TechnologyDecember 1, 2015
Why Fusion Researchers Are Going Small
After decades of slow progress and massive investment, some fusion power researchers are changing tactics
World Changing Ideas 2015
10 big advances that will improve life, transform computing and maybe even save the planet
TechnologyDecember 1, 2015
Injectable Probes Could Transform Brain Monitoring
Conductive polymer mesh could be a boon to brain research
TechnologyDecember 1, 2015
Deep Learning Is the A.I. Breakthrough We've Been Waiting For
Deep-learning technology is helping A.I. fulfill its promise
The SciencesDecember 1, 2015
Why Scientists Are Making Kill Switches for GMOs
A genetic kill switch could prevent industrial espionage and environmental contamination
December 1, 2015
Microwave-Powered Rockets Would Slash Cost of Reaching Orbit
Beamed power could create a low-cost paradigm for access to space
The SciencesDecember 1, 2015
How to Watch a Chemical Reaction in Slow Motion
Infrared spectroscopy and computer simulations reveal the hidden world of solvent-solute interactions
The SciencesDecember 1, 2015
The U.S. Started as a Nation of Tinkerers
Scientific American came out 170 years ago celebrating the individual tinkerer and wound up bearing witness to major technological upheaveals in the nation and the world
CultureDecember 1, 2015
Landmark Articles Highlight Scientific American's 170 years
Since 1845, Scientific American has chronicled ideas and inventions that have changed the world. On the following pages, we present highlights from our archives on evolution, the cosmos, the brain and other topics, including a few written for us by our 155 Nobel Prize–winning authors
ElectronicsDecember 1, 2015
Cameras That See around Corners Are Closer Than You Might Think
Bouncing photons let cameras see beyond the line of sight
EnergyDecember 1, 2015
Cooling Panels Pull Heat from Buildings, Beam It into Space
A multipurpose mirror sucks up heat and beams it into outer space
TechnologyDecember 1, 2015
Algorithms Read Your Intentions by Tracking Your Eyes
Software that translates eye movement into commands to control devices could be a boon for motion-impaired people
HealthDecember 1, 2015
One Test Detects Every Vertebrate Virus
A new method identifies every virus in a given sample with near-perfect accuracy
The SciencesDecember 1, 2015
World Changing Ideas 2015
10 big advances that will improve life, transform computing and maybe even save the planet