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How Our Thoughts Shape the Way Spoken Words Evolve
What makes a word survive or go extinct?
This Tiny Fish Makes an Ear-Blasting Screech for Love
A rice-grain-size fish screams louder than a jackhammer—and we have a lot to learn from its minuscule brain
How Plant Intelligence Can Soothe Climate Anxiety
In a new book, the wisdom of plants is a balm for our changing planet
Contributors to Scientific American’s May 2024 Issue
Writers, artists, photographers and researchers share the stories behind the stories
Why Feathers Are One of Evolution’s Cleverest Inventions
Fossil and living birds reveal the dazzling biology of feathers
A ‘Computer’ Built from DNA Can Find Patterns in Photographs
Artificial DNA sorts images like a neural network does
Unraveling the Secrets of This Weird Beetle’s 48-Hour Clock
New research examines the molecular machinery behind a beetle’s strange biological cycle
Readers Respond to the January 2024 Issue
Letters to the editors for the January 2024 issue of Scientific American
Scientists Discover Extensive Brain-Wave Patterns
Certain brain layers specialize in particular waves—which might aid understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders
Fiddler Crabs Unleash Special Vibrations to Attract Mates—And Deter Foes
Social context shapes how fiddler crabs communicate by vibrating the ground underneath their burrows
New Image of Our Galaxy’s Biggest Black Hole Previews What’s Next for Globe-Spanning Telescope
As the Event Horizon Telescope pursues ambitious upgrades, the project’s latest results reveal the magnetic fields around our galaxy’s supermassive black hole
Guilt-Tripping for the Public Good Often Achieves Its Intended Result
The emerging science of laying guilt through public messaging can help safeguard the planet and improve health behaviors
Locs Represent Resistance for Black People in the U.S. That’s Why They Are under Fire
In cultures hostile to African hairstyles, so-called dreadlocks have long been a countercultural symbol for those who stand in opposition to oppressive ideals
Venomous Snakes Are Spreading because of Climate Change
Deadly bites could surge as venomous snakes migrate into unprepared countries as the climate changes
COVID, Flu and RSV Vaccines Are Lifesavers. Why Aren’t More Older Adults Getting Them?
We need to do more to ensure older adults—including those living in long-term care facilities—are up to date on recommended vaccines
An ICU Nurse Explains the Vital Role of Family Caregivers in Loved Ones' Health
Family caregivers provide critical support and familiarity to patients, but can also experience burnout
How Parents Can Heal Rifts with Their Adult Children
Repairing a broken parent-adult child relationship is possible if both sides approach it earnestly and honestly
8 Ways to Protect Wildlife Near Your Home
However much outdoor space you have, here’s how to use it for conservation
Colon Cancer Linked to Mouth Bacteria
Genomic research of Fusobacterium nucleatum isolated from colon cancer tumors may help researchers develop future screening tests and cancer vaccines