Scientific American, June 2014

In this issue:

"Good Habits, Bad Habits": Researchers are pinpointing the brain circuits that can help us form good habits and break bad ones.

"Germ Catcher": Machines are being developed for hospitals that can quickly identify virtually any bacterium, virus or fungus.

"Summon the Rain": Governments and farmers worldwide spend millions every year trying to control the weather. New science suggests they might be on to something.

"Seeds of a Cure": Researchers are running clinical trials with traditional herbal medicines—and generating promising leads.