Environment
Extreme Ice Survey: Antarctic Time-Lapses
Editors Note: Members of the Extreme Ice Survey team are returning to South Georgia Island and the Antarctic Peninsula to maintain time-lapse camera systems.
Electronics1808 articles archived since 1845
How Do We Make Batteries More Powerful, Cheaper and Safer?
Future technologies demand batteries that do more work but run cool, so a major new push has begun to remake them. Patent pioneer Esther Takeuchi explains how
5 Most Embarrassing Software Bugs in History
Most software today arrives full of small bugs. But big glitches have lost whole spacecraft or could send tourists driving into the ocean
20 Vintage Gadgets from Scientific American Readers [Slide Show]
Those who responded to our call for images of obscure, obsolete devices did not disappoint. Here are our favorites
5 Hard Questions about Emerging Technologies We Can’t Afford Not to Ask
In the near future access to information and new technology may make profits and privacy obsolete, and force us to redefine the boundaries between humanity and machines
Technology
What Impact Will Emerging Technologies Have on Geopolitics?
The World Economic Forum's Global Agenda Council meetings are going on this week in Dubai. More than 1000 experts (including Scientific American editor-in-chief Mariette DiChristina) have gathered to discuss big world problems such as climate change, poverty, water shortages, energy and innovation...
Why We’re All Beta Testers Now
Software developers know about bugs—but ship products anyway
Technology
What Impact Will Emerging Technologies Have on Society?
This week begins the World Economic Forum's Global Agenda Council meetings. More than 1000 experts (including Scientific American editor-in-chief Mariette DiChristina) have gathered in Dubai to discuss big world problems such as climate change, poverty, water shortages, energy and innovation...
Smartphone Case Furthers Unplug Movement
Yondr’s locking gadget-case aims to keep digital distractions down during live performances. Larry Greenemeier reports
Button Battery Coating Lessens Risk If Swallowed
Thousands of small children swallow tiny batteries each year. A new battery coating could protect kids from internal burns and still allow the batteries to work. Cynthia Graber reports
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Technology
Future of 3D Printing Lies in Custom Orders
Even as 3-D printing's impact on science, healthcare and consumer electronics grows, these devices aren't likely to find their way into your home anytime soon.
The Sciences
How it feels to be #BlackandSTEM and a Woman
I was sitting on this post for a while now. I said I would publish it this week, but I already felt procrastination kicking in. It was going to get pushed into next week or later.
Environment
Despite Safety Concerns, Enthusiasm for Self-Driving Vehicles
The promise of self-driving vehicles has brought with it high expectations and enthusiasm. But, we might not be quite ready to hand over the wheel.
Technology
New Material Could Mimic Octopuses' Camouflage [Video]
It’s no doubt that, with a repertoire of everything from colorful coral to a poisonous sea snake, the octopus could win any costume contest handily.
Better E-Waste Handling Helps Environment and Health
Plastic-removal machines will enable Ghana's e-waste recoverers to get at valuable metal guts without burning off the exteriors. David Biello reports
Apple Pay Perturbs Prying Personal Prospectors
Law enforcement agencies and retailers such as Walmart and Best Buy balk at Apple's operating system and payment app privacy efforts. Larry Greenemeier reports
Has Your Smartphone Made Your Other Gadgets Obsolete? [Survey]
Tell us how you use your smartphone, which gadgets it has replaced and where you would like to see the technology go
What’s Your Favorite Vintage Gadget?
Share your nostalgia for a long-obsolete device with other Scientific American readers
Mind & Brain
Baby Prep School: A Brain Game Or A Mama’s Coo-Cooing?
Baby’s first robot If you could only learn a language with the innocent receptivity of a young child. That adage, repeated ad nauseam, once an adult has decided to learn French or Tagalog engenders endless debate...
Mind & Brain
The Risks and Rewards of Trancranial Direct Current Stimulation
This blog is the fourth in a series of guest posts on technology and the brain to celebrate Scientific American Mind’s 10-year anniversary.
