Popular Science. Demystifying the worlds of science and technology since 1872.

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Rachel Feltman

Rachel Feltman

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Latest Articles

Close up of Egyptian ceramic vessel with inscriptions
Archaeology

Opium may have been a daily habit for Ancient Egyptians

Everyone from royalty to everyday citizens likely partook.

This artist’s impression shows a coronal mass ejection (CME) around another star.
Sun

A star unleashed a planet-destroying flare

It’s the first coronal mass ejection seen outside our sun.

hands holding forensic evidence slip in front of moss
Environment

Moss can be a key witness in murder investigations

Botanists say detectives are overlooking a potentially vital source of crime scene evidence.

Sperm whales swimming in clear water
Whales

Sperm whales use vowels like humans, new study finds

Scientists decoding whale clicks found patterns that echo the building blocks of human speech.

A fluffy orange and white cat is curled up and lounging inside a small, low-sided cardboard box that is lying on a wooden floor, looking directly at the viewer with a relaxed expression.
Cats

Why do cats love boxes? Evolution has an answer.

Boxes give cats control, comfort, and prime ambush angles.

a teenage boy holds a robotic hand made out of legosUniversity of Bristol/Jared Lepora
Robots

Teen designs and builds a robotic hand with only LEGOs

At only 16, Jared Lepora has also co-authored a paper.

person petting a turtle
Endangered Species

Trafficked turtles get a second chance at life in New Jersey sanctuary

The Turtle Conservancy is rescuing reptiles, while preserving their precious DNA.

Swedish silver medieval coins in a pile
Archaeology

Fisherman searching for worms finds 20,000 medieval silver coins

A Swedish man discovered the 12th century buried treasure near his summer home.

An octopus camouflages itself with the seafloor.
Wildlife

What octopus camouflage has to do with sunscreen

The cephalopod’s disappearing act could help your next sunscreen blend in.

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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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