Popular Science Homepage

Yes, giant space debris is falling to earth right now. No, it probably won’t hit you.

The leftover debris is expected to fall to Earth over the weekend, likely somewhere in the ocean.

By Claire Maldarelli

14 hypnotizing photos that captured the world in and beyond the pandemic
A lot more happened in 2020 than COVID-19. The World Press Photo award finalists reflect that. By PopSci Staff
Sunburn treatments that actually work
Help your skin heal with these tips from a dermatologist. By Claire Maldarelli
Ecstasy is a tool, not a cure-all, for healing trauma
There's a reason the therapy is 'MDMA-assisted.' By Arash Javanbakht/The Conversation

Science

Sharks have a sixth sense for navigating the seas

A new study suggests bonnethead sharks may rely on the Earth's magnetic field to move about the ocean.

By Ellie Shechet

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Tech

Fire-resistant clothing is a hot choice. Here’s how it works.

PyroMan helps this company test the gear that soldiers wear to protect themselves from intense flames.

By Rob Verger

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Space

Tiny galaxies may have brought the cosmos out of the dark ages

By Charlie Wood

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Life Hacks

The most effective ways to avoid bee, wasp, and hornet stings

By Alisha McDarris

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Animals

Male black jacobin hummingbird on a branch

Hummingbirds routinely hit 9Gs like it’s no big deal

By Jon Dunn

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Health

Medical worker in scrubs moving oxygen canister in Palghar, India

This village’s story shows just how unprepared rural India is for the latest COVID surge

By Puja Changoiwala/Undark

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Latest

By Shaena Montanari May 6, 2021

Environment

Is growing weed sustainable? The answer is complicated.

One serving of cannabis likely has a higher greenhouse gas footprint than a beer or cigarette.

By David Nield May 5, 2021

DIY

How to choose safe passwords—and remember them, too

Cybersecurity 101.

By Emily Cerf May 5, 2021

Science

Why time in the sun lightens your hair but darkens your skin

When you go out in the sun, melanin in your skin gets right to work.

By Rahul Rao May 4, 2021

Science

Ultra-powerful X-rays are helping physicists understand Chernobyl

Researchers may soon be able to harness X-rays to analyze tiny grains of impenetrable nuclear waste.

By Stan Horaczek May 4, 2021

Technology

Understanding the weird Biden-Carter photo could help you take better selfies

It's likely not lens distortion that caused the curious appearance. Instead, it's something called perspective distortion.

By David Nield May 4, 2021

DIY

5G is fast, but not perfect. Here’s why you might want to turn it off sometimes.

It's all about finding balance

By Michael Stones/The Conversation May 4, 2021

Health

Speech therapy alone may not make stuttering go away

Treatment for stutters and social anxiety should go hand in hand.

By PopSci Staff May 4, 2021

Health

A smaller percentage of COVID tests are coming back positive

Here are the most recent COVID-19 stats.

By Kat Eschner May 4, 2021

Health

Heat is the silent killer we should all be worried about

Hot weather is poised to kill more people than ever.

By PopSci Commerce Team May 4, 2021

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The best portable speakers for your next outdoor party

Bring the noise outside, rain or shine.

Yes, giant space debris is falling to earth right now. No, it probably won’t hit you.

14 hypnotizing photos that captured the world in and beyond the pandemic

Sunburn treatments that actually work

Ecstasy is a tool, not a cure-all, for healing trauma

Science

Sharks have a sixth sense for navigating the seas

Offshore wind has huge potential. Here’s how it could change the US.

Your dog gets allergies for the same reasons you do

The earliest known human burial in Africa was a carefully laid down child

Tech

Fire-resistant clothing is a hot choice. Here’s how it works.

The Royal Navy’s jetpack demo is astonishing—and impractical

Stop putting off your device updates

Peloton finally recalls its high-end treadmills after dozens of accidents involving kids

Space

Tiny galaxies may have brought the cosmos out of the dark ages

Radio signals detected on Venus weren’t sent by aliens

This new space probe will go farther and faster than any before, gathering data for generations

Life could be hiding deep under Mars

Life Hacks

The most effective ways to avoid bee, wasp, and hornet stings

How to help your kids get over picky eating

Build a classy, easy birdbath with vintage finds

How to dig up clams and eat ’em

Animals

Hummingbirds routinely hit 9Gs like it’s no big deal

We may finally know where young turtles spend their ‘lost years’

Baby mantis shrimp punch their prey with superior strength

What we know—and don’t know—about Brood X cicadas

Health

This village’s story shows just how unprepared rural India is for the latest COVID surge

Ask Us Anything: Why can’t we see more colors?

The sexy secrets of body fat storage

The EPA is cracking down on more of the greenhouse gases in your fridge

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Is growing weed sustainable? The answer is complicated.

How to choose safe passwords—and remember them, too

Why time in the sun lightens your hair but darkens your skin

Ultra-powerful X-rays are helping physicists understand Chernobyl

Understanding the weird Biden-Carter photo could help you take better selfies

5G is fast, but not perfect. Here’s why you might want to turn it off sometimes.

Speech therapy alone may not make stuttering go away

A smaller percentage of COVID tests are coming back positive

Heat is the silent killer we should all be worried about

The best portable speakers for your next outdoor party