TOPICS

Home
»
September

Table of Contents September 2008

Discover Magazine's mission is to enable readers to lead richer lives by explaining and expanding their universe. Each month we bring you in depth information and analysis from various topics ranging from technology and space to the living world we live in.

Digital editions

FEATURES

Oldsters' New Fountain of Youth: Video Games

by Kathleen McAuliffe

Some specially tailored games seem to help preserve mental fitness.

How to Teach Science to the Pope

by Michael Mason

The Vatican keeps close tabs on the latest science—and integrates new research into its modern theology.

The Ground Zero of Climate Change

by Douglas Fox

Antarctica's Whillans Ice Stream helps researchers predict climate change—and the fate of coastal cities around the world.

10 Ways Genetically Engineered Microbes Could Help Humanity

by Susannah F. Locke, Shara Yurkiewicz

Fighting cancer, producing renewable fuels, and making your clothing glow in the dark.

How Much Can You Learn From a Home DNA Test?

by Boonsri Dickinson

One reporter has her DNA analyzed and finds that genetic testing isn't an exact science.

The Race to Save the Hubble Telescope

by Corey S. Powell

An inside look at what may be the toughest space mission ever attempted.

DEPARTMENTS

20 Things You Didn't Know About...

20 Things You Didn't Know About... Telescopes

by Susan Kruglinski

From Galileo to the Hubble, viewing space has come a long way.

Want to Know Which Electronics Suck? Ask Your Computer.

by Bryn Nelson

A new program mines user reviews to create the ultimate computer-generated critique.

What Is This? The World's Tiniest Pickup Sticks?

Hint: It was originally developed to treat hypertension and angina.

The Future Is Now for Rechargeable Laptop Batteries

by Stephen Cass

A space-age battery is about to revolutionize portable computing.

Battling the Worms Inside You

by Claire Panosian Dunavan

An infectious disease specialist must tackle her patient's parasites head-on.

DATA

Is the Universe's Energy Smothered in Dust?

by Boonsri Dickinson

A good dusting of 10,000 galaxies reveals tons of hidden energy.

Smell Your Way to Happiness

by Anne Casselman

An ancient type of incense seems to act like an antidepressant drug when injected.

Visual Science: The Daredevils Who Chase One of the Sky's Greatest Mysteries

by Tyghe Trimble

Some brave pilots fly tiny gliders into an amazing type of cloud that forms only in Australia.

Want to Save the Trees? Try Paying People Not to Chop Them Down.

by Thomas Kostigen

A few test projects show that landowners protect forest when it's valuable to them.

How to Hitchhike Across the Globe Without Leaving Your Living Room

by Boonsri Dickinson

The 360° World Atlas turns anyone with a computer into a global traveler.

lanzanightstand

On the Nightstand: Robert Lanza

Next-Generation Semiconductor Was First Created Elsewhere in the Cosmos

by Barry E. DiGregorio

A rare and promising mineral was plucked from space by a NASA satellite.

Cosmic Imagery: Key Images in the History of Science

by Jennifer Barone

by John D. Barrow (W. W. Norton, $39.95)

Wind Turbine That Imitates Flippers Could Increase Efficiency

by Peter Fairley

The bumps on a humpback's flipper prevent the beast from stalling as it turns.

Eco-Chic to the Rescue!

by Josie Glausiusz

Sea leather, hemp, and bamboo make up this season's runway couture—but will it really help the planet?

Burned at the Stake for Believing in Science

by Michael Mason

The life and work—and unorthodox beliefs—of Italian philosopher Giordano Bruno.

Einstein's 23 Biggest Mistakes

A new book explores the mistakes of the legendary genius.

ADVERTISEMENT

DISCOVER's Newsletter

Sign up to get the latest science news delivered weekly right to your inbox!

ADVERTISEMENT

DISCOVER Magazine on Facebook

ADVERTISEMENT

Recent Issues of DISCOVER

DSC-July-Aug13NOUPC

einstein-cover-image

Einstein's Universe

NO-UPC-COVER-ART

Discover-March-cover

January-February

DS2_ExtremeEarth

Collapse bottom bar

DSC-July-Aug13NOUPC

Sign in | Register

Follow us:

Follow @Discovermag

Log in to your account

X

Email address:

Password:

Remember me

Forgot your password?

No problem. Click here to have it emailed to you.

Not registered yet?

Register now for FREE. It takes only a few seconds to complete. Register now »