Mental Health
COVID Threatens to Bring a Wave of Hikikomori to America
We should work to protect others from falling into long-term social withdrawal
Latest Stories
Natural Disasters
Tonga Volcano Eruption Created Puzzling Ripples in Earth’s Atmosphere
Powerful waves ringing through the atmosphere after the eruption of Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai are unlike anything seen before
Vaccines
COVID Quickly, Episode 21: Colds Build COVID Immunity, and the Omicron Vaccine Delay
Today we bring you a new episode in our podcast series COVID, Quickly. Every two weeks, Scientific American ’s senior health editors Tanya Lewis and Josh Fischman catch you up on the essential developments in the pandemic: from vaccines to new variants and everything in between...
Public Health
Latest COVID Surge Pushes Parents to Next-Level Stress
The new normal this winter is longer drives for kids’ tests, multiday waits for results, drug-store restock alerts and social media tips
Natural Disasters
Why the Tonga Eruption Was So Violent, and What to Expect Next
Research into earlier eruptions suggests this is the type of massive explosion the volcano sees about every thousand years
Public Health
Sounds of Mosquitoes’ Mating Rituals Could Help Fight Malaria
“Wing beats” can help identify targets for control programs
Defense
Hypersonic Weapons Can’t Hide from New Eyes in Space
Tracking the missiles is like picking out one light bulb against a background of light bulbs, but new technology aims to see them more clearly
Particle Physics
In a First, an ‘Atomic Fountain’ Has Measured the Curvature of Spacetime
The atom interferometry technique uses the effects of time dilation to reveal subtle changes in gravity’s strength
Renewable Energy
Solar Power Could Boom in 2022, Depending on Supply Chains
Shipping delays and rising a equipment costs could hamper installations
Astronomy
It’s Time for a Global Ban on Destructive Antisatellite Testing
The orbital debris created in the explosions is dangerous, long-lasting and a threat to the growing space economy
