Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 169)

Still from The Mind Reader (1933).
Psychology

How ‘psychics’ use psychology to create the illusion of telepathy

A phenomenon referred to as 'population stereotypes' helps explain how predictable human responses create this impression.

Closeup of broken eyeglasses with damaged colored lens surrounded by different lenses on table in optical shop. Replacement of glasses lens. Glasses service and repair concept
Projects

Don’t throw away your old sunglasses

What to do with those broken or outdated sunnies instead.

screenshot of proton docs
Tech Hacks

Proton Docs vs Google Docs: Should you switch?

Proton Drive now has its own Google Docs competitor.

Saturn’s moon Mimas, floating above the planet’s rings, might conceal a liquid ocean beneath its surface.
Solar System

Saturn’s moon Mimas may hide a surprisingly young ocean

The existence of another watery world in the outer solar system may offer clues to how such seas form—and hope for another spot to search for life.

Colorful atlantic puffin sitting on a cliff
Ocean

In Iceland, humans throwing baby puffins is a good thing

Welcome to puffling season.

Chrysalis attached to tree branch with silk
Animals

Butterflies anchor cocoons with silk Velcro and seat-belts

A new study analyzes the complex and sturdy material’s role in metamorphosis.

Applying the logic of chatbot conversations to humans could make a person awkward, impatient, or just plain rude.
AI

Researchers worry about AI turning humans into jerks

OpenAI safety researchers think GPT4o could influence 'social norms.'

Concept art of timber skyscraper in Milwaukee
Engineering

Milwaukee wants to build the world’s tallest timber skyscraper (again)

The new tower would be double the height of the current record-holder—that’s also in Milwaukee.

The central region of a spiral galaxy. Its core is a small bright point radiating bright, bluish-white light over the scene. The white light is diffuse and many point-like stars in the galaxy (and even background galaxies) can be seen through it. The galaxy’s arms can be seen as broad, swirling streaks of glowing gas and dust, coloured red and orange. Two additional arms are revealed in green
Deep Space

You’ve never seen a prettier radiation-spewing supermassive black hole

A spiral galaxy with an ‘active galactic nucleus’ shows off in a new JWST image.

An oil rig flares methane, the main component of natural gas. When operators do not have capacity to transport natural gas, it is often burned off into the atmosphere.
Space

Spying from space: How satellites can help identify and rein in a potent climate pollutant

Methane levels in the atmosphere are rising. An armada of satellites could help identify leaks from oil fields, landfills, and animal feed operations.

a close up of a burmese python.
Animals

The 2024 Florida Python Challenge begins

Hunters cant shoot the snakes, but could win $10,000 for catching the most Burmese pythons.

vinyl records in a pile next to a record player
Technology

Why records are better than CDs in the streaming age

Vinyl is the most popular way to buy music and that's a good thing.

SpaceX is seeking approval to expand its Starlink constellation to 40,000 satellites.
Space

‘What goes up, must come down:’ Junk satellites are a looming hazard

What happens when thousands of old satellites are out of order?

a long grey sediment core taken from the earth's mantle
Environment

Longest rocks ever recovered from Earth’s mantle

The 4,160-feet-long sediment core could help scientists learn about magma, volcanoes, and more.

Human playing against Google DeepMind ping pong robot
AI

Watch Google’s ping pong robot beat humans at their own game

Advanced table tennis players still have the upper hand—for now.

The Best Portable Blenders on a plain white background.
Appliances

The best portable blenders, tested and reviewed

A portable blender can help you smooth out a soup, whip up a smoothie, or even indulge in a frozen margarita wherever you go.

Illustration of two astronauts on Mars
Mars

Scientists think atmospheric ‘glitter’ can warm Mars over 50 degrees

Seeding Martian skies with metallic nanorods may efficiently start terraforming.

a lemur in an enclosure stares into a takeout container
Animals

Lemurs use smell, social cues, and superior memories to find treats

Even months later, these primates don't forget their fruit.

A lineup of the best personal blenders on a plain background.
Appliances

Chopping it up with the best personal blenders, tested and reviewed

You don't always need a big blender. These small blenders cut down on waste and space on your counter or when stashed in a cabinet.

young girl using phone at night in bed
Mental Health

Social media bans could deny teenagers mental health help

Social media can be helpful for some young people.