In 2025, Scientific American conducted some of the most enlightening interviews with experts in various fields. From discussions on AI to headaches, here are 12 of the most captivating conversations from the year.
Space
How Many Moons?
Astronomer Edward Ashton revealed Saturn has 192 more moons than previously thought, shedding light on the method of finding these hidden satellites.
The Story of CO₂
Science journalist Peter Brannen discussed the significance of CO₂ in his book, emphasizing its role as both a pollutant and a key component for Earth’s habitability.
Life’s Journey in Space
Author Caleb Scharf explored the concept of "Dispersal" in space travel, highlighting the divergent trajectories life may take in the future.
Seeing Auroras from Space
The Fram2 mission provided a unique perspective on Earth’s auroras, offering valuable insights into this mesmerizing phenomenon.
Health
What Is ‘Personhood’?
Mary Ziegler delved into the concept of ‘personhood’ and its implications on reproduction and medical policies.
Where Is the Headache Cure?
Tom Zeller, Jr. discussed the complexities of cluster headaches, revealing why a cure for this common ailment remains elusive.
How Do You Replace a Body Part?
Mary Roach shared insights from her book, "Replaceable You," exploring the intricacies of replacing body parts.
How Long Can We Live?
Cardiologist Eric Topol discussed the fascination with biological clocks and the potential for extended human lifespans.
Math & Technology
Leave Therapy to Humans
C. Vaile Wright cautioned against relying on chatbots for therapy, emphasizing the importance of human interaction in mental health support.
Do You Speak “Internet”?
Adam Aleksic dissected how social media algorithms influence language trends, shedding light on the transformation of communication.
An AI Epic
Karen Hao discussed the current state and future possibilities of AI development, framing AI companies as ’empires’ and sharing her optimistic outlook.
Debunking a Mathematical Conjecture before High School Graduation
Hannah Cairo’s groundbreaking mathematical work disproved a long-standing conjecture, highlighting her passion for math and belief in its artistic nature.
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