Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 482)

A small lizard called the Puerto Rican crested anole sits on a human-made fence.
Wildlife

When these reptiles became city lizards, it changed their genes

Longer limbs and larger toe pads appear to be linked to more city-dwelling lizards in Puerto Rico.

Protesters hold signs in front of University College London Hospital, Euston Road in solidarity with the nurses strike and the NHS on December 20, 2022.
Health

New York City nurses go on strike due to low pay and understaffing

Up to 100,000 nurses went on strike last month in the UK for similar reasons.

Sunlight shining on solar recycling system experiment
Renewables

Scientists just got one step closer to solar-powered recycling plants

A relatively simple new invention can break down plastic bottles into glycolic acid.

A drawing dating back to the Ice Age on a cave with markings circled.
Archaeology

Cave drawings from 20,000 years ago may feature an early form of writing

The sequences of dots, lines, and other shapes have been found in at least 400 locations throughout Europe.

Half Dome in Yosemite National Park at sunset, where people have fallen to their deaths.
Life Skills

How to avoid dying in national parks

Tips for avoiding the four most common causes of accidental death in US parks.

an aerial view of an intersection
Electric Vehicles

What can ‘smart intersections’ do for a city? Chattanooga aims to find out.

Sensors can help make an intersection more knowable. Here's how a network of them could help a Tennessee city.

A crab’s biggest turn off? Ship noises.
Ocean

A crab’s biggest turn off? Ship noises.

For green crabs, ship noise is like an anti–Barry White.

A black TV remote on a gray chair in some sunlight.
Tech Hacks

How to deal with movies that bounce from too quiet to too loud

There’s no need to have your finger constantly hovering over the volume buttons.

Ozempic diabetes drug pen being taken out of package following TikTok weight loss trend
Diabetes

TikTokers are taking a diabetes drug to lose weight. Now it’s in short supply.

Injecting Ozempic can cause you to shed the pounds, but you won’t be able to ‘hack’ your way into a healthy body.

Polio survivors in the US still struggle with the aftershocks of the disease decades later
Diseases

Polio survivors in the US still struggle with the aftershocks of the disease decades later

Decades after the vaccine, adults with post-polio syndrome are struggling with symptoms—and looking for answers.

vertical view of a person using an apple computer
Tech Hacks

How to recover old versions of files on programs like Excel and Photoshop

Retrace your digital steps when you need to.

Facebook loading screen
Social Media

EU fines Meta for forcing users to accept personalized ads

The company has to pay $410 million and outline how it will change its Terms of Service.

The EPA wants more ‘renewable’ fuel. But what does that actually mean?
Renewables

The EPA wants more ‘renewable’ fuel. But what does that actually mean?

'Renewable fuels' like ethanol and biogas come at an environmental cost.

Blue flames from multiple burners on a gas stove.
Diseases

Gas stoves could be making thousands of children in America sick

Staggering asthma numbers add to a growing call to phase out the use of gas stoves in homes.

Twitter logo seen through magnifying glass on desktop screen
Social Media

Hackers could be selling your Twitter data for the lowball price of $2

The latest Twitter drama could affect well over half of its active user base.

Geologists collecting Permian fossils on a Tibetan plateau
Pollution

UV radiation might be behind the planet’s biggest mass extinction

Volcanic gases, carbon dioxide, and UV-B rays made for a noxious combination for Permian life.

A still from a 3D model of the 16th-century ship found at Dungeness quarry
Archaeology

A ship from the 16th century was just dredged up in England

Remains of the ship date back to the reign of Elizabeth I.

Two DIY picture frames next to each other on a beige wall, with sunset photos inside them.
Projects

Simple DIY picture frames that will elevate your home decor

Make art out of random scraps of wood (and your favorite photos).

doctor on computer
AI

This AI is no doctor, but its medical diagnoses are pretty spot on

Asking an AI about your health issues might be better than WebMD, but it does come with some caveats.

The Jewel Damselfish on off of a rat-free island.
Fish

Invasive rats are making some reef fish more peaceful, and that’s bad, actually

Non-native rats on tropical islands are changing fish behavior and it all comes down to bird poop.