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67image_caption":"<p><i>Escherichia</i><i> coli</i> in a petri dish.</p>","image_credits":"<p>Ted Horowitz Photography/Getty Images</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-07-13T06:45:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-07-13T06:45:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Bacteria","subtype":"news","column":"Advances","page_number":"10"},{"id":1311215,"contentful_id":"5sd1jD7BfMGUlNSa2w78Pn","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-5sd1jD7BfMGUlNSa2w78Pn","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"Strange crystals found inside wreckage from the first nuclear bomb test","display_title":"<p>Strange crystals found inside wreckage from the first nuclear bomb test</p>","slug":"strange-crystals-found-inside-wreckage-from-the-first-nuclear-bomb-test","url":"/article/strange-crystals-found-inside-wreckage-from-the-first-nuclear-bomb-test/","summary":"<p>The Trinity bomb test left behind a unique form of matter, and now scientists have discovered a new chemical structure inside it</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":"38F3A00A-6C30-4169-949D5E7CEEBA0462","url":"/author/clara-moskowitz/","contentful_id":"3sINdK17AQK75IfqXBEo3s","name":"Clara Moskowitz","slug":"clara-moskowitz","biography":"<p><b>Clara Moskowitz</b> is chief of reporters at <i>Scientific American,</i> where she covers astronomy, space, physics and mathematics. She has been at <i>Scientific American</i> for more than a decade; previously she worked at Space.com. Moskowitz has reported live from rocket launches, space shuttle liftoffs and landings, suborbital spaceflight training, mountaintop observatories, and more. She has a bachelor’s degree in astronomy and physics from Wesleyan University and a graduate degree in science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz.</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Staff","contacts":[{"type":"x","value":"@ClaraMoskowitz"}]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/12cb3e17-9ed8-4e16-92fe-384efe63b377/GettyImages-2217357656-cropped.jpeg?m=1778530102.63","image_width":3000,"image_height":2378,"image_alt_text":"A fireball blooms above the site of the nuclear bomb detonation during the Trinity Test.","image_caption":"<p>The fireball from the Trinity nuclear test in New Mexico on July 16, 1945.</p>","image_credits":"<p>Underwood Archives/Contributor/Getty Images</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-05-11T16:00:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-05-11T16:00:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Chemistry","subtype":"news","column":"Advances","page_number":"12"},{"id":1312024,"contentful_id":"4e4eYompV9hPbOBfFLO0rr","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-4e4eYompV9hPbOBfFLO0rr","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"These smart bricks know what object they make up","display_title":"<p>These smart bricks know what object they make up</p>","slug":"these-smart-bricks-know-what-object-they-make-up","url":"/article/these-smart-bricks-know-what-object-they-make-up/","summary":"<p>Collectively intelligent bricks figure out if they’re in a boat, chair or guitar</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":"16D68C05-7AF6-42AB-BFBACB0E95C0B333","url":"/author/matthew-hutson/","contentful_id":"4aEiEJWfvq2DvlK7HlhZVU","name":"Matthew Hutson","slug":"matthew-hutson","biography":"<p><b>Matthew Hutson</b> is a freelance science writer based in New York City and author of <a href=\\"https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/307567/the-7-laws-of-magical-thinking-by-matthew-hutson/\\"><i>The 7 Laws of Magical Thinking</i>.</a></p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Freelance","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/018be4c3-54e0-4fbd-9ca5-e00fcd0e0c7a/saw1026Adva05.jpg?m=1788279673.114","image_width":1800,"image_height":1200,"image_alt_text":"Cube-like structures with cartoon arms and legs starting to fill up a geometric hole.","image_caption":null,"image_credits":"
67<p>Thomas Fuchs</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-09-06T07:00:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-09-06T07:00:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Robotics","subtype":"news","column":"Advances","page_number":"14"},{"id":1312054,"contentful_id":"4HTZ9V44AAX0fhpFijhwuE","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-4HTZ9V44AAX0fhpFijhwuE","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"âOdd coupleâ black holes can find each other in space","display_title":"<p>‘Odd couple’ black holes can find each other in space</p>","slug":"odd-couple-black-holes-can-find-each-other-in-space","url":"/article/odd-couple-black-holes-can-find-each-other-in-space/","summary":"<p>Two studies find signs of strange black hole binary systems</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":null,"url":"/author/mary-randolph/","contentful_id":"8D0pDkMSmpiE0w9g1uz4O","name":"Mary Randolph","slug":"mary-randolph","biography":"<p><b>Mary Randolph</b> is a news intern at <i>Scientific American </i>based in New York. Her work has been featured by <i>Smithsonian Magazine, </i>Pew Research Center, the Local News Initiative and various local newsrooms.