Scientific American Magazine Vol 324 Issue 2

Scientific American

Volume 324, Issue 2

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Features

The Cosmological Constant Is Physics' Most Embarrassing Problem

Physicists have new ideas about why the energy of empty space is so much weaker than it is predicted to be

The Four Most Pressing Science Priorities for the Next President

Now Is the Time to Reestablish Reality

We need to agree on the evidence—so we can disagree on what to do in light of it

The Epic, Absurdly Complex Battle between a Zombie Maker and Its Victim

The Epic, Absurdly Complex Battle between a Zombie Maker and Its Victim

The emerald jewel wasp is a cockroach’s worst nightmare

Hormone Levels Are Being Used to Discriminate against Female Athletes

Hormone Levels Are Being Used to Discriminate against Female Athletes

Despite slim evidence, testosterone is keeping some women off the field

To Control COVID, Biden Needs to Marshal Federal Resources--and Change Attitudes

The incoming U.S. president must help skeptics see benefits in masks and persuade Congress to spend more money on testing and protective gear

Biden Should Restore the Role of Science in the U.S. Government

Four ways the new administration can elevate evidence and build up the science ranks

On Climate, Biden Must Do More Than Undo Trump's Damage

The new administration cannot just go back to the future on carbon emissions

Mysteries of COVID Smell Loss Finally Yield Some Answers

Explanations begin to arise at the molecular level for this vexing but commonplace symptom

Climate Change Hits Rock and Roll as Prized Guitar Wood Shortage Looms

Flooding and a wood-boring beetle threaten supplies of storied “swamp ash”

An Underappreciated Danger of the New Space Age: Global Air Pollution

An Underappreciated Danger of the New Space Age: Global Air Pollution

As private launches increase dramatically, so will emissions of CO2, particulates and other noxious substances

Departments

From the Editor
Cosmic Mysteries, Zombie Battles and Science for the Future
Advances
Microscopic Wrinkles in Leaves Ward Off Insects
Sunlight Powers Portable, Inexpensive Systems to Produce Drinking Water
Printing a Brain Aneurysm in a Dish
Spider Legs Build Webs without the Brain's Help
Newly Studied Proteins Expand CRISPR's Editing Range
'Saving the World' Inspires More Female Founders
In Case You Missed It
Snakes' Flexible, Heat-Sensing Organs Explained
Birdlike Flight Formations Could Cut Airline Emissions
Meter
Poem: A Unified Theory of Love
50, 100 & 150 Years Ago
50, 100 & 150 Years Ago: February 2021
Reviews
Fractal Shapes, STI Treatment and Prevention, and Other New Science Books
The Science Agenda
A Step to Ease the Pandemic Mental Health Crisis
Graphic Science
Dinosaur Discoveries Are Booming
The Science of Health
A COVID Look-alike That Strikes Young Adults
Letters
Readers Respond to the October 2020 Issue
Observatory
Scientists Need to Be Kinder to One Another
Forum
We Must Confront Anti-Asian Racism in Science