These earthly godfathers of Heaven's lights, that give a name to every fixed star, have no more profit of their shining nights than those that walk and know not what they are.

— William Shakespeare

Scientific American.com

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Scientific American is the essential guide to the most awe-inspiring advances in science and technology, explaining how they change our understanding of the world and shape our lives.
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America’s compact between science and politics is broken

Tue, 06/16/2026 - 6:00am

How did we get here?

Categories: Astronomy

July/August 2026: Science history from 50, 100 and 150 years ago

Tue, 06/16/2026 - 6:00am

Natural fission reactor uncovered; geometry of soap bubbles

Categories: Astronomy

Readers respond to the March 2026 issue

Tue, 06/16/2026 - 6:00am

Letters to the editors for the March 2026 issue of Scientific American

Categories: Astronomy

Atul Gawande explains why U.S. leadership in global health matters more than ever

Tue, 06/16/2026 - 5:59am

On reclaiming America’s edge in research and public health

Categories: Astronomy

Allie Balter-Kennedy: Young American Scientist studying ice cores to better foresee climate change

Tue, 06/16/2026 - 5:59am

Exploring ice cores to foresee the effects of climate change

Categories: Astronomy

These young scientists are on our radar

Tue, 06/16/2026 - 5:59am

These young scientists are making waves in their own ways. Keep an eye on them—great things are ahead

Categories: Astronomy

Samagya Banskota: Young American Scientist developing new ways to deliver therapeutics

Tue, 06/16/2026 - 5:58am

Using viruslike particles to deliver therapies safely and effectively

Categories: Astronomy

Timnit Gebru on how to safeguard independent science for the AI age

Tue, 06/16/2026 - 5:58am

On safeguarding independent research in the age of big tech

Categories: Astronomy

Alan Lightman on his childhood in science

Tue, 06/16/2026 - 5:58am

The story of the author’s extremely early career

Categories: Astronomy

Nobel-winning biologist Elizabeth Blackburn on why science is all about ‘keeping the long view’

Tue, 06/16/2026 - 5:57am

On fighting for truth, inclusion and the next generation of scientists

Categories: Astronomy

Jenny Bergner: Young American Scientist recreating cosmic chemistry to understand how planets form

Tue, 06/16/2026 - 5:57am

Mimicking the chemistry of outer space to explain how planets form

Categories: Astronomy

Science is under pressure again. Here’s what that means for young researchers

Tue, 06/16/2026 - 5:57am

It’s a complicated time to be a young scientist in America. Lessons from history can tell us what the future might hold

Categories: Astronomy

Adam Bowman: Young American Scientist making it easier to see neurons communicate

Tue, 06/16/2026 - 5:56am

Clocking the electrical messages between neurons using fluorescence

Categories: Astronomy

U.S. scientists are being lured abroad—and they aren't looking back

Tue, 06/16/2026 - 5:56am

The great American brain drain could define science for a generation

Categories: Astronomy

Senator Mark Kelly reveals why science is critical to America’s future

Tue, 06/16/2026 - 5:56am

On steering the path forward for research and innovation

Categories: Astronomy

Colin Carlson: Young American Scientist linking climate change to human health and ecological diversity

Tue, 06/16/2026 - 5:55am

Explaining how climate change affects ecological diversity and human health

Categories: Astronomy

Inside U.S. labs at a moment of fear—and unexpected promise

Tue, 06/16/2026 - 5:55am

Despite funding woes, American scientists are finding reasons for optimism

Categories: Astronomy

Steven Chavez: Young American Scientist trying to make catalysts work better

Tue, 06/16/2026 - 5:54am

Making catalysts used in industrial processes hardier and more effective

Categories: Astronomy

Distrust in science thrives on dangerous stereotypes

Tue, 06/16/2026 - 5:54am

Scientists are seen as oddballs, and that’s a problem

Categories: Astronomy

Why U.S. science funding needs reform

Tue, 06/16/2026 - 5:53am

The federal funding system for scientific research in the U.S. is crumbling. Here’s how it can be rebuilt

Categories: Astronomy