</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Intern","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/c4c00594-998c-4159-a5e6-5dde5ac5335a/saw1026Adva07.jpg?m=1788278220.086","image_width":1800,"image_height":1200,"image_alt_text":"A blue arm giving flowers emerging from a black hole outstretched towards another blue arm coming out of a second black hole, reaching for the flowers","image_caption":null,"image_credits":"<p>Thomas Fuchs</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-09-11T06:45:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-09-11T06:45:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Astrophysics","subtype":"news","column":"Advances","page_number":"15"},{"id":1311779,"contentful_id":"22TjpwRPvPHgcK9Xj3mgBS","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-22TjpwRPvPHgcK9Xj3mgBS","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"Avocado flowers switch sex dailyânow we know why","display_title":"<p>Avocado flowers switch sex daily—now we know why</p>","slug":"avocado-flowers-switch-sex-daily-now-we-know-why","url":"/article/avocado-flowers-switch-sex-daily-now-we-know-why/","summary":"<p>New work explains how avocado trees coordinate a complex reproductive strategy, switching every day between male and female</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":"C891EBE8-97E2-4143-BA8F38637FDB418C","url":"/author/jeanne-timmons/","contentful_id":"2jwuP8allhx5yvEwMXav3Z","name":"Jeanne Timmons","slug":"jeanne-timmons","biography":"<p><b>Jeanne Timmons</b> rediscovered her passion for paleontology later in life. A freelance writer based in New Hampshire, her work can be found at Gizmodo, Ars Technica and the <i>New York Times</i>.</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Freelance","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/9efe70b4-a4e0-45a4-96c4-1dc8ca0f4ff8/saw1026Adva06.jpg?m=1788277677.652","image_width":2000,"image_height":1522,"image_alt_text":"A cluster of yellow flower blooms.","image_caption":"<p>Avocado flowers in their female phase.</p>","image_credits":"<p>Jeffrey S. Groh</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-07-29T06:45:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-07-29T06:45:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Plants","subtype":"news","column":"Advances","page_number":"15"},{"id":1312023,"contentful_id":"43Y19GTsTbOh2LxJa6xPfz","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-43Y19GTsTbOh2LxJa6xPfz","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"Mathematicians discover the worst way to hang a painting","display_title":"<p>Mathematicians discover the worst way to hang a painting</p>","slug":"mathematicians-discover-the-worst-way-to-hang-a-painting","url":"/article/mathematicians-discover-the-worst-way-to-hang-a-painting/","summary":"<p>
67New solutions found to picture-hanging problems</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":null,"url":"/author/emma-r-hasson/","contentful_id":"1KjWx3yIOP2L7x6gkkWD4T","name":"Emma R. Hasson","slug":"emma-r-hasson","biography":"<p><b>Emma R. Hasson</b> is <i>Scientific American’s</i> Games ace and a Ph.D. candidate in mathematics at the City University of New York Graduate Center with expertise in math education and communication. Hasson was also a 2025 AAAS Mass Media Fellow at <i>Scientific American.</i></p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Freelance","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/703b1868-8d37-4bf4-ad7b-16e309e6ae49/RF-Paintings-Museum.jpg?m=1788533292.057","image_width":3000,"image_height":1996,"image_alt_text":"Blurred view of a person in black walking past a wall of museum paintings.","image_caption":null,"image_credits":"Jacobs Stock Photography Ltd/Getty Images","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-09-05T07:00:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-09-05T07:00:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Mathematics","subtype":"news","column":"Advances","page_number":"16"},{"id":1312006,"contentful_id":"4u3ga4h6kkkbMJu9EMeDtA","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-4u3ga4h6kkkbMJu9EMeDtA","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"Newly discovered âdemon cave fishâ hid out in Alabama military installation for 40 years","display_title":"<p>Newly discovered ‘demon cave fish’ hid out in Alabama military installation for 40 years</p>","slug":"newly-discovered-demon-cave-fish-hid-out-in-alabama-military-installation-for-40-years","url":"/article/newly-discovered-demon-cave-fish-hid-out-in-alabama-military-installation-for-40-years/","summary":"<p>Scientists named this oddball creature after the Demogorgon from <i>Stranger Things</i></p>","authors":[{"mura_id":"7BC8AA8E-6E78-4C36-94B63915B42F6B12","url":"/author/elizabeth-anne-brown/","contentful_id":"16KGaSSAvz9wwU0cq5e060","name":"Elizabeth Anne Brown","slug":"elizabeth-anne-brown","biography":"<p><b>Elizabeth Anne Brown</b> is a freelance science journalist based in New Jersey. Her work has appeared in the <i>New York Times</i>, <i>National Geographic</i>, <i>MIT Tech Review,</i> and many other outlets. Read more at <a href=\\"https://www.elizabeth-anne-brown.com/\\">elizabeth-anne-brown.com</a>.</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Freelance","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/1323dfd6-bf8a-43fc-950b-4e2aaa5aa2b2/saw1026Adva08.jpg?m=1788360280.418","image_width":1920,"image_height":1440,"image_alt_text":"A translucent blue fish swims along the rocky ground.","image_caption":"<p>The newfound cave fish species <i>Demogorgonichthys arcanus.