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

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Rachel Feltman

Rachel Feltman

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Starving bacteria (cyan) use a microscopic harpoon—called the Type VI secretion system—to stab and kill neighboring cells (magenta).
Biology

Bacteria will turn to murder if they get hungry enough

‘When things get tough, you eat your neighbors.’

yellow robot hand
Robots

Researchers create most human-like robot skin yet

A hydrogel-based hand was poked, prodded, burned, and slashed to help robots ‘feel.’

Quantum Random Number Generator machine
Particle Physics

Here’s how to generate a truly random number with quantum physics

CURBy is available online and free to use.

Two archeologists surveying site in Turkey
Archaeology

Archeologists uncover royal tomb tied to the real King Midas

It didn’t include any gold, but the discovery has a lot to tell us about this ancient dynasty.

a male river otter standing on snow
Animals

Escaped river otter takes his destiny into his own (tiny) hands

‘We believe he has made the decision to be a wild otter.’

an adult osprey looks on as the heads of three chicks pop out over a nest
Birds

Three osprey chicks hatch in 500-pound steel nest boxes

This prime bird real estate is 350 feet above the fish-filled Hudson River in New York.

Happy smiling little boy out in the rain
Ask Us Anything

The science behind the smell of rain

A story of bacteria, arthropods, and two very smelly organic compounds.

Cannabis Edible Gummies spilling from container onto wood table
Health

As cannabis users age, health risks appear to grow

‘There’s increasing evidence of a potential effect on memory and cognition.’

European Gray Wolf Cubs in a Grass in a Spring Day
Dogs

Two Ice Age ‘puppies’ weren’t exactly dogs

But the sisters did feast on some woolly rhino before they died.

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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, PopSci 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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