Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 186)

Two Fingered Sloth close-up
Global Warming

Sloths may be in danger by the end of the century

The existential threat of warmer temperatures will likely be 'profound.’

poppy seed bagel
Ask Us Anything

What causes positive drug tests? It’s not just drugs… or poppy seeds.

Experts say rapid testing for controlled substances isn't always accurate.

The Best Electric Mountain Bikes
Fitness Gear

The best electric mountain bikes, tested and reviewed

Race you to the top!

This oil painting by the Belgian marine artist François Etienne Musin (1820–1888) refers to HMS ‘Erebus’s’ Arctic venture under the command of Sir John Franklin in 1845. For Franklin’s last journey she had been fitted with a steam engine and a screw propeller and was accompanied by HMS ‘Terror’. In 1848 both vessels were abandoned in the ice.
Archaeology

Crew of ill-fated Franklin Expedition cannibalized their commander, archeologists prove

The HMS Terror and HMS Erebus were encased in ice near the Arctic Circle for years.

beanie for cat
Technology

Researchers put little hats on cats to measure their brainwaves

Faced with uncooperative feline subjects, scientists turned to YouTube for help.

a condor, a large bird with black plumage, stands near a creek
Land

4 endangered California condors will be released into the wild

A devastating bird flu outbreak has threatened their recovery.

Artist concept: The LSST will carry out a deep, ten-year imaging survey in six broad optical bands over the main survey area of 18,000 square degrees.
Space Telescope

How AI’s data-crunching-power can help demystify the cosmos

AI can lead to 'amazing discoveries that might otherwise remain hidden in the data.'

A cell undergoing apoptosis is seen in the center of the image surrounded by other normal cells.Shaded Lighter.
Biology

Your cells are dying. All the time.

Some go gently into the night. Others die less prettily in freak accidents or deadly invasions, or after a showy display.

Jack Skellington Echo Dot Speakers in a row
Smart Home

Amazon’s limited-edition ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ Echo Dot smart speaker is 30% off for spooky season

This limited-edition speaker does everything you need out of a smart speaker with a whimsical Halloween theme.

Satellite image of Hurricane Helene
Global Warming

What Hurricane Helene looks like from space

Satellites and the International Space Station captured footage of the massive storm’s approach.

Best noise-cancelling earbuds sliced header
Earbuds

The best noise-cancelling earbuds for 2026, tested and reviewed

Block out the noise, bring on the funk with ANC earbuds that lighten distractions without weighing you down.

The best insulated tumblers of 2024 on a plain white background.
Outdoor Gear

The best insulated tumblers, tested and reviewed

Hydrate to your heart's content and decrease your daily trips to the kitchen sink or fridge.

Concept art of USPS Next Generation Delivery Vehicle on neighborhood street
Engineering

USPS explains chunky bumpers on new duck-shaped trucks

‘There are several important reasons for this design choice,’ the USPS tells Popular Science.

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024 SCOTT FRIER Ocean Shores United States Title: Nagging is a Universal Concept Description: I liked this image as It reminds me of the old TV commercial for Maxell audio cassette tapes called: "Blown Away Guy". On safari in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania we hung around a Kopji of rocks because there were lion cubs being nursed when this action happened. I was just lucky enough to catch it. I have this image printed and hung on a wall of my home, everybody who sees it laughs at it. One of those people mentioned that I should entered it in this contest so here it is. Animal: Lion & Lioness Location of shot: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Animals

24 silly wildlife photos that’ll make you laugh

Creatures of all shapes and sizes do some pretty absurd things.

electric scooter
Vehicles

E-bike and scooter injuries are up 293%

Study found that helmet wearing wasn't common.

The best weather radios arranged in a pattern
Home

The best emergency radios

A reliable weather radio can provide essential information from the outside world during any kind of emergency.

Group of Snow Geese in elegant flight against blue sky at Bosque del Apache wildlife refuge in New Mexico in winter.
Birds

Why do birds migrate? Scientists have a few major theories.

'We’re just starting to pick up the puzzle pieces.'

This collage highlights a small selection of regions of the Milky Way imaged as part of the most detailed infrared map ever of our galaxy. Here we see, from left to right and top to bottom: NGC 3576, NGC 6357, Messier 17, NGC 6188, Messier 22 and NGC 3603. All of them are clouds of gas and dust where stars are forming, except Messier 22, which is a very dense group of old stars.
Black Holes

1.5 billion cosmic objects dazzle in the largest infrared Milky Way map ever created

‘We have changed the view of our galaxy forever.’

a sea robin fish with wide pectoral fins and six crab-like legs
Fish

This fish has 6 legs that act like tongues

Sea robins use their signature appendages to ‘taste’ the ocean floor.

Hybrid potatoes created by the biotechnology company Solynta, grown and recently harvested in Kenya.
Agriculture

How crop science is transforming the humble potato

Hybrid breeding may lead to a revolution in potato farming, creating new varieties resistant to disease and drought.