</i></p>","image_credits":"<p>Matthew L. Niemiller/UAH</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-09-02T06:45:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-09-02T06:45:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Animals","subtype":"news","column":"Advances","page_number":"17"},{"id":1312072,"contentful_id":"4a6peTslCq6jJs3yW43PeG","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-4a6peTslCq6jJs3yW43PeG","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"Math Puzzle: A puzzling picture","display_title":"<p>Math Puzzle: A puzzling picture</p>","slug":"math-puzzle-a-puzzling-picture","url":"/article/math-puzzle-a-puzzling-picture/","summary":"<p>Hang a painting poorly in this math puzzle</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":null,"url":"/author/emma-r-hasson/","contentful_id":"1KjWx3yIOP2L7x6gkkWD4T","name":"Emma R. Hasson","slug":"emma-r-hasson","biography":"<p><b>Emma R. Hasson</b> is <i>Scientific American’s</i> Games ace and a Ph.D. candidate in mathematics at the City University of New York Graduate Center with expertise in math education and communication. Hasson was also a 2025 AAAS Mass Media Fellow at <i>Scientific American.</i></p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Freelance","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/m/3da926a3ccf413bb/original/mathPuzzles-opener.jpg?m=1723038172.878","image_width":1600,"image_height":1200,"image_alt_text":"Illustration of a hand and multiple numbers against a purple background.","image_caption":null,"image_credits":"
67<p>Ross MacDonald</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-09-15T07:00:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-09-15T07:00:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Mathematics","subtype":"news","column":"Advances","page_number":"17"},{"id":1312026,"contentful_id":"MlgTDGTHuPVGf5pNQbHBF","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-MlgTDGTHuPVGf5pNQbHBF","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"Nature may have a preferred tempo","display_title":"<p>Nature may have a preferred tempo</p>","slug":"nature-may-have-a-preferred-tempo","url":"/article/nature-may-have-a-preferred-tempo/","summary":"<p>From flashing fireflies to human music, many biological rhythms appear to converge on the same rhythmic range</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":null,"url":"/author/anirban-mukhopadhyay/","contentful_id":"63kxYxQnVqkHlC24pgAwbR","name":"Anirban Mukhopadhyay","slug":"anirban-mukhopadhyay","biography":"<p><b>Anirban Mukhopadhyay</b> is an independent science journalist based in India. He has a Ph.D. in genetics from Delhi University and writes about science policy and cutting-edge biomedical research. Find him on X <a href=\\"https://x.com/onipedia\\">@onipedia</a> and on <a href=\\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirban-mukhopadhyay-929827370/?originalSubdomain=in\\">LinkedIn</a>.</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Freelance","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/354428fd-d15a-4dca-83ba-aa475de3b730/saw1026Adva09.jpg?m=1788360878.045","image_width":2000,"image_height":1333,"image_alt_text":"A lit firefly clings to a single blade of grass.","image_caption":"<p>Fireflies’ rhythmic flickering fits within a common tempo range.</p>","image_credits":"<p>Jeremy Hogan/Getty Images</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-09-07T06:45:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-09-07T06:45:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Neuroscience","subtype":"news","column":"Advances","page_number":"18"},{"id":1312030,"contentful_id":"5dHxph1pHJWL334qWlhlQg","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-5dHxph1pHJWL334qWlhlQg","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"Do birds enjoy flying? Scientists asked cockatoos","display_title":"<p>Do birds enjoy flying? Scientists asked cockatoos</p>","slug":"do-birds-enjoy-flying-scientists-asked-cockatoos","url":"/article/do-birds-enjoy-flying-scientists-asked-cockatoos/","summary":"<p>Flying leads to positive emotions and optimism in Galahs</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":null,"url":"/author/clarissa-brincat/","contentful_id":"4XAIflNpeM5puAsEe9ENEA","name":"Clarissa Brincat","slug":"clarissa-brincat","biography":"<p><b>Clarissa Brincat</b> is a freelance science and health journalist based in Europe.</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Freelance","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/792527f1-6dad-423a-8673-dc7f3f9f2c4e/saw1026Adva10.jpg?m=1788361502.641","image_width":2500,"image_height":1667,"image_alt_text":"Three Galah Cockatoos with red bodies and gray/white wings perched on a feeding dish.","image_caption":"<p>Galah Cockatoos.</p>","image_credits":"<p>Tracielouise/Getty Images</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-09-08T06:45:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-09-08T06:45:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Animals","subtype":"news","column":"Advances","page_number":"19"},{"id":1312055,"contentful_id":"3LIRyLta3WMHGUldRQyZFX","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-3LIRyLta3WMHGUldRQyZFX","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"Giant armored crustaceans survive thanks to a gene stolen from bacteria","display_title":"<p>Giant armored crustaceans survive thanks to a gene stolen from bacteria</p>","slug":"giant-armored-crustaceans-survive-thanks-to-a-gene-stolen-from-bacteria","url":"/article/giant-armored-crustaceans-survive-thanks-to-a-gene-stolen-from-bacteria/","summary":"<p>Scientists have long wondered how these bizarre creatures endured for years without food—now they’ve found out why</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":"EA581A07-ADF1-4C68-83F603AC42D42D5C","url":"/author/saugat-bolakhe/","contentful_id":"4VRiwck8ynRlP1gzYWwm8O","name":"Saugat Bolakhe","slug":"saugat-bolakhe","biography":"<p><b>Saugat Bolakhe</b> is a freelance science journalist. He studied zoology as an undergraduate in Nepal and received a master’
