Emptiest Place in Space Could Explain Mysterious "Cold Spot" in the Universe

Efforts to explain a strange cold spot in the cosmos have led to the discovery of something even odder: a vast area with very little matter

What Ails the Human Race?

A global effort to develop the most comprehensive picture of the world's health started with the curiosity of a young boy in Niger

"Coding for All": Is It a Smart Goal for Schools?

Is coding for all a realistic goal—and is it one that American schools should be pursuing?

Teach the Prof How to Teach

Few young faculty members arrive on campus ready for the classroom. New programs are changing that

The Secret to Human Speed

New insights into the biomechanics of sprinting could give athletes a leg up at the Olympics

Is Huntington's Disease an Unintended Consequence of Having a Highly Sophisticated Brain?

The gene that causes a devastating neurodegenerative disease may also have been critical in the evolution of our species

To Bennu and Back

The OSIRIS-REx probe's journey to the asteroid Bennu will answer questions about our deepest past and possible futures

How a Wasp Turns Cockroaches into Zombies

A special chemical blend injected into the brains of cockroaches makes them pawns in the jewel wasp’s control—and perfect live food for its offspring

Watch a Wasp Take Control of a Cockroach's Brain [Video]

A video captures the dark side of insect mind control

How Elite Sprinters Run So Fast [Video]

Scientists study the stride of Olympic athlete Mike Rodgers

Facebook Experiments with AI

Scientific American discusses artificial-intelligence research with pioneer Yann LeCun, who leads Facebook’s efforts to build a smarter social media site.  Go to www.ScientificAmerican.com/aug2016/internet-ai...

Seeking Cures for Terrible Brain Diseases

A researcher explains the promise of stem cells for treating neurodegenerative disease

Voyage to Bennu and Back with OSIRIS-REx [Video]

NASA’s first sample-return mission to an asteroid could be vital for understanding life’s origins and shaping its future

Bill Gates Views Good Data as Key to Global Health

In an interview with Scientific American the philanthropist talks about the statistics that inspire him most

Facial Recognition--My Favorite Alternative to Password Log-In

It’s fast, easy and secure‑and there’s nothing to remember

Modern Electricity, 1916

More Book Recommendations for August

Books and recommendations from Scientific American