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

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Rachel Feltman

Rachel Feltman

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Atlas robot doing a somersault
Robots

Humanoid robots are breakdancing, with mixed results

Is the Boston Dynamics Atlas robot a better dancer than you? It’s time to find out.

car running through foam wall
Self Driving

Man tests if Tesla on Autopilot will slam through foam wall (spoiler: it did)

YouTuber Mark Rober claims the Model Y might have avoided the ‘Looney Toons’ wall if it had Lidar sensors. 

four Budgerigars sit on a stick on plain background
Birds

We finally know how parrots ‘talk’

Budgie brains reveal parallels between parrot and human speech.

Red sprite timelapse seen over Himalayan mountains
Weather

Astrophotographers help crack mystery of ‘sprite fireworks’

A remarkable thunderstorm provided an opportunity to better understand the vibrant phenomena.

A mouse sniffing the air
Health

Messing with mouse brains during sex leads to unexpected discovery

Yeah, sex is cool, but have you ever discovered how the interaction of two neurotransmitters makes sex work?

UNSPECIFIED - NOVEMBER 05: Conophytum notabile, Aizoaceae.
Agriculture

A craze for tiny plants is driving a poaching crisis in South Africa

South Africa’s Succulent Karoo is the most biodiverse arid region on the planet, with thousands of plants found nowhere else. But to meet a demand fueled by social media, criminal networks have been poaching these colorful succulents by the millions and smuggling them overseas.

Close up of hand wearing SpellRing device on thumb
Engineering

Wearable ring translates sign language into text

SpellRing is trained on 20,000 words in American Sign Language.

Four people on their stomachs plaster casting a mammoth tusk
Animals

Texas hunter’s ‘old stump’ find was actually a rare mammoth tusk

‘When they confirmed what they had uncovered, I couldn’t believe it.’

The 2025 Acura ADX is the brand’s newest gas-powered SUV.
Vehicles

Acura’s newest SUV focuses on sustainability with Bang & Olufsen sound system

The ADX sounds great. Literally.

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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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