Scientific American spoke to the candidate for Massachusetts’s fourth congressional district about climate change, misinformation and why, when it comes to health care, some socialism may be required
See the Orionids meteor shower at its peak this week
The shower’s shooting stars originate from Halley’s Comet
Christina Applegate says she was misdiagnosed with MS—how could that happen?
The Emmy Award–winning actress revealed that a multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2021 was incorrect. It’s a surprisingly common experience, experts say
The mathematical impossibility of making a perfect world map
Mapping a sphere onto a flat plane is mathematically impossible. But a better world map than the Mercator projection is
Scientists left in the dark by National Science Foundation grant application delays
The Major Research Instrumentation program offers grants of up to $4 million to scientists buying research equipment
Green stars do exist—and others shine pink or purple, too
The colors of dead stars come in a surprising rainbow of choices
The Selfish Gene at 50
A half century ago The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins became an instant bestseller and transformed public awareness of evolutionary biology. Today scientists are still debating its core message
Math Puzzle: Baby bottle mix-up
Solve a new-parent dilemma with this math puzzle
What actually makes ultraprocessed foods unhealthy?
Scientists can’t figure out why ultraprocessed foods are unhealthy for us—and new studies suggest that the “processing” isn’t the problem
Science crossword: Scroll bars
Play this crossword inspired by the November 2026 issue of Scientific American