67s degree from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York. His work has appeared in<i> Scientific American, Nature, New Scientist, Quanta, Eos, Discover</i>, <i>Knowable</i> and other publications.</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Freelance","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/59c70beb-99be-4233-b616-47c4e20a7b2e/saw1026Adva11.jpg?m=1788362834.566","image_width":2000,"image_height":1333,"image_alt_text":"A clawed, segmented creature.","image_caption":"<p>A supergiant deep-sea isopod can go for five years without eating.</p>","image_credits":"<p>MagicColors/Getty Images</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-09-11T09:00:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-09-11T09:00:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Biology","subtype":"news","column":"Advances","page_number":"20"}],"departments":[{"id":1312082,"contentful_id":"obSfzpbYxGPPmmBz6smwN","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-obSfzpbYxGPPmmBz6smwN","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"Finding meaning in the impossible","display_title":"<p>Finding meaning in the impossible</p>","slug":"finding-meaning-in-the-impossible","url":"/article/finding-meaning-in-the-impossible/","summary":"<p>Some questions may never be answered, but maybe that’s not the point</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":"48C13A35-EA38-4553-8AEAA29E458F5B26","url":"/author/jeanna-bryner/","contentful_id":"21Tslq9zqoxJCZf8dy9vKw","name":"Jeanna Bryner","slug":"jeanna-bryner","biography":"<p><b>Jeanna Bryner</b> is editor in chief of <i>Scientific American</i>. Previously she was editor in chief of Live Science and, prior to that, an editor at Scholastic's <i>Science World</i> magazine. Bryner has an English degree from Salisbury University, a master’s degree in biogeochemistry and environmental sciences from the University of Maryland and a graduate science journalism degree from New York University. She has worked as a biologist in Florida, where she monitored wetlands and did field surveys for endangered species, including the gorgeous Florida Scrub Jay. She also received an ocean sciences journalism fellowship from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. She is a firm believer that science is for everyone and that just about everything can be viewed through the lens of science.</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Staff","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/8ccad3bd-cd3f-46a1-b83a-df8262daf173/saw1026-FromTheEditor-IssueCover.jpg?m=1788891719.982","image_width":1200,"image_height":900,"image_alt_text":"Cover of the October 2026 issue of Scientific American against a lilac background.","image_caption":null,"image_credits":"<p><i>Scientific American</i></p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Culture","subtype":"article","column":"From the Editor","page_number":"4"},{"id":1312067,"contentful_id":"2UIywTS3SCmqceHGNyoGZ0","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-2UIywTS3SCmqceHGNyoGZ0","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"Readers respond to the May 2026 issue","display_title":"<p>Readers respond to the May 2026 issue</p>","slug":"readers-respond-to-the-may-2026-issue","url":"/article/readers-respond-to-the-may-2026-issue/","summary":"<p>Letters to the editors for the May 2026 issue of <i>Scientific American</i></p>","authors":[{"mura_id":"F6A98BF8-3A0B-421A-80230E8EB77E75BD","url":"/author/aaron-shattuck/","contentful_id":"2Srkvro2c21fx9aEVDbkXy","name":"Aaron Shattuck","slug":"aaron-shattuck","biography":"<p><b>Aaron Shattuck</b> is a senior copy editor at <i>Scientific American</i>.</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Staff","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/f1b8bdfa-b9a1-49b4-af04-4de3a998f277/saw1026-Letters-IssueC
67over.jpg?m=1789411062.093","image_width":2000,"image_height":1500,"image_alt_text":"Cover of the May 2026 issue of Scientific American against an orange background.","image_caption":null,"image_credits":"<p><i>Scientific American</i></p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Culture","subtype":"article","column":"Letters","page_number":"6"},{"id":1312069,"contentful_id":"7EZ8IqDPzYQhBKLmDJG0sR","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-7EZ8IqDPzYQhBKLmDJG0sR","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"Google DeepMind wants Gemini to power many different robots","display_title":"<p>Google DeepMind wants to build an AI brain that can jump between robot bodies</p>","slug":"google-deepmind-wants-gemini-to-power-many-different-robots","url":"/article/google-deepmind-wants-gemini-to-power-many-different-robots/","summary":"<p>The company’s push into physical AI is putting Gemini inside humanoids—and testing whether its intelligence can survive in the real world</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":null,"url":"/author/adam-rogers/","contentful_id":"7lM67uWDmiltkoCYJYubsF","name":"Adam Rogers","slug":"adam-rogers","biography":"<p><b>Adam Rogers</b> is a journalist covering science, technology and culture. A former editor at <i>WIRED</i> and senior correspondent at <i>Business Insider</i>, he lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Freelance","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/c6b57a42-7754-43a1-bcbd-3908874eda9c/saw1026Indu01.jpg?m=1789395550.131","image_width":2000,"image_height":1125,"image_alt_text":"A white humanoid robot crouches with both arms extended in a bright industrial workspace.","image_caption":"<p>Gemini Robotics 2 controls Apptronik’s Apollo 2 from feet to fingertips as DeepMind tries to make its AI work in a humanoid body.