Popular Science. Demystifying the worlds of science and technology since 1872.
How pilots avoid thunderstorms—and what happens when they can’t
Most commercial planes get struck by lightning a couple times a year.
Chicago’s rat hole wasn’t made by a rat
Plus a retirement home for penguins 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
Ornate medieval ring discovered in Norway’s oldest town
The roughly 800-year-old ring shines with a brilliant blue gemstone.
5 ways to improve your health this year that don’t rely on losing weight
Back off the alcohol and get more sleep.
Nature could take over an abandoned NYC surprisingly quickly
Even the Empire State Building would eventually crumble.
17 clever Apple Notes tips you might not know
This could well be Apple’s most versatile app.
Why does orange juice taste bad after you brush your teeth?
There’s a scientific reason your OJ tastes funny after you brush your teeth.
2026 is off to a hopeful start for these critically endangered whales
At least 18 new baby North Atlantic right whales have been spotted swimming with their mothers.
Plastic-free soy sauce container biodegrades in 4 weeks
The biodegradable design could help keep plastic from becoming fish food.
800 ancient Roman blade sharpeners found in Britain
Archaeologists also located English Civil War cannonballs and a Tudor-era shoe near a Newcastle river.
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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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