Scientific American: Magazine and Website
Magazine and Website Review
Since Fall of 1978, I have looked forward to the contents of the monthly periodical Scientific American . As a long term subscriber, I have seen many changes. Scientific American has included more and more different types of science instead of primarily astronomy, mathematics and physics. Watching this magazine branch out into other scientific areas and reading the latest breakthrough articles was similar to watching a child mature into an adult.
Over the years, this magazine has literally grown with the scientific community with its up to date articles and information. Each month I continue to learn something new from Scientific American . It is a great way to keep up on "what is happening" in the scientific community. I thoroughly enjoy the basic science, ecology, health, medical, astronomy, psychology, physics and technology articles. Each one is well written and a pleasure to read.
Scientific American is not a new magazine. This periodical has withstood the test of time, proved that it will continue to provide the latest scientific news and information. Scientific American was founded by Rufus M. Porter, a Maine resident, who in August 28, 1845 released the first issue of this periodical as a single-page science newsletter that primarily focused on the newest scientific breakthroughs and inventions. In 1846, Mr. Porter sold the Scientific American to Alfred Ely Beach and Orson Desaix Munn I (aka Munn and Company). Since then this periodical has changed ownership a couple of times and is currently a division of Nature America, Inc, a New York City based scientific information publishing firm that operates as a subsidiary of MacMillian Publishers Ltd. In 2008, Scientific American had a worldwide circulation of about 732,617, and by 2012 this 2011 National Magazine Award for General Excellence winner was read by 3.5 million. Its readership continues to globally grow as more interested in the sciences have become aware of this fantastic magazine.
There is much to learn from Scientific American including an enormous amount of science that encompasses a wide array of scientific topics. This is the magazine to read if you want to learn about our planet, the universe, the latest inventions, technological breakthroughs and anything else that is science oriented. Some articles teach facts uncommonly known, for example: the explanation of which plants that can be used to create a fuel for automobiles and why those fuels are not out on the market. Did you know there is a certain time of the year that no one can travel by airplane into Antarctica due to the jet fuel will freeze to a solid and cause the jet to crash? This is the reason behind why there are no commercial flights over the South Pole. Did you know the South Pole is colder than the North Pole? Or that Antarctica's climate is so dry, arid, that it is impossible for a human to sweat? These are true facts I have learned from reading Scientific American .
I have further found out that the medical research field has proven some dehabilitating psychological disorders actually are caused by certain parts of the brain malfunctioning. The medical research community is currently working around the clock on ways to surgically repair the affected sections of the brain linked with these types of disorders. These new surgery procedures could eventually lead to assisting the psychology field with treating severe mental disorders. Can you imagine being diagnosed with severe depression and told a surgery could repair the damaged section of your brain so you could lead a normal life? Now that would be something amazing!
I could go on and on about what I have been taught over the years by reading the Scientific American magazine which includes numerous topics including the Big Bang Theory, the Big Bounce Theory, the controversial String Theory, about Solar research of our sun, what is known about our galaxy, theories surrounding black holes, what astronomers think Dark Matter actually is, and many other research advancements that truly were enlightening and surprising. This periodical has been a great informational read all these years and did indeed assist with fun topics for some interesting conversations I have had with others.
Scientific American has kept up with the times by having a website that has become very popular. As of May 2012, on the average this site monthly receives 3.88 million unique users. The Scientific American website is easy to navigate and very well organized. Browsing is free. There is much to view. I enjoyed this website almost as much as the Scientific American magazine. Being a fan of written works and a wee bit old fashioned, I still am a huge advocate for newspapers, books and magazines; highly recommend Scientific American and its website. They both are a great gift for any interested in the sciences.
For more information about the Scientific American magazine and how to subscribe, please visit its website at: http://www.scientificamerican.com/ or telephone Scientific American Customer Service at (800) 333-1199.
Some city, country, or college/university libraries have copies of previous Scientific American magazines available in the Reference section. Feel free to visit your local library to check out the earlier issues it has on its shelves. Most librarians enjoy the company and are eager to assist. Enjoy!
