Scientific American explores big ideas

"The world population continues to grow, and sources of food that we have come to depend on are increasingly threatened by climate change. Some people fear that there may come a time when there simply will not be enough food to support the earth's human population. However, scientists have been hard at work developing new technologies and techniques to optimize food production and ensure that the food system will be sustainable for years to come. This volume looks at controversial topics related to the science of food, including genetically modified (GM) crops, processed foods, and the quest to find foods that have less of a negative environmental impact"--Provided by publisher.

"The ubiquity of computers and smartphones has reshaped nearly every aspect of contemporary life, from how we communicate to how we shop. However, it has also provided a new avenue for criminal activity. Cyberattacks can take many forms, but in general they involve hackers gaining unauthorized access to computers or Internet networks in order to change, destroy, disable, or steal information. These attackers can be private individuals launching cyberattacks for financial gain, governments and state-sponsored groups using cyberattacks to spy on their enemies or attack their infrastructure, and hacktivists who use attacks to reveal illegal or immoral activity. This volume examines the various applications of cyberattacks, how they occur, and what can be done to prevent them"--Provided by publisher.

Albert Einstein once said, "Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas." While readers may see math as an isolated discipline, in reality, it is at the core of many social, economic, and physical realms of society. This title offers explanatory text that helps readers understand key mathematical concepts such as the importance of p values in statistical analysis. It also reveals how math can be used in unexpected ways, including to combat gerrymandering. Complete with an exploration of theoretical issues in mathematics, this intriguing title will help readers see how math is crucial to our understanding of the world.

Tens of millions of households in the United States have pets. They are often considered integral parts of families and close companions. There is a long history of domesticating animals, and this volume in part considers the intertwined evolution of animals and domestic animals to examine how these relationships have developed. It discusses the characteristics and behaviors of cats, dogs, and other animals that allows humans to create such a strong bond with them. It also looks at recent research on the advantages pets have on physical and mental health.

"The concept of artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved greatly since the mid-twentieth century. This book examines the history of AI from early explorations to the latest technology. It also dives into the ethical questions surrounding AI, what AI might look like in the future, and ways in which AI can be used to improve human life. With text explaining the fundamentals of AI as well as current debates on the topic, teens will develop a strong understanding of how the field has evolved over time and where it may be heading"--Provided by publisher.

In 2013, a powerful phrase appeared for the first time on social media in response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the death of 17-year-old Black teen Trayvon Martin: Black Lives Matter (BLM). Many adolescents have been empowered by Black Lives Matter posts and protests to take on anti-Black violence and racism. This title is an important resource that highlights Black and Brown's voices standing up to oppressive systems. The explanatory text also allows readers to understand and confront the ways racism influences public health crises such as COVID-19 and the scientific and academic realms.

"Through the use of smart technology--an integrated network of computers and telecommunication devices that collect a large amount of data to facilitate machine learning and artificial intelligence--urban areas have the opportunity to optimize public services, improve infrastructure, and operate in a more environmentally friendly way. However, those who are skeptical of smart cities argue that the large amount of data that is collected could easily be abused or fall into the wrong hands, violating the privacy of city-dwellers. This volume offers a wide range of perspectives on the potential high-tech future of cities"--Provided by publisher.

With the accelerating rise of online communication, there has also been an unprecedented spread of falsehoods. Readers coming of age in this world of information spreading at speeds faster than ever before may wonder about how technology can spread pervasive lies--and how they can play a part in making it more truthful. This enlightening title aims to guide readers in exploring how technology such as deepfakes and social media algorithms can convincingly distort the truth. They will not only learn to recognize Internet fabrications but also how to stop their spread.

"Zombies seem to be taking over pop culture in recent years. Readers are likely familiar with popular shows such as the Walking Dead and movies like Zombieland. However, they may be surprised to learn that zombies are not only found in fiction! This . . . title uncovers how real zombies can be found in nature, comparing them to the zombies that have been featured in stories for centuries. It also delves into some scientific ways that zombies like those portrayed in the media today could one day . . . walk among us! It also looks at mummies, UFOs, ghosts, bigfoot, dragons, and vampires"--Provided by publisher.

"This compilation of articles written by the editors of Scientific American explores the complicated subject of identity from a scientific perspective. What determines which traits, qualities, and beliefs a person will possess or be drawn to in other people? Researchers have examined genetic makeup, brain activity, emotional responses, and social structures to find patterns that can help explain how identity is formed. Science can be used to explain stereotyping, gender and sexuality, our tastes and beliefs, and the factors that shape our personalities"--Provided by publisher.