Why is the night sky dark? How do dolphins sleep without drowning? Why do hangovers occur? Will time travel ever be a reality? What makes a knuckleball appear to flutter? Why are craters always round?

There's only one source to turn to for the answers to the most puzzling and thought-provoking questions about the world of science: Scientific American. Writing in a fun and accessible style, an esteemed team of scientists and educators will lead you on a wild ride from the far reaches of the universe to the natural world right in your own backyard. Along the way, you'll discover solutions to some of life's quirkiest conundrums, such as why cats purr, how frogs survive winter without freezing, why snowflakes are symmetrical, and much more. Even if you haven't picked up a science book since your school days, these tantalizing Q & A's will shed new light on the world around you, inside you, below you, above you, and beyond!

Are you an avid sky-watcher? Would you like to observe the changes in the moon’s surface? Predict the orbit of a satellite? Record sunspots?

Finally, here is the book you’ve been waiting for! From the longest-running column in Scientific American’s history comes this collection of fascinating projects for the amateur astronomer. Whether you’re interested in designing your own telescope or determining the chemical composition of faraway stars, this unique book will help you satisfy your passion for the skies. You’ll learn how to build and use astronomical tools that will help you better understand and appreciate the solar system, our galaxy, and the cosmos.

Here you’ll discover fascinating facts about astronomy along with helpful tips and clear instructions on how to build inexpensive astronomical instruments in home-based workshops using ordinary shop tools. From making a pendulum that detects the earth’s rotation, to observing Jupiter with a homemade telescope, to taking picture-perfect images of a comet, these projects will help you go deeper into space than you’ve ever imagined.

Who names newly discovered planets? What exactly are black holes? Where are there the most earthquakes? When did the first Homo sapiens walk the earth? Why is the night sky dark? How does the fluoride in toothpaste prevent cavities? Since 1845, Scientific American has answered questions and provided the best information available in all areas of science. Now, Scientific American is proud to present an accessible, one-volume reference covering all the sciences. Whether you want to examine the tiniest microbes, the properties of the earth's core, or the farthest reaches of space, this handy desk reference is the resource to turn to for the answers you need. * Over 500 biographies of key science figures * Thousands of glossary terms * Hundreds of useful Web sites * Tables, charts, diagrams, and illustrations * Sidebars featuring fascinating facts, mnemonic aids, and quizzes * Essays exploring ideas in-depth

Who do we love? Who loves us? And why? Is love really a mystery, or can neuroscience offer some answers to these age-old questions?

In her third enthralling book about the brain, Judith Horstman takes us on a lively tour of our most important sex and love organ and the whole smorgasbord of our many kinds of love-from the bonding of parent and child to the passion of erotic love, the affectionate love of companionship, the role of animals in our lives, and the love of God.

Drawing on the latest neuroscience, she explores why and how we are born to love-how we're hardwired to crave the companionship of others, and how very badly things can go without love. Among the findings: parental love makes our brain bigger, sex and orgasm make it healthier, social isolation makes it miserable-and although the craving for romantic love can be described as an addiction, friendship may actually be the most important loving relationship of your life.

Based on recent studies and articles culled from the prestigious "Scientific American" and "Scientific American Mind" magazines, "The" Scientific American "Book of Love, Sex, and the Brain" offers a fascinating look at how the brain controls our loving relationships, most intimate moments, and our deep and basic need for connection.

From the Scopes "Monkey Trial" of 1925 to the court ruling against the Dover Area School Board's proposed intelligent design curriculum in 2005, few scientific topics have engendered as much controversy--or grabbed as many headlines--as evolution. And since the debate shows no signs of abating, there is perhaps no better time to step back and ask: What is evolution? Defined as the gradual process by which something changes into a different and usually more complex and efficient form, evolution explains the formation of the universe, the nature of viruses, and the emergence of humans. A first-rate summary of the actual science of evolution, this "Scientific American" reader is a timely collection that gives readers an opportunity to consider evolution's impact in various settings.
Divided into four sections that consider the evolution of the universe, cells, dinosaurs, and humans, "Evolution" brings together more than thirty articles written by some of the world's most respected evolutionary scientists. As tour guides through the genesis of the universe and complex cells, P. James E. Peebles examines the evidence in support of an expanding cosmos, while Christian de Duve discusses the birth of eukaryotes. In an article that anticipated his book "Full House, "Stephen Jay Gould argues that chance and contingency are as important as natural selection for evolutionary change. And Ian Tatersall makes two fascinating contributions, submitting his view that the schematic of human evolution looks less like a ladder and more like a bush.
With the latest on what's being researched at every level of evolutionary studies, from prospects of life on other planets to the inner working of cells,"Evolution" offers general readers an opportunity to update their knowledge on this hot topic while giving students an introduction to the problems and methodologies of an entire field of inquiry.

Science increasingly informs athletic training, and technology is used every day to maintain and even enhance physical performance. In this volume, "Scientific American"'s top writers present in clear, accessible prose information about present--and future--advances that enhance not only athletic performance, but also the vitality of the rest of the population.
Body, mind, gear, and technique are explored. Specific topics include: Whether science can determine if sports psychology worksHow the cellular biology of muscle may explain why a particular athlete winsWhat skateboarders do to bend the laws of physicsWhy there's concern about a sophisticated new way of cheating - gene doping This highly informative volume provides excellent background on controversial issues in spectator and participatory sports today.

