"Scientific American's Century and a Half of Skepticism."

"Truth" written and recorded by Todd Rundgren. ©2003 humanoid music. Used by permission.

In its long history of reporting on discoveries and inventions, Scientific American has frequently been at odds with proponents of the paranormal, the technologically dubious, the weird and the downright irrational. Editor in chief John Rennie discusses some of the magazine's (and his own) brushes with figures as diverse as the Wright Brothers, Harry Houdini and the Unabomber, not to mention the creationists, cold fusion advocates and nanotechnology cultists.

John Rennie is only the seventh editor in chief in the 162-year history of Scientific American magazine. Since his appointment in late 1994, he has been the creative force behind the modernization and reinvigoration of this great publishing institution. For several years, Rennie also worked by night as a sketch and improvisational comedian in New York, Boston and college venues. These days his major hobby is the study of Karate, in which he holds the rank of Yondan (4th degree black belt).