Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 221)

a new shrimp-like crustacean. it is white with two protruding tusk-like appendages at its head, at least 8 legs, and two tail-like appendages at the back
Ocean

New predator uncovered 25,000+ feet under the Pacific

Dulcibella camanchaca can survive in the frosty darkness of the ocean’s hadal zone.

Anything with mass cannot reach lightspeed.
Ask Us Anything

What would happen to the human body moving at near lightspeed?

Colors change, time distorts, and you'd probably get pancaked.

Evolution, the process of change, governs life on Earth − and potentially different forms of life in other places.
Space

Extraterrestrial life may look nothing like life on Earth

Astrobiologists are coming up with a framework to study how complex systems evolve.

a microscopic zooplankton
Ocean

Microscopic ‘eating and pooping machines’ are great at sucking up carbon

Clay dust can help zooplankton grab onto more of the potent greenhouse gas.

New research suggests daily EV driving may not decay lithium-ion batteries as quickly as once thought.
Electric Vehicles

Surprise: EV batteries might have a longer shelf live than once thought

Day-to-day real-world driving may result in less battery degradation over time than in labs.

Nautilus captured on video
Ocean

After 15 years, a vessel named ‘Nautilus’ actually saw a nautilus

The ancient sea creatures are rarely photographed, much less filmed.

a woman leading a dance rehearsal in the a studio
Physics

How the Rockettes use math to make holiday magic

Patterns and puzzles come together in the annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

New Jersey skyline at night
Drones

Mysterious SUV-sized drones may have blocked medical helicopter

Locals and police continue to report unidentified aerial vehicles across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.

A composite image galaxy cluster collisions known as the Abell 2744 system, known as the Pandora's Cluster. In blue is a map showing the total mass concentration (mostly dark matter) based on data from the Hubble Space Telescope, the Very Large Telescope (VLT), and the Subaru telescope.
Space Telescope

‘Funny dark matter:’ Something is wrong about our theory of the expanding universe

Our model says one thing; our observations say another.

Desmophyllum dianthus thrives in total darkness and near-freezing temperatures, at depths of up to 2,000 meters.
Ocean

The secret sex lives of deep, dark corals

A unique fjord in Chilean Patagonia gives scientists a chance to unlock the reproductive secrets of cold-water corals that typically live thousands of meters below the ocean’s surface.

a variety of products on a banner reading 'best of what's new 2024'
Best of What's New

The 50 greatest innovations of 2024

The 37th annual Best of What's New awards.

kid wearing sunglasses-type product
Technology

The ’90s ‘mind-control glasses’ that ended in lawsuits

The SuperMind system claimed to help you communicate with whales, meditate, and mirror a near-death experience.

Lots of restaurants and food manufacturers offer plant-based meat alternatives.
Nutrition

How plant-based meat alternatives mimic the real thing

Meat has a distinct taste, texture, and aroma.

a hand touching grass
Land

What happens to our bodies when we touch grass

a vintage blue VW van parked at a lake
Tech Hacks

How to plan the perfect road trip in Google Maps

Before you hit the road, make a plan so you don't miss cool things along the way.

twisted trees create a perfect reflection in still water
Environment

13 jaw-dropping International Landscape Photographer of the Year images

The beauty of Earth—from Namibia to Canada.

Nietzsche's productivity changed during his career because of his adoption of a new writing technology.
Technology

How typing transformed Nietzsche’s consciousness

The Malling-Hansen writing ball, with its potential and limitations, redefined Nietzsche’s philosophical and creative expression.

a slice of jelly toast faced down on the floor
Food Safety

Is the five-second rule true? Don’t push your luck.

The scientific research on floor food has a clear answer.

San Miguel pyramid excavation near highway in Hidalgo, Mexico
Archaeology

Ancient pyramid uncovered during highway construction

‘Deeper studies are essential to uncover the cultural context of this significant find.’

Germanic warrior taking stimulants imagined by Stanislav(Stanisław) Kontny, especially for the Praehistorische Zeitschrift. Credit: Stanisław Kontny for Praehistorische Zeitschrift
Archaeology

Roman-era Barbarians snorted stimulants in battle, tiny spoons suggest

Over 200 small tools found across Europe hint at previously unknown drug use in Germanic tribes.