Scientific American-Today in Science

‘Mind Control’ Parasite Makes Wolves Effective Pack Leaders

The parasite Toxoplasma gondii can change the behavior of infected wolves in ways that make them more likely to be pack leaders

China and Russia Continue to Block Protections for Antarctica

For the sixth year in a row, nations failed to agree on any new marine protected areas in the fragile Southern Ocean around Antarctica

Program Announced! 50+ Speakers at the Human Flourishing Conference

Hear from leading researchers and policymakers on what the science reveals about how humans can flourish and how we can apply it to improve lives at the upcoming conference on Nov. 29 & 30.Preview the schedule and register to attend virtually at humanflourishing.org.

Many People with Bipolar Disorder Use Cannabis. It May Sometimes Help

Diminished risk-taking behaviors and other benefits may explain why many people with bipolar disorder keep consuming cannabis despite some dire downsides

Dolphins Whistle Their Names with Complex, Expressive Patterns

A new study quantifies how dolphins vary their “signature whistles”

What Makes Animals Cannibals?

Cannibals start munching as animal populations grow

Why Social Media Makes People Unhappy–And Simple Ways to Fix It

Research suggests platform designs make us lose track of time spent on them and can heighten conflicts, and then we feel upset with ourselves

Young Climate Voters Could Tilt Georgia’s Runoff Election for Senate

Voters under age 30 turned out for Raphael Warnock in the first race, suggesting he should lean even harder into climate policy

People Shopping for ‘Meaning’ Buy Cheaper Goods

People who prioritize “meaning” when they shop may unwittingly convince themselves to buy cheaper goods, services and experiences

Outdoor Air-Conditioning Cools the World Cup. But Is It Sustainable?

In an ever warming world, the health benefits of stadium air-conditioning may not outweigh the climate risks

Space Elevators Are Less Sci-Fi Than You Think

I’ve been working on space elevators for almost 20 years, and though we still have issues to solve, we are getting closer to making them reality

Scientific American Volume 327, Issue 6