Health
Deadly dangers of medical helicopters
Although they have saved thousands of lives, the medical choppers that rescue and transport patients have also claimed the lives of hundreds of crew members in the past 29 years.
News Blog
The Sciences
Bat Killer: White-Nose Syndrome [Video]
Since it was first observed in New York in 2006, a bat-killing infection known as white-nose syndrome has spread across the eastern seaboard. More than a million bats of six different species have perished so far and infected caverns continue to be discovered...
The Sciences
Synthetic biology advance: Genome transferred between two bacteria via yeast
Microbes can be resistant to genetic engineering. There's simply not enough DNA in some of them to permit significant alteration. But by building a bacterial genome inside yeast—a more complex and information-rich eukaryote that is one of mankind's oldest genetic engineering projects—scientists have successfully created new, synthetic bacterial strains, according to a paper published today in Science...
Environment
Massachusetts pushes waste-based biofuels, holds off on corn, algae, and switchgrass
In a decision that environmentalists are praising and biofuel producers are fuming about, Massachusetts has announced that waste-based biofuels are the only ones guaranteed to meet the state's renewable fuel standards...
Health
It might be the meds: Are seniors driving under the influence?
Many older adults might be driving under the influence without even knowing it. Common drugs—from painkillers to beta-blockers—can impair driving abilities by causing dizziness, sleepiness and even disorientation...
Mind & Brain
Do people really walk in circles?
Yes, people really do walk in circles—but only when stripped of important visual clues, such as the sun or moon, according to a paper published online today in Current Biology .
Space & Physics
Film buffs take issue with NASA's mundane taste in movies
To quote Elton John, it's lonely out in space. Luckily, the residents of the International Space Station (ISS) have an entertainment library to keep them company during their stays, which can be several months long...
Environment
The suburban lawn: Enemy of lakes, oceans and rivers everywhere
The typical suburban home is an underestimated source of water pollution, according to research presented today at the American Chemical Society meeting in Washington, D.C.
Technology
Apple, E.C. search for cause of alleged iPhone explosion
Both Apple and the European Commission's consumer protection division say they are investigating possible cases of iPhones and iPods overheating and exploding.
Space & Physics
Next week's space shuttle mission a "go"
NASA has decided to proceed with a shuttle launch to the International Space Station (ISS) next week, having concluded that insulation foam losses from the external fuel tank, which occurred during the two previous shuttle launches, did not pose an unacceptable risk to the upcoming mission...
Blog Index
@ScientificAmerican
STAFFBehind the scenes at Scientific American
Read
Anecdotes from the Archive
STAFF
Read
Anthropology in Practice
Exploring the human condition.
Read
Beautiful Minds
Insights into intelligence, creativity, personality, and well-being
Read
Budding Scientist
Everything you always wanted to know about raising science-literate kids
Read
Cross-Check
Critical views of science in the news
Read
Dark Star Diaries
STAFF
Read
Dog Spies
Explore the science behind the dog in your bed
Read
Extinction Countdown
News and research about endangered species from around the world
Read
Eye of the Storm
The Science Behind Extreme Weather
Read
Frontiers for Young Minds
Science by and for kids ages 8-15
Read
Guest Blog
Commentary invited by editors of Scientific American
Read
Hot Planet
Climate science in a changing world
Read
Illusion Chasers
Illusions, Delusions, and Everyday Deceptions
Read
Life, Unbounded
Discussion and news about planets, exoplanets, and astrobiology
Read
Observations
Opinion, arguments & analyses from guest experts and from the editors of Scientific American
Read
Roots of Unity
Mathematics: learning it, doing it, celebrating it.
Read
Rosetta Stones
Adventures in the good science of rock-breaking.
Read
SA Visual
STAFFIllustrating science since 1845
Read
Talking back
STAFFA science blog, sans blague
Read
The Artful Amoeba
A Blog About the Weird Wonderfulness of Life on Earth
Read
Voices
Exploring and celebrating diversity in science.
Read
