Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 142)

Active lava flows spilling out of the Erta Ale volcano in Afar, Ethiopia. Credit: Dr Derek Keir, University of Southampton/ University of Florence
Environment

A new ocean is forming in East Africa

But don't expect the continent to tear open for a few million years.

Cissy, a Sumatran orangutan mother, is taking a nap in her day nest.
Wildlife

Orangutans sacrifice sleep to socialize–but naps can help

'It’s surprisingly similar to what is recommended in humans for the length of a power nap.’

a zebra shark
Sharks

Sharks freeze when you turn them upside down

And there’s no good reason why.

ford suv towing in desert
Vehicles

How the 2025 Ford Expedition tows more, with less vibration

A new front suspension and new shocks work together with an enhanced frame, rear end, and body mounts.

The best yard games laid out on grass
Home

The 12 best outdoor games for your next summer gathering

Whether you're looking for an intense action sport or a calm game to play with the kids, this list has everything your next yard party needs.

Ryobi power tools on a plain background
Home

Get A Ryobi power tool, two batteries, and a charger for just $99 during Home Depot’s early 4th of July sale

Whether you need a single power tool or you're building an entire kit, this is a fantastic time to buy Ryobi gear for the lowest prices of the season.

An artist’s view of what the area of the Zvejnieki cemetery (present-day northern Latvia) might have looked like when animal parts were processed in the cooking pits.
Wildlife

Stone Age humans extracted animal teeth with flames, blades, and fleshy stews

Archaeologists put seven methods to the test.

Newgrange burial mound on sunny day in Ireland
Archaeology

Incestuous ‘god-kings’ may not have ruled Stone Age Ireland after all

New analysis casts doubt on a eyebrow-raising theory first proposed in 2020.

man pulling down interior
Projects

Texas brothers buy abandoned Boeing 727 for $10,000

'One man's trash is another man's treasure.'

A turtle basking with its legs outstretched on a rock. This activity is normal and beneficial to turtles.
Wildlife

Why do turtles do the ‘Superman pose’?

Basking in sunlight has numerous benefits for these ectotherms.

Bluetti portable power stations on a plain background
Outdoor Gear

Amazon dropped Bluetti solar generators to their lowest prices of the year just in time for summer storms

You don't have to be a prepper to want to keep some spare power around for emergencies or camping trips. Keep your devices up and running.

selective focus hands try to tie a trash bag for recycle
Pollution

What one town learned by charging residents for every bag of trash

The small town Plympton, Massachusetts, eliminated 305 tons of garbage a year by making everyone pay for what they toss.

Archeologist digging in building foundation site
Archaeology

Archaeologists unearth cellar in America’s first school for enslaved children

The Williamsburg Bray School site includes a well-preserved 18th century foundation.

Scanning electron micrograph of the number 15 grain of sample plate C0105-042 from Ryugu, in which djerfisherite was discovered.
Deep Space

Deep space asteroid sample contains unexpected ingredient

Planetary scientists likened it to 'finding a tropical seed in Arctic ice.’

two orca whales come into contact with one another and a piece of kelp is between them
Whales

Orcas spotted using seaweed to groom each other

New high-definition drone footage shows the apex predators using a tool made of kelp.

copilot logo next to laptop with emoji waving hand on top
Tech Hacks

How to turn off AI in Windows and bring yourself some peace

You don't have to accept what Microsoft gives you.

a close up of a sedated black bear undergoing an examination by a team of vets. the bear's mouth open, showing his teeth
Wildlife

This is how you give a bear a check-up

Expert tip: you can’t muzzle a bear.

a yellow fungus with a white circle around it in a petri dish
Cancer

Deadly ‘pharaoh’s curse fungus’ could be used to fight cancer

'Nature has given us this incredible pharmacy.’

Jupiter on a black background
Ask Us Anything

What would happen if you tried to land on a gas giant?

'There is no location where you can say, okay, this is where the planet stops.'

screenshot of earthquake alerts
Life Skills

How your Android phone can detect earthquakes

Earthquake alerts are part of a suite of safety settings.