Scientific American diversifies publications
by Irma S. Jarcho and John L. Roeder
Scientific American, long a premier publication in the field of science, has been branching out. Although they continue to publish a single-topic issue in September or October, an additional series of special issues has emerged into a quarterly series entitled Scientific American Presents. Following last year's special issues on "Mysteries of the Mind" and "The Solid State Century," this year has seen publications on "Magnificent Cosmos," "Women's Health," and "The Oceans."
"The Solid State Century," published the fiftieth year following invention of the transistor, might be more appropriately called "The Solid State Half Century," were it not that it also reaches back to the vacuum tubes which preceded transistors, the first being John Ambrose Fleming's diode in 1904. It brings to bear the writing skills of both Scientific American's staff and key players in the development of solid state electronics on how transistors are made, how they work, and their prospects for the future. Particular attention is paid to Gordon Moore's observation, now accorded the status of a "law," that the density of transistors in integrated circuits has doubled every 18 months, with the question of how long this progress can last. The limits of present transistor manufacturing technology are emphasized, with "three equally unattractive alternatives" waiting to follow after all current "tricks" to circumvent present barriers are exhausted. Alternatives to the transistor are even considered, but all are found wanting to the point that one author calls it "the only game in town."
"Magnificent Cosmos presents up-to-date information and stunning photography on objects both in our solar system and in the far reaches of the universe. An Educator's Guide, underwritten by Lockheed Martin Corporation, provides eleven "Connection" activities; it is also available on-line as a 1.1MB PDF at http://www.sciam.com/specialissues/0398cosmos/0398quicksummary.html.
"Women's Health" is an excellent compilation of every fact of health and medicine which can pertain to women. After a brief introduction on the importance of women's health, there are a series of Fact Sheets and Checkups and 19 articles on various aspects of life for women. The Fact Sheets include topics for "Teens and 20s" - first pelvic exam, smoking, emergency contraception; for the "30s and 40s" - prenatal testing, mammograms; for the "50s and 60s" -- heart disease and screening for cancer; and for "70s and up" -- vaccines, osteoporosis. Articles cover such vital topics as eating disorders (which cripple millions of young women), help for victims of rape, what women need to know about sexually transmitted diseases, the role of single sex schools in education, women and depression, autoimmune diseases (which attack women more often than men), ethics of assisted reproduction, consequences of violence against women, and smoking and breast cancer. A question-and-answer section addresses many topics of importance to women from women and alcohol to urinary incontinence.
"The Oceans" begins with four magnificent maps of the ocean floors -- Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Polar. The important currents are clearly delineated for each area. Then follows a series of articles starting with the origin of water on Earth -- icy comets which rained down on Earth billions of year ago. Other articles discuss the problem of rising seas and the effects of oceans on weather (very great, think El Ni–o!). Of special interest to our readers are articles on the world's imperiled fish and on the promise and perils of aquaculture. A review of the evolution of ocean law, the Law of the Sea Treaty -- which the U.S. has yet to sign -- is important. A "world tour of important and interesting sites to visit" completes the volume.
Yet a third Scientific American enterprise, Scientific American Explorations, directed at involving parents and children in the study of science, is reviewed in the accompanying below by Primary Education Correspondent Bernice Hauser.
Scientific American Explorations (Kate Dobson, Publisher, 415 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017; (212)-451-8522; FAX: (212)-754-1138; e-mail: kdobson@sciam.com
Scientific American, that venerable respected publication (1845), has launched this brand new magazine geared to students between the ages of 6 and 12. Responding to the needs and concerns of parents, educators, museums, this publicationŐs thrust is to support and shore up studentsŐ questions and information base regarding math, science, and technology through articles and pro-active activities presented in a challenging but engaging style. It is edited for parents who wish to take a more active role in expanding their childŐs mastery of these important disciplines. It is aimed for educators who need a fresh lens to view these themes and to rediscover the myriad opportunities for real learning to take place. It is directed to museums to show the possible connections linking students to science through the schools, home, and museum visits. But first and foremost, it is aimed for all of our youths who wish to be comfortable and literate about the technological explosion taking place in their world.
- Bernice Hauser
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