Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 264)

A new high-definition image from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s NIRCam unveils intricate details of supernova remnant Cassiopeia A and shows the expanding shell of material slamming into the gas shed by the star before it exploded.
Space Telescope

JWST releases new image of famous supernova remnant—with a twist

Cassiopeia A contains the remains of an enormous star that exploded about 340 years ago.

An illustration of a tall two-legged dinosaur called Gorgosaurus libratus eating a small bird-like dinosaur called Citipes elegans. The smaller dinosaur's legs are still visible as the Gorgosaurus swallows the Citipes.
Biology

This teenage tyrannosaur had a stomach full of dino drumsticks

The young Gorgosaurus ate the meatiest parts of two smaller dinosaurs shortly before it died.

International Liquid Mirror Telescope
Space Telescope

Looking at the stars through a puddle of mercury

The International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT) uses rotating liquid instead of glass mirrors.

Do more with your desktop in Windows and macOS.
Tech Hacks

How to add widgets to your desktop on Windows and macOS

Work faster and smarter by adding interactive panels to your desktop.

In Alaska, preparing for tsunamis is no small feat
Weather

In Alaska, preparing for tsunamis is no small feat

A complex, volatile coast leaves Alaska vulnerable to tsunamis. Warning locals of the risks still comes with challenges.

The hottest gifts to buy for the friend who’s always cold
Gift Guides

The hottest gifts for that friend who is always cold

Help them lose their chill in a good way with the hottest warm gifts.

Thick smoke from a wildfire in the tundra in Alaska.
Climate Change

Wildfires are thawing the tundra

Researchers discovered recently burned areas emit more methane gas than the rest of the landscape.

A mechanic works on a battery module of an electric car
Climate Change

EV battery repair is dangerous. Here’s why mechanics want to do it anyway.

Fixing car and e-bike batteries saves money and resources—but challenges are holding back the industry.

Paleontologist Martin Lockley sits in front of a rock with dinosaur claw marks and shows how dinosaurs must have clawed into the rock during a mating ceremony where they made pseudo nests for potential mates.
Dinosaurs

Why dinosaur footprints inspired paleontologist Martin Lockley

The late scientist is credited with creating a subfield devoted to the trace fossils left behind by the extinct reptiles.

The best earbuds for small ears
Earbuds

The best earbuds for small ears, tested and reviewed

Find relief from bulbous 'buds with these miniaturized masterpieces that don’t sacrifice soundstage for size.

Illustration of biofiber within cracked concrete
Engineering

Bacterial ‘blood’ could heal cracks in concrete

A damage-activated polymer layer may help extend concrete’s relatively short lifespan.

A researcher handles a petri dish while observing a CRISPR/Cas9 process through a stereomicroscope at the Max-Delbrueck-Centre for Molecular Medicine.
Gene Editing

FDA approves the first gene-editing treatment in the US

The CRISPR-based treatment targets sickle cell disease, but questions about cost remain.

Three MotoGP riders take a corner at Circuit of the Americas racetrack with a giant Texas flag in the background
Audio

Leaning into the thrills: Audio-Technica microphones and the dynamic soundscapes of MotoGP

We spent three days in Austin learning how the full-throttle, soul-stirring symphony of motorcycle racing is captured.

Even lab mice are getting VR headsets now
Internet

Even lab mice are getting VR headsets now

Neurobiologists say the iMRSIV gives mice a more 'immersive' experience than 2D projections.

Apollo 16 lunar landing mission commander John W. Young leaps from the lunar surface as he salutes the United States flag. The flag is located at the Descartes landing site during the first Apollo 16 extravehicular activity.
Moons

Why scientists think it’s time to declare a new lunar epoch

Human exploration has changed the moon. Anthropologists and geologists want to preserve the proof.

The best camping gifts
Gift Guides

Two-dozen great gifts for camping (and glamping)

Tell your friends and family to get lost (lovingly), and make sure they have a comfortable time doing it with these gifts for campers.

‘Forever chemicals’ found in freshwater fish, yet most states don’t warn residents
Pollution

‘Forever chemicals’ found in freshwater fish, yet most states don’t warn residents

Researchers, anglers, and environmental activists nationwide worry about the staggering amount of PFAS found in freshwater fish.

Hand holding smartphone with Venmo app download in front of Venmo website on computer
Internet

Amazon cuts Venmo payment option barely a year after enabling it

Although Venmo debit and credit cards are still supported, direct purchasing through the service only lasted 14 months.

The best double DIN head units of 2023
Gear

The best double DIN head units

Level up your driving experience with the latest wireless audio and entertainment equipment in your dashboard.

Three smartphone screens displaying new E2EE feature for Meta
Social Media

Default end-to-end encryption is finally coming to Messenger and Facebook

It’s been a long time coming, but E2EE privacy protection is now rolling out across some of Meta’s most popular services.