New Issue: The Search for Planet Nine

Learn all about humor, lucid dreaming and more in our latest issue! New Issue: January 2025 Read the Issue Dear Friend of Scientific American,  The astronomer whose research threw our precious Pluto out of the planet pantheon is seeking redemption. Mike Brown hopes to restore our nine-planet system (and perhaps his name) with the discovery of another planet. In the January issue, science writer Robin George Andrews describes how a hypothetical orb, dubbed Planet Nine, could explain a strange gravitational force in the outer solar system that is sculpting the orbits of subplanetary objects there. Several often-deadly viruses in humans have been linked to bats of late. But why would Earth's only flying mammal transmit an onslaught of pathogens, and why now? Beijing science writer Jane Qiu tells of groundbreaking research that shows how bats' unique immune systems allow them to carry hordes of otherwise harmful viruses. Recent human disruption to their ecosystems, however, has pushed their immune systems to the breaking point. The result? Bats are now shedding loads of viruses, some of which hop to humans.   Wellness influencers would have you believe the vagus nerve—a vine of fibers with roots in nearly every organ—is the key to all that ails you, from headaches to long COVID to waning memory. Though much of the hype is just that, science writer Jena Pincott explores how vagus nerve stimulation works and how it could help with depression and other conditions.   Anthropologist Erica Cartmill introduces us to a playful orangutan named Aisha, whose antics illustrate the deep roots of our own humor and playful teasing. If you're interested in lucid dreaming, don't miss the feature by Michelle Carr, whose research suggests such dreamers can communicate with the waking world. Using new technologies, this communication could allow scientists to engineer a person's dreams and lead to better sleep and even improved well-being. Also in the January issue, science journalist Nadia Drake reports from the Kennedy Space Center as NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft blasted toward Jupiter. Its target, the Jovian moon Europa, is considered our best bet for discovering life beyond Earth. As Drake writes, Europa "has charmed alien-hunting space scientists" for decades. I hope you enjoy the issue as much as I have! Take advantage of 90 days of digital access to read the entire issue.  Best wishes,  Jeanna Bryner  Acting Editor in Chief   Issue Highlights We May Be on the Brink of Finding the Real Planet Nine If there's a hidden world in the solar system, a new telescope should find it. How to Stop the Next Viral Pandemic A new combo of climate and habitat crises, along with immune system stress, is driving more bat-borne viruses to afflict us. The Vagus Nerve's Mysterious Role in Mental Health Untangled The healing potential of the brain's most interconnected nerve intrigues researchers. Great Apes Joke Around, Suggesting Humor Is Older Than Humans Studies of great apes hint at why and when clowning behavior evolved. Engineering Our Dreams Scientists are learning to manipulate lucid dreams in ways that could ease nightmares, enhance sleep and improve overall health. NASA's Europa Clipper Spacecraft Aims for Jupiter's Most Intriguing Moon For the first time, we are sending a spacecraft to explore an alien ocean world—a moon that might host life today. Read the Issue Get 90 days of digital access for $1! To view this email as a web page, go here.  You received this email because you opted-in to receive email from Scientific American or you have registered for an account with Scientific American.  To ensure delivery please add news@scientificamerican.com to your address book.  Unsubscribe Email Preferences Privacy Policy Contact Us