Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 20)

solar panels
Fossil Fuels

For first time, Americans are getting more of their electricity from solar than coal

Solar provides more than twice the share of electricity it did five years ago.

NordicTrack RW900 Rower in a fancy room with the screen on
Fitness Gear

NordicTrack RW900 Rower (2026) review: Real exertion with virtual convenience

Solid construction, smooth rowing motion, and video support are highlights of the newest version of the NordicTrack rowing machine. 

Grainy video screenshot of a goblin shark in the ocean
Sharks

Goblin shark filmed in its native habitat for the first time

One of these mysterious sharks was spotted 2,300 feet deeper than scientists expected.

Left: The painting depicts a corner of Munich’s Odeonsplatz, with the Bavarian flag flying over the square. X-ray fluorescence analysis shows where areas have been overpainted with titanium white. Right: False-colour representation of the reconstructed painting featuring the memorial and the Nazi flag.
Science

Hidden Nazi symbols discovered in famous German artist’s painting

The white and blue Bavarian flag in this urban landscape used to be a very different color.

Global map showing density distribution of fungi networks
Land

621 trillion miles of fungi networks crisscross the planet

A new map explores the vast underground world supporting all life on Earth.

Scientist using ultrasonic espresso brewing machine in lab
Physics

Espresso brewed with soundwaves instead of heat tastes just as good

The process is 75 percent more energy efficient—and makes a great cup of joe.

two bald eagles standing in a nest above a lake looking straight at a camera
Land

Bald eagles Jackie and Shadow need $10 million

Their biggest advocate’s final act was negotiating a deal to protect their habitat. But they still need help.

A white stylized head with crumpled paper overflowing from the top is captured with a motion blur effect against a blue background. This conceptual art represents a scattered mind, information overload, and the chaotic nature of overthinking.
Mental Health

Talking about trauma doesn’t always help. Brain scans show one reason why.

Other emerging evidence suggests therapy using MDMA or ketamine for PTSD may help those who haven’t responded to other treatments, by directly influencing brain pathways.

Illustration of T. rex dinosaur with bloody mouth at the end of a lake with mountains in the background.
Ask Us Anything

What did T. rex’s breath smell like?

Short answer: Really gross.

Bowers & Wilkins 801 D5 in Dark Walnut in a luxury living room
Audio

15 standout products from High-End Vienna, the yearly showcase of glorious audiophile indulgence

We've got the lowdown on High-End, in pictures.

a small wild cat playing with a ball of catnip
Cats

Even wild desert cats love catnip

Ah, the sweet allure of nepetalactone.

A student and teacher dribbling basketballs while holding fractions math cards
Science

Basketball can make you better at math

Combining math concepts with sports can help boost your fractions game.

Lunar surface seen from above
Moons

Rare lunar meteorite was smacked three times before finally hitting Earth

Portions of the rock date back billions of years to when the moon was molten rock.

Side by side image of Iron Age skull fragment showing signs of internal scraping marks
Archaeology

Brain removal likely used in Iron Age Scottish burial

A woman’s 2,000-year-old skeleton also shows signs of limb sharpening.

whale fossils on the bottom of the ocean
Whales

745-mile whale graveyard found at the bottom of Indian Ocean

A 5.3-million-year old fossil was lurking inside this extensive whale fall.

Amazon
Home

These early Prime Day deals are already live on Amazon: Kitchen gadgets, fitness gear, power tools, and more

Amazon's annual Prime Day sale doesn't start until June 23rd, but dozens of great deals across many categories are already live right now.

Raccoon taking snacks from female hand.
Ask Us Anything

Could raccoons become the new dogs?

They're undeniably cute, but they'd also be a pretty annoying pet.

two young eagles in a nest
Birds

Jackie and Shadow’s chicks’ genders revealed: It’s a boy…and a girl!

Sandy and Luna are now 9 weeks old.

Aluminum 120-sided die next to blocks featuring various element names
Science

Giant 120-sided ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ dice highlights every element

The chunky aluminum die is perfect for roleplaying games and chemistry class.

Woman's face, extreme close up
Health

Can stimulating the sense of smell be beneficial for the brain?

Passive olfactory stimulation involves exposing the brain to a variety of smells on a continuous basis, even while sleeping.