Popular Science. Demystifying the worlds of science and technology since 1872.
During WWI, a daredevil pilot helped invent the first ‘drones’
Lawrence Sperry’s autopilot proved planes could fly themselves.
Having to pee makes you scientifically better at video games
Plus what space smells like and other weird things we learned this week.
Rachel Feltman
At Popular Science, we report and write dozens of 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.
Latest Articles
Ancient Mayan water filters stopped a lot—just not mercury poisoning
The civilization made the most of its technology, but everything has its limits.
163 surrendered rats seek new homes in Massachusetts
‘Rats have a bad reputation, but they actually make really great companion pets.’
On’s new LightSpray CloudMonster 3 Hyper running shoe is built by robots in 3 minutes flat
The On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper running shoe relies on a clever automated production process that makes a lighter, more comfortable sneaker.
A 3D-printed wheelchair is helping this turtle walk again
A volunteer used input from Redditers to fine tune the reptile’s mobility assistance device.
Japan eyes distant island for nuclear waste dump
Minamitorishima is nearly 1,250 miles east of Tokyo.
Physicists calculate exactly how long that last drop takes
Patience is a virtue, depending on a liquid’s internal friction.
Best superbloom since 2016 fills Death Valley with wildflowers
The colorful explosion of flowers could last through June.
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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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