No One Can Explain Why Planes Stay in the Air

Trouble viewing? View in your browser. View all Scientific American publications.

             

February 04, 2020

Dear Reader, Why is it so hard for scientists to explain what keeps planes up in the air? A strictly mathematical theory exists, which aviation engineers use to design aircraft that stay aloft. But these equations don't explain all the physical forces and factors at work. Could the latest research solve the mystery? Today's lead story from the February issue explores the enigma of aerodynamic lift.

Sunya Bhutta, Senior Editor, Audience Engagement @sunyaaa

Physics No One Can Explain Why Planes Stay in the Air Do recent explanations solve the mysteries of aerodynamic lift? By Ed Regis

Public Health Coronavirus Is a Reminder: The Best Defense against a New Outbreak Is Early Detection Infectious disease surveillance networks already exist, but they can be highly porous By Seth Berkley

Penicillium Fungus Hosts Surprising Opioid Compounds  Next-generation opioids may spring from a tiny fungus protein  By Stephani Sutherland

Miami Is the "Most Vulnerable" Coastal City Worldwide In the next two decades, sea level rise, storm surge and winds will chew away at Florida's $1 trillion economy, a new report warns By Daniel Cusick,E&E News

Cognition Living with No Sense of Direction For those with developmental topographical disorientation, ordinary travel is extraordinarily difficult By Charles Zanor

Science News Briefs from All Over Here are a few brief reports about international science and technology from around the world, including one from the Democratic Republic of the Congo about a toad that has evolved coloring that makes it look like a deadly snake's head. By Sarah Lewin Frasier

FROM THE STORE Scientific American Mind For $19.99 per year, your subscription includes six bi-monthly digital issues, Android and iOS app access and every digital Mind issue ever published!

ADVERTISEMENT

FROM THE ARCHIVE A Century of Flight Scientific American observes the 100th anniversary of a competition that would bring manned flight to the masses, spawn the aviation industry, and forever change the way we live and travel By Larry Greenemeier

QUOTE OF THE DAY "It is possible to fly without motors, but not without knowledge and skill." Wilbur Wright, Aviation Pioneer

LATEST ISSUES

Questions?   Comments?

Download the Scientific American App

To view this email as a web page, go here. You received this email because you opted-in to receive email from Scientific American. To ensure delivery please add news@email.scientificamerican.com to your address book. Unsubscribe     Manage Email Preferences     Privacy Policy     Contact Us