Popular Science. Demystifying the worlds of science and technology since 1872.
Scientists explain why BepiColombo’s mission to Mercury is so tricky
The spacecraft is nearing the least explored planet in the inner solar system.
Yes, ginger ale really does taste better on a plane. Here’s why.
Plus other weird things we learned this week.
Rachel Feltman
At Popular Science, we report and write dozens stories every week. And while a lot of the fun facts we stumble across make it into our articles, there are lots of other weird facts that we just keep around the office. So we figured, why not share those with you? Welcome to The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week.
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16 enthralling wildlife photos spotlighting the need for conservation
‘In the last 50 years, we have lost 73 percent of the world’s wildlife.’
Intricate tattoos on 1,200-year-old mummy revealed by lasers
‘The level of skill and effort that was required from the Chancay artist really blew our minds.’
The world’s first 3D-printed microscope costs only $60 to build
It’s strong enough to view individual blood cells.
Thawing tundra reveals ancient fossilized forest in Montana
Warming temperatures mean similar trees may return to the area—for better or worse.
New colorful species of crayfish discovered in aquarium shipment
‘Like the other members of this genus, this crayfish is aggressive.’
Elon Musk’s Boring Company is tunneling beneath Las Vegas with little oversight
Thanks, in part, to ‘What Happens Here, Stays Here.’
How to use Google Deep Research to save hours of time
Google’s new AI-powered tool does deep analysis on complex topics.
14 gorgeous photos of Earth from above
NASA’s ‘Beautiful Earth’ collection celebrates our diverse landscapes.
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