American Scientist
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A new book explores the arts and creativity from a numerical perspective.
The Hidden Mathematics Within Art
www.americanscientist.org
February 17, 2026 at 10:26 PM
A new book explores the arts and creativity from a numerical perspective.
Astronomers find unexpected links between interstellar objects and cryptic "dark comets."
Also in this issue:
💎 Mantle waves and the origin of diamonds
👁 The eyes as windows to Alzheimer's detection
🖥 Cutting the cycle of AI Slop in journals
Also in this issue:
💎 Mantle waves and the origin of diamonds
👁 The eyes as windows to Alzheimer's detection
🖥 Cutting the cycle of AI Slop in journals
March-April 2026 Issue
www.americanscientist.org
February 17, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Astronomers find unexpected links between interstellar objects and cryptic "dark comets."
Also in this issue:
💎 Mantle waves and the origin of diamonds
👁 The eyes as windows to Alzheimer's detection
🖥 Cutting the cycle of AI Slop in journals
Also in this issue:
💎 Mantle waves and the origin of diamonds
👁 The eyes as windows to Alzheimer's detection
🖥 Cutting the cycle of AI Slop in journals
Tales of a warming Arctic frequently make national and international news. Yet the seasonal human-animal rhythms that structure life in the region are missing in media coverage of permafrost and melting glaciers.
The Changing Communities of the Arctic
A new book explores how life is evolving for both humans and animals in the far north.
www.americanscientist.org
February 12, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Tales of a warming Arctic frequently make national and international news. Yet the seasonal human-animal rhythms that structure life in the region are missing in media coverage of permafrost and melting glaciers.
Reposted by American Scientist
Although an ocean's horizon may look flat, the body of water certainly isn't. Ocean water is constantly mixing, left and right, up and down. Understanding this movement is critical to understanding changing climate patterns worldwide.
February 11, 2026 at 5:40 PM
Although an ocean's horizon may look flat, the body of water certainly isn't. Ocean water is constantly mixing, left and right, up and down. Understanding this movement is critical to understanding changing climate patterns worldwide.
Reposted by American Scientist
Gathering data, however, presents some challenges. How does one find out what's going on in the middle of the ocean if tide gauges are on the coasts? Some are well monitored; others haven't collected data in decades.
February 11, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Gathering data, however, presents some challenges. How does one find out what's going on in the middle of the ocean if tide gauges are on the coasts? Some are well monitored; others haven't collected data in decades.
Reposted by American Scientist
Good afternoon! My name is Daniela and I'm one of SCONC's new interns. For today's Science by the Slice, we're delighted to welcome UNC's Dr. Tamlin Pavelsky for his talk, "The Surface Water and Ocean Topography Mission: NASA's Eye in the Sky for Earth's Water"
Stay tuned for more!
Stay tuned for more!
February 11, 2026 at 5:34 PM
Good afternoon! My name is Daniela and I'm one of SCONC's new interns. For today's Science by the Slice, we're delighted to welcome UNC's Dr. Tamlin Pavelsky for his talk, "The Surface Water and Ocean Topography Mission: NASA's Eye in the Sky for Earth's Water"
Stay tuned for more!
Stay tuned for more!
Reposted by American Scientist
Curious about NASA’s Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission that helps scientists better understand climate change and ocean dynamics from space? Our next Science by the Slice with UNC's Dr. Tamlin Pavelsky is next Wed. at 12:30pm. #hybrid LEARN MORE: sconc.wildapricot.org/event-6509622
February 5, 2026 at 7:57 PM
Curious about NASA’s Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission that helps scientists better understand climate change and ocean dynamics from space? Our next Science by the Slice with UNC's Dr. Tamlin Pavelsky is next Wed. at 12:30pm. #hybrid LEARN MORE: sconc.wildapricot.org/event-6509622
"One successful way of making this happen is championed by my colleague Judith Harackiewicz, where we get them to think about what we call utility value of whatever it is that we need them to be interested in. In other words, how is it useful to you?"
February 9, 2026 at 3:09 PM
"One successful way of making this happen is championed by my colleague Judith Harackiewicz, where we get them to think about what we call utility value of whatever it is that we need them to be interested in. In other words, how is it useful to you?"
In this roundup, associate editor @ngerbis.bsky.social summarizes notable recent developments in scientific research, selected from reports compiled in the free electronic newsletter Sigma Xi SmartBrief.
www.americanscientist.org/article/brie...
www.americanscientist.org/article/brie...
Briefings
www.americanscientist.org
February 6, 2026 at 3:09 PM
In this roundup, associate editor @ngerbis.bsky.social summarizes notable recent developments in scientific research, selected from reports compiled in the free electronic newsletter Sigma Xi SmartBrief.
www.americanscientist.org/article/brie...
www.americanscientist.org/article/brie...
