Scientific American - February 2019

2 Scientific American, February 2019

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S1 Nature Outlook: Gene Therapy

A number of health issues that have proved difficult or

impossible to remedy—sickle cell anemia, epilepsy, certain

skin conditions—might be excellent targets for gene therapy.

This report, from Nature, highlights the latest research.

SPECIAL REPORT

3 From the Editor

4 Letters

6 Science Agenda

Embrace midwifery for better maternity care and

birth outcomes in the U.S. By  the  Editors

7 Forum

Better biomarkers could help speed the diagnosis and

treatment of Alzheimer’s. By  Howard  M. Fillit

8 Advances

Whales and chimpanzees have similar personality traits.

Fooling urine tests. A camera inspired by shrimp.

The science of bird jumping. Cosmic origin of sand.

18 The Science of Health

Virtual reality promises to transform patient care.

By  Claudia  Wallis

19 Ventures

Venture capital isn’t needed for a thriving

local economy. By  Wade  Roush

71 Recommended

Legendary man-eating tiger of Champawat. How the

world went digital. Is exercise recovery wishful thinking?

Lessons of the Little Ice Age. By  Andrea  Gawrylewski

72 The Intersection

Is the Internet of Things our friend? By  Zeynep  Tufekci

75 Anti Gravity

Producing, harvesting, identifying and recycling feces.

By  Steve  Mirsky

76 50, 100 & 150 Years Ago

78 Graphic Science

The hazards of space junk. By  Mark Fischetti and

Jan Willem  Tulp

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