</p>","image_credits":"<p>Google DeepMind</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Robotics","subtype":"article","column":"Industry","page_number":"22"},{"id":1311775,"contentful_id":"13WoRwGT8zk0lHY74zdKbT","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-13WoRwGT8zk0lHY74zdKbT","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"How mental exhaustion changes the choices you make","display_title":"<p>How mental exhaustion changes the choices you make</p>","slug":"how-mental-exhaustion-changes-the-choices-you-make","url":"/article/how-mental-exhaustion-changes-the-choices-you-make/","summary":"<p>Neuroscientists show how the brain weighs effort against reward when we’re mentally fatigued</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":null,"url":"/author/vikram-chib/","contentful_id":"5Z5v0iTGo0bhAp2C9mXAj0","name":"Vikram Chib","slug":"vikram-chib","biography":"<p><b>Vikram Chib</b> is an associate professor of biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University and the Kennedy Krieger Institute. He studies the neuroscience of motivated performance and decision-making.</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Freelance","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/159a7f22-3b22-4b58-94db-b86aa2f50121/mental-exhaustion.jpg?m=1785174555.446","image_width":6000,"image_height":4000,"image_alt_text":"A man at a desk takes off his glasses and massages his forehead with exhaustion.","image_caption":null,"image_credits":"<p>Organic Media/Getty Images</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-07-28T11:30:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-07-28T11:30:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Neuroscience","subtype":"news","column":"Mind Matters","page_number":"82"},{"id":1311655,"contentful_id":"4yBG4lHNOCUa1FOPlfEm2c","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-4yBG4lHNOCUa1FOPlfEm2c","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"What will happen to the moon
67in the far future?","display_title":"<p>What will happen to Earth’s moon in the far future?</p>","slug":"what-will-happen-to-the-moon-in-the-far-future","url":"/article/what-will-happen-to-the-moon-in-the-far-future/","summary":"<p>The moon is Earth’s constant companion. But will that always be the case?</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":"9AD6ACF4-0A74-4123-80424891724E8B6E","url":"/author/phil-plait/","contentful_id":"7zuXyv1tG9bUbFFtJbqH8U","name":"Phil Plait","slug":"phil-plait","biography":"<p><b>Phil Plait</b> is a professional astronomer and science communicator in Virginia. His column for <i>Scientific American</i>, <a href=\\"https://www.scientificamerican.com/column/the-universe/\\">The Universe</a>, covers all things space. He writes the <a href=\\"https://badastronomy.beehiiv.com/\\"><i>Bad Astronomy Newsletter</i></a>. Follow him <a href=\\"https://about.me/philplait\\">online</a>.</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Freelance","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/a5bcc1a2-7870-4e62-8c51-27f42965e437/earthmoona2.jpg?m=1789155939.896","image_width":3000,"image_height":2000,"image_alt_text":"A crescent Earth sets behind the far side of the moon.","image_caption":"<p>A crescent Earth sets behind the far side of the moon in this image captured by astronauts during NASA’s Artemis II lunar flyby in April 2026.</p>","image_credits":"<p>NASA</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-07-03T06:45:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-07-03T06:45:00-04:00","digital_column":"The Universe","digital_column_slug":"the-universe","category":"Astronomy","subtype":"col","column":"The Universe","page_number":"83"},{"id":1312078,"contentful_id":"34wvBsA9SeUOhFSKkiKiBi","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-34wvBsA9SeUOhFSKkiKiBi","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"Science crossword: Broken thoughts","display_title":"<p>Science crossword: Broken thoughts</p>","slug":"science-crossword-broken-thoughts","url":"/article/science-crossword-broken-thoughts/","summary":"<p>Play this crossword inspired by the October 2026 issue of<i> Scientific American</i></p>","authors":[{"mura_id":null,"url":"/author/ella-dershowitz/","contentful_id":"6Vt6Lv01nhH08prcg4E6n4","name":"Ella Dershowitz","slug":"ella-dershowitz","biography":"<p><b>Ella Dershowitz </b>is a crossword puzzle constructor who has been published in the <i>New York Times</i>, the <i>Los Angeles Times</i>, the <i>Wall Street Journal</i> and AV Club Xwords (AVCX), among other outlets. Besides wrangling tiny boxes for puzzles, she is an actress who has appeared in tiny boxes on film and television, as well as in slightly larger boxes at off-Broadway productions in New York City, theaters in the Bay Area and those throughout the Northeast. She is currently playing the title role in an off-Broadway production of <a href=\\"https://mrssternwanders.com/\\"><i>Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library</i></a> through January 19, 2025.</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Freelance","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/m/170d5c1b1809219e/original/GAMES-ICONS-all.jpg?m=1726666171.078","image_width":1000,"image_height":1000,"image_alt_text":"Games illustration with a green background","image_caption":null,"image_credits":"<p>Ross MacDonald</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Language","subtype":"col","column":"Science Crossword","page_number":"85"},{"id":1312066,"contentful_id":"41VlZy1MtXTQ7ZgJnphNUq","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-41VlZy1MtXTQ7ZgJnphNUq","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"The Pentagon tests lasers and microwaves against drone swarms","display_title":"<p>The Pentagon is testing lasers and microwaves to stop drone swarms</p>","slug":"the-pentagon-tests-lasers-and-microwaves-against-drone-swarms","url":"/article/the-pentagon-tests-lasers-and-microwaves-against-drone-swarms/","summary":"<p>
