Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 407)

Close up of a newly discovered orchid species named Spiranthes hachijoensis with pink petals,
Land

This new species of pink orchid looks like delicate glasswork

The petite flowers were hiding in plain sight across parks and backyard gardens in Japan.

diving board and pool
Internet

This startup wants to use heat from data centers to warm swimming pools

Deep Green's system could save public pools around $24,000 a year, and cut their annual CO2 emissions by 26 tons.

A Wedge-tailed Eagle, a large vulture native to Australia.
Birds

An extinct 10-foot-long eagle could pick up kangaroos with its terrifying talons

Dynatoaetus gaffae went extinct with much of Australia’s other megafauna 50,000 years ago.

A winning picture of mutated pollen grains, colorized, from the Koch Institute Image Awards.
Biology

Under a microscope, mouse colons and mutant pollen become art

These images show that sometimes, the best medical tools are natural.

Biden approved an oil drilling project in Alaska—and it could be a ‘climate disaster’
Fossil Fuels

Biden approved an oil drilling project in Alaska—and it could be a ‘climate disaster’

The administration approved the controversial ConocoPhillips venture while also limiting future drilling in other parts of Alaska.

Dr. Alan Karthikesalingam presenting at the Google health event.
AI

Google’s AI doctor appears to be getting better

It's all part of the company's grand mission to make personalized health info more accessible.

Notre Dame cathedral in Paris with scaffolding and construction work following a fire in 2019.
Archaeology

The Notre Dame fire revealed a long-lost architectural marvel

The 860-year-old Gothic cathedral was likely the first to use iron staples to reinforce its construction.

Red and speckled blue and black poison dart frog looking up from a light green leaf
Wildlife

Poisonous animals probably took their sweet time developing unappetizing bright colors

It takes generations to teach predators not to eat you.

Smartphone with TikTok brand logo resting on laptop laptop keyboard
Social Media

US government gives TikTok an ultimatum, warning of ban

The Biden administration warned TikTok's owners to sell their stakes, while the UK banned the app from government devices.

A French bulldog puppy running.
Dogs

America has a favorite new dog breed, and it’s slightly problematic

French bulldogs pushed the Labrador retriever out of first place this year, but the breed isn't without controversy.

Rockets firing from the ground into a black sky with moons and flames. Illustrated.
Air Force

These 3D printed engines can power space-bound rockets—or hypersonic weapons

A Colorado company is fabricating powerful engines with names like Hadley and Ripley. Here's why.

Small flying robot perched atop cactus
Robots

This bumblebee-inspired bot can bounce back after injuring a wing

Bumblebees can hurt their wings and still fly. Researchers want their own aerial robots to do the same.

A mosquito biting a human arm.
Insects

How can we control mosquitos? Deactivate their sperm.

This method of biological control could help manage populations of mosquitoes that carry deadly viruses.

Two hands with fingerless gloves on a laptop with Microsoft Word open.
Tech Hacks

10 Microsoft Word tips you need to learn right now

The text processing program can still surprise you after almost 40 years in the market.

Best drones under $100 colorful header image
Gear

The best drones under $100

You don’t need to spend a ton to have fun flying a remote-controlled craft.

NASA Axios spacesuit helmet with a pulled-back visor with better visibility on the moon
Moons

NASA finally got comfier spacesuits, but astronauts still have to poop in them

The first new NASA spacesuit in 40 years comes in many sizes, but just one color.

This drone company plans to make deliveries by lowering a small droid into your yard
Drones

This drone company plans to make deliveries by lowering a small droid into your yard

It might be the droid you're looking for, and it will be carrying your salad.

WR 145 star in pre-supernova state with white bright core and red and purple dust and matter clouding around it. Taken by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope.
Space Telescope

James Webb Space Telescope captures the beauty of a rare, violent phenomena

Why does the universe have a 'dust surplus'? A pre-supernova star holds a clue.

This dinosaur’s record-breaking neck defies the laws of nature
Evolution

This dinosaur’s record-breaking neck defies the laws of nature

Clocking in at around 50 feet long, this sauropod may hold the title of longest neck ever discovered.

The US might finally regulate toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
Pollution

The US might finally regulate toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water

The Biden administration has proposed a limit for PFAS pollution, which threatens human health and the environment.