The perspectives and experiences of deaf people in the United States are complex, varied, and ever-evolving.
Language, Reimagined
www.americanscientist.org
February 5, 2026 at 3:09 PM
The perspectives and experiences of deaf people in the United States are complex, varied, and ever-evolving.
Ecological awareness and activism often begin with a personal story or connection to nature, and Priyanka Kumar has zeroed in on an iconic fruit that is part of American lore.
The Power of Apples
www.americanscientist.org
February 3, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Ecological awareness and activism often begin with a personal story or connection to nature, and Priyanka Kumar has zeroed in on an iconic fruit that is part of American lore.
What would change if we valued growth over looking competent?
Listen to the full episode here: open.spotify.com/episode/48cG...
Listen to the full episode here: open.spotify.com/episode/48cG...
January 30, 2026 at 3:10 PM
What would change if we valued growth over looking competent?
Listen to the full episode here: open.spotify.com/episode/48cG...
Listen to the full episode here: open.spotify.com/episode/48cG...
Simon A. Levin is known for the development of the foundations of spatial ecology and his work on pattern and scale. More recently, his research has focused on the interface between ecology and economics, especially regarding problems of public goods and communally pooled resources.
Tracking Patterns in Systems
www.americanscientist.org
January 29, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Simon A. Levin is known for the development of the foundations of spatial ecology and his work on pattern and scale. More recently, his research has focused on the interface between ecology and economics, especially regarding problems of public goods and communally pooled resources.
Circling back with absolutely no new information.
The entire season of "Wired for This" is available now!
The entire season of "Wired for This" is available now!
January 28, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Circling back with absolutely no new information.
The entire season of "Wired for This" is available now!
The entire season of "Wired for This" is available now!
Researchers are developing methods to apply the DNA defense system of “water bears” to medicine, agriculture, space biology, and data storage.
Tardigrades’ Protective Protein
www.americanscientist.org
January 27, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Researchers are developing methods to apply the DNA defense system of “water bears” to medicine, agriculture, space biology, and data storage.
Not so long ago, researchers considered publishing well—having a strong record of one’s work appearing in top journals—to be the gold standard for measuring impact.
Rethinking Research Impact
www.americanscientist.org
January 22, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Not so long ago, researchers considered publishing well—having a strong record of one’s work appearing in top journals—to be the gold standard for measuring impact.
In The Great Shadow: A History of How Sickness Shapes What We Do, Think, Believe, and Buy, Susan Wise Bauer writes that throughout history, explaining and preventing illness has played an outsize role in how we relate to each other and to authority.
In Sickness and in Health
www.americanscientist.org
January 20, 2026 at 10:26 PM
In The Great Shadow: A History of How Sickness Shapes What We Do, Think, Believe, and Buy, Susan Wise Bauer writes that throughout history, explaining and preventing illness has played an outsize role in how we relate to each other and to authority.
From breakthrough insights to reader favorites, these are the articles that sparked conversation and kept (you) our audience coming back all year long.
The Must-Read Articles of 2025: Our Top 10
www.americanscientist.org
January 20, 2026 at 3:09 PM
From breakthrough insights to reader favorites, these are the articles that sparked conversation and kept (you) our audience coming back all year long.
Troubleshooting is the art and science of getting to the root of a fault and understanding how to fix it.
There’s Your Problem
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January 15, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Troubleshooting is the art and science of getting to the root of a fault and understanding how to fix it.
A look back at the most impactful, insightful, and widely read blogs that shaped our year.
The Year in Review: The Top 10 Blogs You Loved
www.americanscientist.org
January 14, 2026 at 10:26 PM
A look back at the most impactful, insightful, and widely read blogs that shaped our year.
Solar installations and urban sprawl in the Mojave have helped raven numbers soar at the cost of vulnerable prey.
Winners and Losers of Desert Green Energy
www.americanscientist.org
January 13, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Solar installations and urban sprawl in the Mojave have helped raven numbers soar at the cost of vulnerable prey.
Insects and other small creatures were a favorite subject of early modern European naturalists.
The Art and Wonder of Little Beasts
www.americanscientist.org
January 8, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Insects and other small creatures were a favorite subject of early modern European naturalists.
What causes auroras?
January 6, 2026 at 3:09 PM
What causes auroras?
Planned missions to Mars and other destinations beyond the Earth−Moon system will face considerably greater radiation risks than past missions.
Weathering Space
Efficient routes and good luck will not be enough to protect humans from the deadly radiation they will face when venturing beyond the Earth−Moon system.
www.americanscientist.org
January 1, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Planned missions to Mars and other destinations beyond the Earth−Moon system will face considerably greater radiation risks than past missions.
A new class of origami has potential applications for medical implants and space structures.
When Art and Engineering Fold Together
www.americanscientist.org
December 30, 2025 at 3:09 PM
A new class of origami has potential applications for medical implants and space structures.