Scientific American explores big ideas

"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.

"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"--Provided by publisher.

"While the smallest physical matter in the universe may seem insignificant, this couldn't be further from the truth. Quantum mechanics has helped us understand that examining the world on the scale of atoms and electrons can reveal much about what truly is behind the functions of our everyday lives. This title will fascinate readers as they learn about . . . theoretical conundrums of quantum mechanics including entanglement. Explanatory text will also allow readers to explore practical uses of quantum mechanics involving computing, communications, and the limits of the imagination"--Provided by publisher.

"Teens are likely familiar with headlines about mass shootings and other hate crimes flashing across their smartphones. This may cause them to search for answers about what drives people to commit such brutal acts of violence. With sensitive, explanatory text, this title explores some of the biological and psychological factors that can drive hate crimes and other aggressive actions. These causes can include intimacy, bias, genetics, and some psychological conditions that can be successfully treated if properly understood"--Provided by publisher.

"Features explanatory text that reveals the latest scientific research about how smartphone and social media usage affect developing brains. It also covers key ideas including how smartphones and social media impact relationships, change thought processes, and how they may even offer tools for improving mental wellness"--Provided by publisher.

"Sports are a human universal: humans in all cultures play them, and they've done so for a long, long time. This title is for readers whose interest in sports and athleticism goes deeper than stats of their favorite players and the standings of their favorite teams. The articles collected here answer questions about the physical and psychological conditions that make elite athletes, they look at the effects of technology in sports, and they explore the ways sports interact with the larger culture"--Provided by publisher.

"Climate change is increasingly causing challenges worldwide. However, scientists are also learning more about its causes, effects, and how to prevent some of the worst outcomes. This . . . title allows readers to explore these discoveries about how climate change and global warming are shaping human communities and the natural world. It also empowers . . . scientists and leaders to advance technology that limits carbon emissions and allows communities and wildlife to adapt to a rapidly changing world"--Provided by publisher.

"The COVID-19 pandemic certainly made many more people aware of the importance of our incredible immune systems. It has also raised many questions about vaccines that involve the immune system. Readers have likely heard a lot about the COVID vaccines and have questions about how they are made and what they do inside the body. This . . . title has answers! It also allows readers to explore innovative treatments for infectious diseases other than COVID. These include immunotherapies and even a universal flu vaccine"--Amazon.

"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.

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.