67After decades of hype, directed-energy weapons may offer the U.S. military a cheaper answer to the expensive problem of stopping drones</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":"003B3FD6-F9E4-48C1-88C3DB55A07997A8","url":"/author/sarah-scoles/","contentful_id":"7HlKJcmJuekauyELGMZwuf","name":"Sarah Scoles","slug":"sarah-scoles","biography":"<p><b>Sarah Scoles</b> is a Colorado-based science journalist and a contributing editor at <i>Scientific American</i>. Her newest book is <i>Countdown: The Blinding Future of Nuclear Weapons</i> (Bold Type Books, 2024).</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Freelance","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/a263a982-5c5f-48e2-92e7-d6d30203da2b/saw1026SoW01.jpg?m=1789395640.479","image_width":2000,"image_height":1259,"image_alt_text":"Drones in a formation shaped like crosshairs with a teal wifi symbol layered on top along with 3 red laser beams emerging from the bottom.","image_caption":null,"image_credits":"<p>Richard Mia</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Warfare","subtype":"col","column":"The Science of War","page_number":"86"},{"id":1312071,"contentful_id":"51EeRmQrHr5jP37OYhPTSK","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-51EeRmQrHr5jP37OYhPTSK","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"Are darker egg yolks really healthier?","display_title":"<p>Are darker egg yolks really healthier?</p>","slug":"are-darker-egg-yolks-really-healthier","url":"/article/are-darker-egg-yolks-really-healthier/","summary":"<p>Deep-orange yolks could have a slight health benefit, but it’s easy for producers to fake it</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":"65F6EDF7-25A4-4D37-981C8697E4EFE397","url":"/author/lori-youmshajekian/","contentful_id":"6o1POcu62nvEOAX3hLm49N","name":"Lori Youmshajekian","slug":"lori-youmshajekian","biography":"<p><b>Lori Youmshajekian</b> is a science journalist who reports on consumer health, environmental issues and scientific misconduct. She holds a master’s degree in science journalism from New York University and has written for <i>National Geographic, Wired</i> and <i>Retraction Watch</i>, among other outlets.</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Freelance","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/e84b3894-b1ee-4eb5-a8c0-3d699fe38b90/saw1026SoH01.jpg?m=1789395671.438","image_width":2500,"image_height":1389,"image_alt_text":"An egg being cracked onto a pan with many other eggs.","image_caption":null,"image_credits":"<p>Jay Bendt</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Food","subtype":"col","column":"The Science of Health","page_number":"88"},{"id":1312075,"contentful_id":"39FVwJ2Fve7fycf5wsoDRM","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-39FVwJ2Fve7fycf5wsoDRM","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"Poem: âThe Golden Recordâ","display_title":"<p>Poem: ‘The Golden Record’</p>","slug":"poem-the-golden-record","url":"/article/poem-the-golden-record/","summary":"<p>Science in meter and verse</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":null,"url":"/author/jennifer-blackledge/","contentful_id":"1ZvVuWJjI9r9eei6VDOC8F","name":"Jennifer Blackledge","slug":"jennifer-blackledge","biography":"<p><b>Jennifer Blackledge</b> is a Detroit-area poet who works in the automotive industry. She was awarded the 2025 Zócalo Public Square Poetry Prize. Her work has been published in <i>JAMA, Rattle, ONE ART, I-70 Review, Kestrel,</i> and elsewhere.</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Freelance","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/3e03601c-5f43-4f10-81b3-ed21f052ad01/saw1026Meter.jpg?m=1789395704.674","image_width":2304,"image_height":1514,"image_alt_text":"A dark blue arm emerging from the bottom reaching towards a golden disc within a celestial background.","image_caption":null,"image_credits":"
67<p>Masha Foya</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Arts","subtype":"col","column":"Meter","page_number":"89"},{"id":1311696,"contentful_id":"1yK6AtThd0mbGrEhcID03Y","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-1yK6AtThd0mbGrEhcID03Y","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"Mathematicians still donât know the fastest way to multiply numbers","display_title":"<p>Mathematicians still don’t know the fastest way to multiply numbers</p>","slug":"mathematicians-still-dont-know-the-fastest-way-to-multiply-numbers","url":"/article/mathematicians-still-dont-know-the-fastest-way-to-multiply-numbers/","summary":"<p>A 23-year-old student overturned an ancient conjecture about one of math’s simplest operations</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":"8380DF99-BB0A-4BC3-824DBE3E70787CBA","url":"/author/jack-murtagh/","contentful_id":"4Y2yTE5TRa9dZLAJBYMbB7","name":"Jack