The Science of Death
Scientific American Explores Big Ideas
Death is considered by many to be one of the greatest mysteries. What does it feel like to die? Can anything be done to prevent it? Is it possible to cheat death entirely? The articles in this title aim to help elucidate this topic by offering information from scientific experts on the many questions we have about death. They explain a number of issues related to mortality, including what happens to the mind and body during and after death, what societal and individual factors contribute to premature deaths and mass deaths, potential ways of forestalling one's demise, and what scientists do and do not know about the experience of death and dying.