Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 139)

Red sprite above Earth in photo taken from International Space Station
International Space Station

Mysterious red sprite erupts in new astronaut photo

But you don't need to be on the International Space Station to spot a transient luminous event.

HDX storage bins on sale at Home Depot
Home

Right now is the best possible time to buy storage bins thanks to this $8 Home Depot deal

These rugged, versatile bins typically never go on-sale, but you can save 20 percent off each one right now. Go stock up.

Close up of hand applying acupuncture needles to back
Archaeology

Oldest known steel acupuncture needles discovered in disgraced emperor’s tomb

The 2,000-year-old tools represent a crucial moment in Chinese medicine.

A close up of a mosquito biting human skin
Insects

A mosquito killer may lurk in a Mediterranean bacteria

Mosquito-borne diseases kill over 700,000 people every year.

Garmin running watches on a plain background on sale for early Prime Day 2025
Wearables

Amazon is blowing out Garmin running watches and fitness trackers as low as $149 before Prime Day

Get an advanced fitness trackers and running watches for their lowest prices of the year before Amazon's big shopping holiday.

airpods and case on blue plain background
Tech Hacks

7 tips to get more out of your Apple AirPods

You can do more with these earbuds than you might have realized.

an airplane lavatory with a toilet and sink
Ask Us Anything

How do airplane toilets work?

The engineering is surprisingly simple and remarkably clever.

eggs arrange on refrigerator shelf
Ask Us Anything

Should you keep eggs in the fridge? Short answer: Yes.

Food safety experts have a clear answer.

two bears in an enclosure playing with sticks
Animals

5 of the most ingenious animal escapes of 2025, so far

A zebra, a pair of river otters, two hungry bears, and more have taken destiny into their own hands.

a close up of a gorilla's face
Wildlife

Why evolution can explain human testicle size but not our unique chins

The human body is quite puzzling.

bald man silouhetted on text
Health

100 years ago, scientists predicted we’d live to 1,000 years old

In 1925, the average American lifespan was 58 years.

a yellowtail parrotfish swims by a coral reef
Ocean

Real Coral Reefs of Miami: A Q&A with the marine biologist behind a popular livestream

Colin Foord discusses the Coral City Camera.

Screenshot from the game Nanocrafter, a synthetic biology game created to educate and entertain players while advancing science.
Diseases

Gaming cancer: How citizen science games could help cure disease

By inviting players to tackle real scientific problems, games can offer a hand in solving medicine’s toughest challenges.

five goats eating vegetation in a park
Animals

G.O.A.T. will be crowned in first-ever professional eating competition for goats

4th of July hot dog eating competitions are so last year.

Ninja FrostVault 65 cooler in the field with a drawer full of delicious fixins.
Outdoor Gear

Ninja’s clever FrostVault cooler is cheaper than ever at Amazon

A built-in dry drawer makes this a perfect cooler to bring to a barbecue or party when you want cold drinks but don't want soggy food.

An illustration of a microscopic neural network in the brain.
Medicine

Even old brains can make new neurons, study suggests

Neurogenesis may be happening in a brain region essential for memory and learning.

Macy's fireworks display over Manhattan on the 4th of July
Engineering

How pyrotechnic wizards orchestrate the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks

80,000 explosive rounds, weeks in the desert, and a 25-minute show watched by millions.

Portrait of Galileo Galilei
Sun

Ultra-rare first edition book from Galileo heading to auction

The astronomer wrote it under a pseudonym in 1605 to avoid persecution for ‘heretical’ theories.

a close up of a hermit crab, with brown coloring and dark eyes
Wildlife

What makes a hermit crab more bold? Hairy claws.

The crustaceans use the sensory organs to determine if the coast is clear.

In this artist's impression we see the planet HIP 67522 b sending a wave of energy down the magnetic field lines towards the surface of its host star. Where the wave meets the end of the magnetic field line at the star's surface, it triggers a massive flare. Credit: Danielle Futselaar (www.artsource.nl/)
Exoplanets

Astronomers detect first known ‘death wish’ planet

Exoplanet HIP 67522 b has a 'clingy' relationship with its host star. It won't end well.