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A colorful, detailed line illustration depicting a medieval courtroom scene where a pig is standing trial. The pig stands on its hind legs at a wooden witness stand or dock, facing a panel of judges and clerics seated behind a long table. In the foreground, a man in a light blue robe points a finger accusatorially at the pig, while other onlookers in traditional medieval tunics and headwear watch the proceedings with expressions of concern and curiosity. The setting features gothic arched windows and draped backdrops typical of the period.
Animals

In medieval France, murderous pigs faced trial and execution

Animal trials helped to restore order when the unspeakable happened.

By Anne Ewbank

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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

Rachel Feltman

Host

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

a team stands on a beach with two pigs in kennels
Animals

Abandoned pigs rescued on Tennessee’s Looney Islands

The animals are in good hands thanks to patience and a ‘pig whisperer.’

By Laura Baisas

Diver underwater investigating Viking shipwreck
Archaeology

600-year-old Viking shipwreck is the largest of its kind

The medieval ‘cog’ was nearly 92 feet long and featured castles on its bow and stern.

By Andrew Paul

Close up of man's hands reaching into box of apples at orchard
Agriculture

Test your apple farming skills with this free video game

Race Against Rot shows how engaging with community may be a valuable resource.

By Andrew Paul

a small black insect standing on white snow
Wildlife

Snow fleas use their tail to jump around the ice

The tiny insects are older than dinosaurs.

By Laura Baisas

Commercial airplane flying in stormy weather. A lightning strike illuminates the right side of the image as a plane flies to the left.
Ask Us Anything

How pilots avoid thunderstorms—and what happens when they can’t

Most commercial planes get struck by lightning a couple times a year.

By Cat Rainsford

An elevated, long-range photograph of the Rano Raraku volcanic crater on Easter Island, showing several moai statues partially buried in the grassy hillside. The massive stone heads and torsos are scattered across a sloped landscape that leads up to a rugged, rocky cliff face with visible excavation sites. Some areas of the background rock feature unnatural blue markings, likely from digital editing or site markers.
Archaeology

3D map of Easter Island takes you places visitors aren’t allowed

One of the world’s most isolated islands is open to virtual tourists.

By Sarah Durn

a medieval ring made of gold with a large blue stone at the center
Archaeology

Ornate medieval ring discovered in Norway’s oldest town

The roughly 800-year-old ring shines with a brilliant blue gemstone.

By Margherita Bassi

Black man portrait and stretching for outdoor exercise
Fitness & Exercise

5 ways to improve your health this year that don’t rely on losing weight

Back off the alcohol and get more sleep.

By Rachel Woods / The Conversation

An atmospheric, long-exposure photograph of the New York City skyline as seen from across a river. In the foreground, dozens of weathered wooden pilings from an old pier protrude from the smooth, glass-like water, leading the eye toward the dense cluster of skyscrapers in Lower Manhattan. The sky is filled with heavy, dark, brooding clouds, and the image has a desaturated, somber color palette with hints of autumn foliage on the right bank.
Ask Us Anything

Nature could take over an abandoned NYC surprisingly quickly

Even the Empire State Building would eventually crumble.

By Popular Science Team

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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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