Murtagh","slug":"jack-murtagh","biography":"<p><b>Jack Murtagh</b> is a freelance math writer and puzzle creator. He writes a column on <a href=\\"https://www.scientificamerican.com/author/jack-murtagh/\\">mathematical curiosities</a> for <i>Scientific American</i> and creates <a href=\\"https://www.morningbrew.com/contributor/Jack\\">daily puzzles</a> for the Morning Brew newsletter. He holds a Ph.D. in theoretical computer science from Harvard University. Follow him on X <a href=\\"https://twitter.com/JackPMurtagh\\">@JackPMurtagh</a></p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Freelance","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/1caac706-e03e-4760-8ef0-cc5a554737df/GettyImages-168351286-math-chalkboard.jpeg?m=1788879969.498","image_width":2400,"image_height":1795,"image_alt_text":"Man writes mathematical equations on chalkboard.","image_caption":null,"image_credits":"<p>Justin Lewis/Getty Images</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-07-13T09:00:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-07-13T09:00:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Mathematics","subtype":"col","column":"Math","page_number":"90"},{"id":1312073,"contentful_id":"6n32G2VaqhLDpSsR9ubwGj","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-6n32G2VaqhLDpSsR9ubwGj","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"Why we love unexplainable mysteries","display_title":"<p>Why we love unexplainable mysteries</p>","slug":"why-we-love-unexplainable-mysteries","url":"/article/why-we-love-unexplainable-mysteries/","summary":"<p>The biggest questions in science inspire us even when we lack answers</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":"38F3A00A-6C30-4169-949D5E7CEEBA0462","url":"/author/clara-moskowitz/","contentful_id":"3sINdK17AQK75IfqXBEo3s","name":"Clara Moskowitz","slug":"clara-moskowitz","biography":"<p><b>Clara Moskowitz</b> is chief of reporters at <i>Scientific American,</i> where she covers astronomy, space, physics and mathematics. She has been at <i>Scientific American</i> for more than a decade; previously she worked at Space.com. Moskowitz has reported live from rocket launches, space shuttle liftoffs and landings, suborbital spaceflight training, mountaintop observatories, and more. She has a bachelor’s degree in astronomy and physics from Wesleyan University and a graduate degree in science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz.</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Staff","contacts":[{"type":"x","value":"@ClaraMoskowitz"}]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/5ecd611a-1aeb-4426-b869-89ec537870ed/saw1026QA01.jpg?m=1789395740.322","image_width":2000,"image_height":1178,"image_alt_text":"Colorful, highly stylized illustration portrait of Noam Hassenfeld.","image_caption":null,"image_credits":"
67<p>Shideh Ghandeharizadeh</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Culture","subtype":"col","column":"Q&A","page_number":"92"},{"id":1312070,"contentful_id":"3Q28jb39s6KM5PkavTuDpe","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-3Q28jb39s6KM5PkavTuDpe","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"See how gravitational waves warp time and space","display_title":"<p>See how gravitational waves warp time and space</p>","slug":"see-how-gravitational-waves-warp-time-and-space","url":"/article/see-how-gravitational-waves-warp-time-and-space/","summary":"<p>The latest gravitational-wave discoveries include record-breaking cataclysms</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":"38F3A00A-6C30-4169-949D5E7CEEBA0462","url":"/author/clara-moskowitz/","contentful_id":"3sINdK17AQK75IfqXBEo3s","name":"Clara Moskowitz","slug":"clara-moskowitz","biography":"<p><b>Clara Moskowitz</b> is chief of reporters at <i>Scientific American,</i> where she covers astronomy, space, physics and mathematics. She has been at <i>Scientific American</i> for more than a decade; previously she worked at Space.com. Moskowitz has reported live from rocket launches, space shuttle liftoffs and landings, suborbital spaceflight training, mountaintop observatories, and more. She has a bachelor’s degree in astronomy and physics from Wesleyan University and a graduate degree in science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz.</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Staff","contacts":[{"type":"x","value":"@ClaraMoskowitz"}]},{"mura_id":"61BD5E84-3CCB-4D17-94BC11D0A1F2367C","url":"/author/lucy-reading-ikkanda/","contentful_id":"1f7eU9FoVQbNW9vqqvmtIT","name":"Lucy Reading-Ikkanda","slug":"lucy-reading-ikkanda","biography":"<p><b>Lucy Reading-Ikkanda</b> is a scientific information designer, art director, and illustrator based in Bedford, New York.