With their impeccable reputation for top science reporting, the editors of "Scientific American" present influential information from the most important scientists and science writers in "Oil and the Future of Energy," This one volume is an unparalleled resource on fossil fuels and the related geopolitics, climate change and climate repair, and energy options for the future, including hydrogen, nuclear power, renewable resources, and transitional strategies. With contributions from leading writers, including W. Wayt Gibbs and Raymond Socolow, this book brings together the most authoritative and accessible science writing on a topic of intense public interest and concern to businesspeople,
investors, and all who care about the planet. "Scientific American," the oldest continuously published magazine in the United States, has been bringing its readers unique insights about developments in science and technology for more than 150 years. The magazine publishes nineteen foreign-language editions and has a total of more than one million copies in circulation worldwide.

The international public health scare that resulted last year when a man infected with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis flew overseas from the United States and back illustrates both the fear and the potential impact of highly infectious diseases in a global age. At a time when scientists warn of the potential for an influenza epidemic to rival the deadly outbreak of 1919 and newspapers feature alarming headlines about incidences of mad cow disease, infectious disease will be a critical area of concern and scientific study in the twenty-first century. "Infectious Disease" collects thirty of the most exciting, innovative, and significant articles on communicable illness published in" "the pages of" Scientific" "American" magazine since 1993. With sections devoted to viral infections, infectious disease, the immune system, and global management and treatment issues, "Infectious Disease" provides general readers and students with an excellent overview of recent research in the field. Roger I. Glass discusses a potential vaccine for the rotavirus--a leading cause of severe childhood diarrhea world wide and frequent killer of young children in developing nations. Jeffery K. Taubenberger and colleagues investigate the virulent strain of influenza that killed up to 40 million people in 1919 to suggest treatments and recommend preventative measures. And Paul R. Epstein looks into whether global warming could be harmful to our health, untangling research that suggests that many diseases will flourish as Earth's atmosphere heats up. The prominence of disease in the ecology and evolution of human society has spurred investment in research and technology development, and, as a consequence, thetopic is much discussed in the general and scientific media. "Infectious Disease" is the essential sourcebook for anyone looking for the solid science and compelling narrative behind the stories that make headlines.

Good news about getting older from "Scientific American "and" Scientific American Mind"

"The Scientific American Healthy Aging Brain "taps into the most current research to present a realistic and encouraging view of the well-aged brain, a sobering look at what can go wrong--and at what might help you and your brain stay healthy longer. Neurologists and psychologists have discovered the aging brain is much more elastic and supple than previously thought, and that happiness actually increases with age. While our short-term memory may not be what it was, dementia is not inevitable. Far from disintegrating, the elder brain can continue to develop and adapt in many ways and stay sharp as it ages. Offers new insights on how an aging brain can repair itself, and the five best strategies for keeping your brain healthy Shows how older brains can acquire new skills, perspective, and productivity Dispels negative myths about aging Explores what to expect as our brains grow older

With hope and truth, this book helps us preserve what we've got, minimize what we've lost, and optimize the vigor and health of our maturing brains.

Have you ever wondered what's happening in your brain as you go through a typical day and night? This fascinating book presents an hour-by-hour round-the-clock journal of your brain's activities. Drawing on the treasure trove of information from Scientific American and Scientific American Mind magazines as well as original material written specifically for this book, Judith Horstman weaves together a compelling description of your brain at work and at play.

"The Scientific American Day in the Life of Your Brain" reveals what's going on in there while you sleep and dream, how your brain makes memories and forms addictions and why we sometimes make bad decisions. The book also offers intriguing information about your emotional brain, and what's happening when you're feeling love, lust, fear and anxiety--and how sex, drugs and rock and roll tickle the same spots.

Based on the latest scientific information, the book explores your brain's remarkable ability to change, how your brain can make new neurons even into old age and why multitasking may be bad for you.

Your brain is uniquely yours - but research is showing many of its day-to-day cycles are universal. This book gives you a look inside your brain and some insights into why you may feel and act as you do.

"The Scientific American Day in the Life of Your Brain" is written in the entertaining, informative and easy-to-understand style that fans of Scientific American and Scientific American Mind magazine have come to expect.

Contributing Authors Include Ernest Nagel, Arnold Tustin, Gordon S. Brown, And Many Others.

Contributing Authors Include Ernest Nagel, Arnold Tustin, Gordon S. Brown, And Many Others.

People love to learn about science - if you keep it quick, entertaining, and to the point. "The Instant Egghead Guides" do that and more, delivering authoritative info in no time flat. In "The Instant Egghead Guide: The Universe", take a tour of the wonder and majesty of the Cosmos, from the smallest subatomic particles to the possibility of infinite universes. Two-page spreads ranging from small (atoms) to large (the Solar System) lead the reader on a fascinating exploration of all the universe has to offer. Whether you're a fan of "Scientific American"'s wildly popular '60-Second Science' podcast or just curious about science, you're going to want to dust off your telescope after enjoying the same bite-sized knowledge in "The Instant Egghead Guide: The Universe".

