Behavior & Society
Decoding the Art of Flirtation
A lingering look. A coy smile. Standing just a bit too close. An accidental brush. How do you flirt?
Anthropology in Practice
Exploring the human condition.
Mind
This Is Your Brain on Disney
I've only been to Disney World once. A few years ago, S and I went for the first time and while I may go back, I'm definitely still recovering. Disney marketing isn't kidding when they say it's the happiest/most magical place on earth—it's intense...
The Sciences
Confession: I'm Not Such a Reluctant e-Reader Adopter (Anymore)
Okay, love is too strong a strong word. I've never quite gotten over the smell of paper and the comforting heft of a much-loved tome, but I'm not quite the reluctant adopter I was a year ago...
Arts & Culture
Spin Cycle: The Social Realm of the Laundromat
Laundry becomes important because having clean clothes is a sign of social status. It places you within the boundaries of being socially acceptable.
Wellness
Speakeasy Smoking? The Making of a Stigma
Fifty years ago, smoking was a matter of preference. (Didn't all the cool kids do it?) Today it's a vice. Smoking has been moralized; and it has gained a heavy social value that we use to judge smokers and leverage to try alter their behavior...
Behavior & Society
The Story of Grand Central Station and the Taming of the Crowd
The hustle and bustle that characterizes this space is more than a chaotic scramble to get somewhere, however: Grand Central Station represents an early exercise in New York City's history to contain and tame the Crowd...
The Sciences
Likability: Revisiting The Psychology of Liking
Have you Liked anything today? A year ago, I wrote about the psychology behind Liking, noting that Liking a status update on Facebook could help reinforce relationships and Liking articles and media on the web could help build online reputations Liking shows that we're paying attention, and allows us to be recognized as a participant within our networks—regardless of the degree of connectivity we share with others...
Public Health
Standards of Healthcare in Your Medicine Cabinet
What story would your medicine cabinet tell about you?
The Sciences
Libraries and e-books
Does your local library offer e-books for loan? It might. But if you aren't sure, you aren't alone: According to a report from the Pew Internet & American Life Project, 12% of e-book readers have actually borrowed an e-book from their local library...
Arts & Culture
The Cultural Legacy of Postage
Stamps have a national history as well as a personal one.
Blog Index
@ScientificAmerican
STAFFBehind the scenes at Scientific American
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Anecdotes from the Archive
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Anthropology in Practice
Exploring the human condition.
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Beautiful Minds
Insights into intelligence, creativity, personality, and well-being
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Budding Scientist
Everything you always wanted to know about raising science-literate kids
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Cross-Check
Critical views of science in the news
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Dark Star Diaries
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Dog Spies
Explore the science behind the dog in your bed
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Extinction Countdown
News and research about endangered species from around the world
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Eye of the Storm
The Science Behind Extreme Weather
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Frontiers for Young Minds
Science by and for kids ages 8-15
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Guest Blog
Commentary invited by editors of Scientific American
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Hot Planet
Climate science in a changing world
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Illusion Chasers
Illusions, Delusions, and Everyday Deceptions
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Life, Unbounded
Discussion and news about planets, exoplanets, and astrobiology
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Observations
Opinion, arguments & analyses from guest experts and from the editors of Scientific American
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Roots of Unity
Mathematics: learning it, doing it, celebrating it.
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Rosetta Stones
Adventures in the good science of rock-breaking.
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SA Visual
STAFFIllustrating science since 1845
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Talking back
STAFFA science blog, sans blague
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The Artful Amoeba
A Blog About the Weird Wonderfulness of Life on Earth
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Voices
Exploring and celebrating diversity in science.
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