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Kaleidoscope portrait of woman.
Mental Health

Can your brain make you see ghosts?

The science behind the Bloody Mary legend.

Artist's illustration of I. jamesi, aka a 'hell chicken.' It's a feathered dinosaur that looks like large parrot
Evolution

‘Hell chicken’ dinosaur likely dined on fruit, not meat

The Cretaceous era species gobbled up fruit around present day Montana.

a pumpkin carved to look like a person being bucked by a bison
Wildlife

9 nature-inspired pumpkin carving patterns from the National Park Service

Bison and spiders and bears oh my!

Closeup of ear wax and pick tool on top
Insects

Earwax is both slippery and sticky. This weird combo might lead to safer insect repellents.

Scientists watched as ants encountered earwax with various properties.

bald eagle looking at camera
Birds

Unknown bald eagle spotted on Shadow’s nest

Shadow has been spending less time on the nest he once shared with Jackie.

a black bear cub hiding in a tree
Bears

Silly bear cub wins award for being terrible at hide-and-seek

The baby bear’s mom won the 2026 Mama Bear Award, so it will learn—eventually.

Artist’s concept of the lava world TOI-561 b and its star. Image by CryoDragon Inc.
Space Telescope

This lava planet shouldn’t have an atmosphere—but it does

TOI-561 b may be a supercharged version of Venus or Jupiter’s moon, Io.

a three legged cougar laying on grass
Endangered Species

A three-legged cougar named Crimson is thriving in Arkansas

The rescued wildcat’s leg was amputated after a foot injury, but that isn’t slowing him down.

Two hands holding up plaster cast of death mask surrounded by two jars with human hands.
Medicine

In 1828, serial killers sold their victims’ bodies to science

Edinburgh’s medical schools needed bodies. William Burke and William Hare had a horrifying solution.

Gift of the Year header
Gear

2026 Gifts of the Year: Perfect presents for anyone on your list

No matter who you’re shopping for, these editor-approved products will make you a gift-giving legend this year.

Close up of baby in incubator
Medicine

Parents of premature newborns can have more skin-to-skin contact with new device

The ‘Skincubator’ is undergoing its first trials in the United States.

Overview of The Uncensored Library and its neoclassical design on island surrounded by water in Minecraft
Social Media

Read censored texts from around the world at this Minecraft library

‘The Uncensored Library’ houses suppressed content from 9 countries—including the U.S.

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Popular Science has been demystifying the worlds of science and technology since 1872. We explain the inner workings of the phone in your pocket, explore world-changing innovations, and examine everything from the marvels of deep space to the secret lives of staples like bread. We deliver an engaging, approachable, and inclusive look at emerging technologies and scientific advances.
Daily, Popular Science unpacks the science behind the top current new stories, dissects the latest technology and digital trends, and helps readers live smarter, safer, and happier through clever DIY projects.

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