</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Freelance","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/348bc3ea-1202-4410-bf98-1ffef04eb6b8/sa1026Gsci31_leadImage.png?m=1789395833.513","image_width":1875,"image_height":1250,"image_alt_text":"Cropped illustration of a binary system of two co-orbiting black holes causing ripples in spacetime.","image_caption":null,"image_credits":"<p>Lucy Reading-Ikkanda</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Astrophysics","subtype":"col","column":"Graphic Science","page_number":"94"},{"id":1312076,"contentful_id":"4rRdM3gTkKspzrasUAc39h","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-4rRdM3gTkKspzrasUAc39h","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"October 2026: Science history from 50, 100 and 150 years ago","display_title":"<p>October 2026: Science history from 50, 100 and 150 years ago</p>","slug":"october-2026-science-history-from-50-100-and-150-years-ago","url":"/article/october-2026-science-history-from-50-100-and-150-years-ago/","summary":"<p>Smallpox eradication; skyscraper excavations; research on the racetrack</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":"48C13A35-EA38-4553-8AEAA29E458F5B26","url":"/author/jeanna-bryner/","contentful_id":"21Tslq9zqoxJCZf8dy9vKw","name":"Jeanna Bryner","slug":"jeanna-bryner","biography":"<p><b>Jeanna Bryner</b> is editor in chief of <i>Scientific American</i>. Previously she was editor in chief of Live Science and, prior to that, an editor at Scholastic's <i>Science World</i> magazine. Bryner has an English degree from Salisbury University, a master’s degree in biogeochemistry and environmental sciences from the University of Maryland and a graduate science journalism degree from New York University. She has worked as a biologist in Florida, where she monitored wetlands and did field surveys for endangered species, including the gorgeous Florida Scrub Jay. She also received an ocean sciences journalism fellowship from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. She is a firm believer that science is for everyone and that just about everything can be viewed through the lens of science.</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Staff","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/45137761-c327-4dc7-bf7b-722b2138873c/saw1026Hist01.jpg?m=1788891874.167","image_width":2616,"image_height":1800,"image_alt_text":"Illustration of two macaques.","image_caption":"<p><b>1976, Social Order of Macaques:</b> “Researchers observed a so-called subleader policing episode in a group of macaques. The episode, which lasted 1.5 seconds, starts with Tulip, a juvenile female, threatening Infinity, an adult female, shown here in an illustration based on a series of photographs.”</p>
67","image_credits":"<p><i>Scientific American, </i>Vol. 235, No. 4; October 1976</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"History","subtype":"col","column":"History","page_number":"96"}],"features":[{"id":1312074,"contentful_id":"53osaD2YYPd1Pu7gzLK0a8","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-53osaD2YYPd1Pu7gzLK0a8","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"The questions science may never answer","display_title":"<p>The questions science may never answer</p>","slug":"the-questions-science-may-never-answer","url":"/article/the-questions-science-may-never-answer/","summary":"<p>Will some of the biggest mysteries in science remain forever unsolved?</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":"003B3FD6-F9E4-48C1-88C3DB55A07997A8","url":"/author/sarah-scoles/","contentful_id":"7HlKJcmJuekauyELGMZwuf","name":"Sarah Scoles","slug":"sarah-scoles","biography":"<p><b>Sarah Scoles</b> is a Colorado-based science journalist and a contributing editor at <i>Scientific American</i>. Her newest book is <i>Countdown: The Blinding Future of Nuclear Weapons</i> (Bold Type Books, 2024).</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Freelance","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/33b469a5-869b-417f-89ed-b3ea8bc97a45/saw1026Intro01.jpg?m=1788378765.609","image_width":2500,"image_height":1667,"image_alt_text":"Question mark-shaped cut out revealing layers of cut paper underneath in graduating colors of blue and purple with tweezers and an xacto tool on the sides.","image_caption":null,"image_credits":"<p>Owen Gildersleeve</p>","image_desktop_url":null,"image_desktop_width":0,"image_desktop_height":0,"image_block_syndication":false,"media_url":null,"media_type":null,"release_date":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","date_published":"2026-09-15T06:00:00-04:00","digital_column":null,"digital_column_slug":null,"category":"Culture","subtype":"feature","column":"Features","page_number":"28"},{"id":1312083,"contentful_id":"5QKM2yYJIIFB6kEpbGxMBK","article_doi":"10.1038/scientificamerican102026-5QKM2yYJIIFB6kEpbGxMBK","mura_id":null,"mura_contentid":null,"title":"Will we ever know how life began?","display_title":"<p>Will we ever know how life began?</p>","slug":"will-we-ever-know-how-life-began","url":"/article/will-we-ever-know-how-life-began/","summary":"<p>Scientists disagree on how biology got started and on whether we can ever know for sure</p>","authors":[{"mura_id":"003B3FD6-F9E4-48C1-88C3DB55A07997A8","url":"/author/sarah-scoles/","contentful_id":"7HlKJcmJuekauyELGMZwuf","name":"Sarah Scoles","slug":"sarah-scoles","biography":"<p><b>Sarah Scoles</b> is a Colorado-based science journalist and a contributing editor at <i>Scientific American</i>. 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He shared the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for research on the structure and function of ribosomes. He is author of <i>Why We Die: The New Science of Aging and the Quest for Immortality</i> (William Morrow, 2024).</p>","short_biography":null,"picture_file":null,"category":"Freelance","contacts":[]}],"image_url":"https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/asset/38030320-b557-4937-987c-051b22719571/saw1026Rama01.jpg?m=1789396133.092","image_width":2500,"image_height":1634,"image_alt_text":"A woman looking at an aged reflection in a mirror with the hands of a clock with various other clocks made from science structures are scattered next to it on the wall by Ada Zejun Shen.","image_caption":null,"image_credits":"
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