Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 211)

Mercury's shadowy north pole revealed by M-CAM 1.
Space

Scientists explain why BepiColombo’s mission to Mercury is so tricky

The spacecraft is nearing the least explored planet in the inner solar system.

a close up of an isopod with antenne and a segmented body
Wildlife

New foot-long crustacean named after Darth Vader

The 'sea bug' is considered a delicacy in some countries.

Water runs from a pipe where a home once stood in the Pacific Palisades community of Los Angeles in January 2025.
Health

Wildfires can contaminate drinking water systems with harmful chemicals

Here’s what Los Angeles needs to know.

A black rhino rests under a rainbow at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. In 2024, 21 black rhinos were moved to their new home at Loisaba Conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya. Kenyaís black rhino population was poached almost to extinction and went from a low of 290 animals to 1004 today. They are expanding their habitat and it is a testament to Kenyaís conservation efforts. Ami Vitaleís career stands as a testament to her deep dedication to documenting and addressing global crises. As an acclaimed National Geographic photographer, writer, and documentary filmmaker, as well as the founder of Vital Impacts, Ami has consistently spotlighted critical issues affecting our world. Her journey began in conflict zones, where she observed firsthand how environmental degradationófrom resource scarcity to climate changeóintensifies human suffering and conflict. Follow Ami on Instagram @amivitale Photo by Ami Vitale/The Nature Conservancy
Endangered Species

16 enthralling wildlife photos spotlighting the need for conservation

'In the last 50 years, we have lost 73 percent of the world’s wildlife.'

Carote pot and pans set on-sale at Amazon in gray
Gear

This 24-piece Carote cookware set is just $99 right now on Amazon—that’s half-off

This set gets you three pots, three pans, and everything else you need to cook that latest viral Tik Tok recipe.

several dark dots on mummified skin. the skin appears to be white since it is under a strong white light
Archaeology

Intricate tattoos on 1,200-year-old mummy revealed by lasers

'The level of skill and effort that was required from the Chancay artist really blew our minds.'

3D printed microscope
Technology

The world’s first 3D-printed microscope costs only $60 to build

It's strong enough to view individual blood cells.

Fossil pine trees in Montana
Global Warming

Thawing tundra reveals ancient fossilized forest in Montana

Warming temperatures mean similar trees may return to the area—for better or worse.

a blue lobster-looking animal called a crayfish. it has long claws, antennae, and a segmented body
Wildlife

New colorful species of crayfish discovered in aquarium shipment

'Like the other members of this genus, this crayfish is aggressive.'

Alcohol empty glasses Dry January
Science

Is drinking alcohol ever good for you? Here’s what the science says.

If you're confused, you're not alone.

las vegas
Technology

Elon Musk’s Boring Company is tunneling beneath Las Vegas with little oversight

Thanks, in part, to 'What Happens Here, Stays Here.'

Disinfectants can contain a range of ingredients.
Science

Why do disinfectants only kill 99.9% of germs?

Here’s the science.

An LG TV and other gadgets arranged behind the CES 2025 logo
Gear

CES 2025: 18 new products we’re looking forward to this year

We've rounded up the best new gear and gadgets from CES 2025. Products range from practical to moonshots with everything in between.

3D Isometric Flat Vector Illustration of User Manual, Info Hub, Providing Valuable Information To Users
Tech Hacks

How to use Google Deep Research to save hours of time

Google's new AI-powered tool does deep analysis on complex topics.

a land mass surrounded by water
Environment

14 gorgeous photos of Earth from above

NASA's 'Beautiful Earth' collection celebrates our diverse landscapes.

British scientist Stephen Hawking attends a conference during the 2006 International Conference on String Theory on June 21, 2006 in Beijing, China.
Technology

Stephen Hawking’s eternal voice

Hawking’s refusal to upgrade his communication system preserved a voice that became iconic, not just for its sound, but for the profound identity it conveyed.

two photos: one of people standing in front of shuttle and one of the shuttle in an upright position
Space

How Star Trek fans changed the name of NASA’s first space shuttle

A declassified memo shows that 'hundreds of thousands of letters' called for a renaming.

Close up of silver hands from silver poisoning
Diseases

Mysterious silver poisoning turned an 84-year-old gray for good

Argyria causes hair, skin, fingernails, and even eyes to turn silver.

Woman's hands using fork to stir bowl of pasta
Physics

Physicists figure out the perfect Cacio e Pepe recipe

You, too, can achieve 'scientifically optimized' creaminess.

a small bird sits in a tree with its beak open wide
Birds

Why do birds make so many different sounds? 100,000 audio recordings offer clues.

Scientists listened to birds from around the world.