parts
Book Review: Digging for Richard III
- Skeptic
Why Do People Believe in Conspiracy Theories?
- Anti Gravity
When It Comes to Contributors, Scientific American Certainly Can Icon
- 50, 100 & 150 Years Ago
A Motorized Single-Wheel Car
- Graphic Science
World Population Will Soar Higher Than Predicted