"Scientific American"'s daily Sixty-Second Science podcast was such an unexpected success, with millions of downloads, that a spin-off site was created around the concept of bite-sized science. This new series of books will tackle the biggest topics in science by breaking them up into quick and easy two- to four-page spreads. Topics in each book will take the light and accessible tone of the 60-Second Science podcasts and blog. INSTANT EGGHEAD PHYSICS will explore quantum physics, relativity, and light. It will break down complex ideas and explore why Einstein made some big blunders, how the ipod came to be, and what it would take to make teleportation possible.

Who names newly discovered planets? What exactly are black holes? Where are there the most earthquakes? When did the first Homo sapiens walk the earth? Why is the night sky dark? How does the fluoride in toothpaste prevent cavities? Since 1845, Scientific American has answered questions and provided the best information available in all areas of science. Now, Scientific American is proud to present an accessible, one-volume reference covering all the sciences. Whether you want to examine the tiniest microbes, the properties of the earth’s core, or the farthest reaches of space, this handy desk reference is the resource to turn to for the answers you need. • Over 500 biographies of key science figures • Thousands of glossary terms • Hundreds of useful Web sites • Tables, charts, diagrams, and illustrations • Sidebars featuring fascinating facts, mnemonic aids, and quizzes • Essays exploring ideas in-depth

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN's The Big Idea: 150 Years of the Best and Worst Ideas in Modern Science goes beyond the headlines to present the passions, prejudice, and outrage that, from 1845 on, formed the ideas of modern science -- from the sublime to the ridiculous. This fascinating new book, based on SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN's wildly popular feature, "50, 100, and 150 Years Ago in Science Today", presents the often hilarious human aspect of science as well as a serious timetable of scientific discovery.

Progress in science is rarely a straight line. While the events are arranged in chronological order, the chapters reflect the somewhat twisted path scientists take in developing their theories, conducting their experiments, presenting their findings, and getting acceptance for their ideas. The chapters in THE BIG IDEA include:

Eureka! Great Discoveries & Inventions, which details achievements from insulin to the Talkies and more, often as first reported in SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN.

From the Editor's Desk, which contains insightful and occasionally provocative commentary and news articles about subjects that have shaped our modern world.

Great Debates reveals that not every invention or discovery was greeted with universal acclaim and acceptance -- and which big ideas were subject to derison when first advanced.

It Seemed Like A Good Idea at the Time...contains reports on ideas and inventions that, quickly or ultimately, failed the test of time.

Bizarro reveals the truly unusual lengths scientists go to prove their theories, no matter how outlandish.

More than just a Steven Spielberg film, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the proposition that human brains are nothing more than machines, whose abilities will someday be duplicated--and surpassed--by computers. Such a goal may seem elusive now, but these essays present the wide spectrum of knowledge already compiled on the pursuit of this dream.

Explore the wonders of science with the very best of guides!

Have you ever wished that you could observe underwater creatures undetected? Or watch the very moment a caterpillar becomes a butterfly? Or create your own rain? Well, with Scientific American Great Science Fair Projects, you can! Enter the fascinating world of Scientific American––the ultimate science authority––and learn how to build an underwater periscope, photograph a lunar eclipse, grow hydroponic plants, and much, much more! From creating your own non-newtonian fluids (slime, putty, and goop!) to teaching a sow bug how to run through a maze, you’ll be astounded at the number of incredible things you can do with Scientific American Great Science Fair Projects. Based on the long-standing and well-respected "Amateur Scientist" column in Scientific American, each experiment can be done with ordinary materials found around the house or that are easily available at low cost. Whether you’re looking for a great idea for your next science fair project, want to astonish your friends and family with your discoveries, or are just intrigued by the world around you, you’ll find endless hours of scientific \fun in this one-of-a-kind project book! Scientific American magazine reaches more than three million readers globally by subscription, on newsstands, and online at www.sciam.com.

The company also publishes Scientific American Explorations, a quarterly family magazine, and the Scientific American Archive, an online archive of issues from 1993 to the present at www.sciamarchive.com

Also Available as an eBook

Everyone in the modern world knows what technology is. But what is nanotechnology? Taken from the Greek, nano means "one billionth part of" a whole. In modern parlance, it means very, very small. In today's world of smaller cell phones and portable computers, miniaturization is the current technology. Nanotechnology is the next step after miniaturization. In tomorrow's world, nanotechnology will be the new common technology. It will affect everyone on the planet and may change civilization as we know it.

Scientific American's UNDERSTANDING NANOTECHNOLOGY presents the cutting edge of a new technology that will find usage in medicine, space exploration, communications, manufacturing, and almost every other aspect of modern society. Imagine getting an injection of "smart" molecules that can seek out cancer cells and destroy them without harming any of the surrounding tissue. Imagine a simultaneous space launch of thousands of robotic probes, each no bigger than an insect, and each programmed to do a single task in concert with all of the others. And that's just the beginning. Nanotechnology is the future of science.