Popular Science. Demystifying the worlds of science and technology since 1872.
Cremation or casket? Here’s the most eco-friendly burial option.
The greenest choice turns out to be the simplest one.
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
Addiction is puzzling. Scientists are trying to understand why.
New book explores the philosophy of addiction.
Why do we wake up shortly before our alarm goes off? It’s not by chance.
You can’t hit snooze on your brain.
Food scientists cook up healthier chips that don’t taste awful
Microwave Vacuum Drying, or MVD, may be a real MVP for snack foods.
5 new quarters commemorate 250 years of American independence
The new designs honor the Constitution, Civil War, and more.
Why do elephants have such big ears? There’s not one answer.
The multi-use appendages are kind of like their superpower.
What your cheap clothes cost the planet
A global supply chain built for speed is leaving behind waste, toxins, and a trail of environmental wreckage.
5 cool innovations in sports and outdoors in 2025
From the most effective brain-protective helmet to a new type of insect repellent.
How the timber rattlesnake became a symbol of American independence
The very real reptile warned enemies ‘Dont tread on me,’ and urged the colonies to ‘Join, or die.’
An ode to slugs, the mascots of post-holiday laziness
They’ve got 500 million years of evolution on their side, after all.
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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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