Scientific American.com

See Earth’s Forests as Never Before in Biomass Satellite’s First Images
New images from the European Space Agency’s Biomass mission show how the satellite uses advanced radar to map flows of carbon through our planet’s most precious and remote ecosystems
Rubin Observatory Data Flood Will Let the Universe Alert Astronomers 10 Million Times a Night
Astronomers have never had this much data available this quickly before
Summer Learning Loss Happens, but Kids Quickly Recover
During the summer, kids can forget some of what they learned during the school year. They recover quickly, but here are some tips to stem the slide
World’s Oldest Rocks Confirmed in Canada
In 2008 scientists reported that rocks in Canada were the world’s oldest. New data appear to confirm this contested claim
Cells Can ‘Hear’ Sounds—And Respond Genetically
Audible sound can affect gene activity in mouse cells, boosting the attachment of muscle precursors to surrounding tissue and decreasing fat accumulation
Why Did the Company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline Sue Greenpeace?
Energy Transfer, the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline, sued the nonprofit Greenpeace over alleged conspiracy—the host of Drilled explains why
Weather Forecasters Lose Crucial Hurricane Detection Microwave Satellite Data
Microwave satellite data are key to capturing major changes in a hurricane’s strength, such as when a storm undergoes rapid intensification. But a main source of those data is being abruptly shut off
Solar-Powered Slug Steals Chloroplasts and Stores Them for Emergency Food
A certain species of sea slug steals chloroplasts from algae and houses its contraband in special organelles that it can raid for food in times of need
Meditation’s Benefits Stretch Beyond the Person Who Meditates
Often framed as a boon for personal wellness, meditation helps us connect with and support others, too
New Proof Dramatically Compresses Space Needed for Computation
Surprising new work bucks 50 years of assumptions about the trade-offs between computation space and time
Could the Solar System Lose a Planet to a Passing Star?
Close stellar encounters could change the structure of our planetary system, potentially dooming Earth or other worlds to oblivion
Creating Bird Flu Vaccines for Humans at a Biosecure Laboratory
This San Antonio, Tex., lab takes biosecurity seriously. Suit up with its scientists and go behind the scenes of the science of vaccine creation.
Does Using ChatGPT Really Change Your Brain Activity?
Scientists warn against reading too much into a small experiment about ChatGPT and brain activity that is receiving a lot of buzz
These Actions Could Make Vaccines Safer. But RFK, Jr., Isn’t Pursuing Them
Vaccines are safe, but they could always be safer—here’s what would make a difference
A Gigantic Megacomet Is Erupting as It Zooms through the Solar System
Recent observations have revealed carbon monoxide venting from the largest comet ever seen, providing clues about its origins in the mysterious depths of the outer solar system
Heat Domes Are Hotter and Lingering Longer—Because of the Arctic
A rapidly warming Arctic is driving long-lasting summer extremes, such as this month’s sweltering temperatures, new research suggests
Math Enthusiasts Unite to Have Rover Calculate Pi on the Moon
Later this year a tiny rover will carry out an unusual lunar task
What Is Thimerosal? Why Most Vaccines Don’t Contain Mercury Anymore
Thimerosal, which contains an organic compound of mercury, has mostly been phased out as a preservative for vaccines. Here’s how we know it is safe and why we still use it in some vaccines given to adults
Archaeologists Recreate Prehistoric Tools to Build a Canoe for 140-Mile Ocean Voyage
Researchers and expert seafarers teamed up to re-create an ocean journey from more than 30,000 years ago
Use Summer Break to Build Closer Bonds with Your Children
The kids are out of school, and some of the pressures may be off. Here’s how you can further connect with them to make next year a little easier