Kendra Pierre-Louis: For Scientific American’s Science Quickly, I’m Kendra Pierre-Louis, in for Rachel Feltman. This week federal officials announced major revisions to the U.S. vaccine schedule for kids. The number of immunizations the health agency now recommends has dropped from protecting against 17 diseases to 11. On supporting science journalism If you’re enjoying this article,…
A robust gut lining is important for our overall health Shutterstock/3dMediSphere As we age, the cells that line our intestine gradually lose their ability to renew themselves, which is important for maintaining good immune health. But now, scientists have reversed this process in older mice using genetically engineered immune cells. Known as CAR T-cell therapy,…
Many women are using AI for health information, but the answers aren’t always up to scratch Oscar Wong/Getty Images Commonly used AI models fail to accurately diagnose or offer advice for many queries relating to women’s health that require urgent attention. Thirteen large language models, produced by the likes of OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, Mistral AI…
Artist’s rendering of the Reflect Orbital satellites Reflect Orbital A controversial scheme will begin to reflect sunlight to Earth with satellites next year, so that dark places can be temporarily lit for visibility or energy production. But astronomers are sceptical about the plan’s efficacy and possible scientific consequences. US company Reflect Orbital, which aims to…
Arif Pujianto couldn’t sleep. All day, he had watched the waves rising from the nearby shoreline. When dawn broke, the water had risen further, and the area where he lives on the low-lying Pari Island in Indonesia was devastated: rubbish strewn everywhere, the walls of his home collapsing, the family’s drinking well polluted with salt…
Passkeys are a new way to keep your data secure da-kuk/Getty Images Can you remember all your passwords off the top of your head? If so, you probably have too few of them – or, heaven forbid, only one that you use everywhere. But that problem could become a thing of the past in 2026….
Tiny oscillations in the early universe left a big mark on the universe Jozef Klopacka / Alamy The following is an extract from our Lost in Space-Time newsletter. Each month, we dive into fascinating ideas from around the universe. You can sign up for Lost in Space-Time here. “In the beginning”. These three words have cast…
January 6, 2026 1 min read Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAm Scientists Just Moved the South Pole. Here’s Why Antarctica’s New Year’s celebration is unlike any other: every January 1 scientists physically move the South Pole. This is why By Andrea Thompson edited by Claire Cameron Flags mark the ceremonial South Pole. Galen Rowell/Getty Images…
Ancient humans taking on an elephant – our ancestors may have begun butchering the animals 1.8 million years ago NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, LONDON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY Butchering an elephant is an extraordinarily difficult feat, requiring serious tools and cooperation, with the reward being a protein bonanza. Now a team of researchers led by Manuel Domínguez-Rodrigo at…
January 6, 2026 2 min read Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAm Astronomers May Have Unlocked the Reason for Betelgeuse’s Bizarre Dimming Researchers found evidence that a companion star may be influencing Betelgeuse, explaining why the latter star’s brightness changes over time By Claire Cameron edited by Clara Moskowitz NASA/ESA/Elizabeth Wheatley/STScI (artwork); Andrea Dupree/CfA (science) Astronomers…
