Frequently Asked Questions
What's New?
We are now fully mobile.
The new ScientificAmerican.com allows you to browse, view, and purchase from tablets and smartphones as well as from a personal computer. The new design is cleaner, simpler, and easier to navigate.
Also new is My Library, a shortcut to access your subscriptions and digital issue purchases. It can be found in the My Account drop-down menu as well as in My Account.
Our goal is to provide an easy, fun, and informative online environment. If you have any comments or suggestions about ScientificAmerican.com, you are welcome to send them to webmaster@sciam.com.
What are the technical specifications for using ScientificAmerican.com?
We support the latest versions of the following browsers, set to accept all cookies:
- Chrome/Mobile Chrome
- Firefox
- Safari/Mobile Safari
- Android
- Internet Explorer
Should I accept cookies?
Users of ScientificAmerican.com will want to accept cookies in their browser. Cookies limit the number of advertisements you will see when you use our website, and they will enable you to stay logged in to access digital subscription material and/or article discussions (comments). Learn more about how Scientific American use cookies.
I use Internet Explorer, how do I configure my browser?
First, please make sure you have the latest version of Internet Explorer. Update if necessary.
Open IE and click on Tools
Click on Internet Options
In the Privacy tab, lower the bar to the very bottom, so it reads "Accept all Cookies"
Click on Apply
Click on OK
What content is available on ScientificAmerican.com?
ScientificAmerican.com contains many articles and features from Scientific American and Scientific American Mind magazines, in addition to news, blogs, videos, and other web-only content. Access to feature-length magazine content on ScientificAmerican.com requires a Digital or a Print/Digital Subscription Plan. Or, if you do not have a subscription, you can purchase individual issues online.
How do I find an article on ScientificAmerican.com?
You can click on any symbol on ScientificAmerican.com to open the Search function. Just type in your query and hit enter!
Why should I register on ScientificAmerican.com?
There are many beneficial reasons to create a registration account on ScientificAmerican.com. Registration is required to sign up for our series of free Newsletters and to comment on articles. Additionally, ScientificAmerican.com registrants are eligible for exclusive announcements and promotions from Scientific American. From time to time, features are made available to ScientificAmerican.com registrants that cannot be accessed by unregistered site visitors.
What is “My Account”?
The “My Account” section on ScientificAmerican.com is where registered users, subscribers, and online customers can review their purchase histories, download purchased material, change their free Newsletter selections, and advise us of their communications preferences.
I forgot my password. How do I recover it?
Simply click the “Forgot Password” link on the login screen. Then enter your email address and click on “Send me reset email”. You will receive an email with instructions to reset your password. Check your spam folder if you do not find it in your inbox.
What are the “Terms and Conditions of Use”?
The ScientificAmerican.com Terms of Use outlines the business rules governing your use of free services offered on the website, and the business rules for paid products and services that you may purchase in the future. We require that you accept “Terms of Use” when you register on ScientificAmerican.com and/or make a purchase from our website.
Are there rules for leaving comments on articles?
Where a comments forum is offered, we ask that you follow our Community Guidelines when making comments on articles on our site and/or social media pages.
Scientific American reserves the right to delete comments and revoke commenting privileges from the site and social media pages without notice.
What information do you gather and how do you use it?
Our use of any information we collect regarding your usage of this website, or your purchases of products and services we offer is outlined in our Privacy Policy.