Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 501)

Lawyer and client listening to judge in the court room
AI

This AI chatbot will be playing attorney in a real US court

What happens when the defense rests on an AI's legal advice? We’re about to find out.

A lush green fjord in Norway with a wooden longship.
Biology

Some modern-day Scandinavians lack the ancestral diversity of Vikings

Certain genetics from the Viking era went missing in parts of modern-day Scandinavia.

Amazon-echo-with-soundproof-earmuffs-with-word-hello-on-the-fronta-gainst-red-backdrop-
Internet

The Opt Out: When it comes to privacy, smart devices are not the smarter choice

There may be a way to stop your devices from potentially snooping on you. But you’re not going to like it.

ear wax removed with a q-tip. but you shouldn't do this!
Medicine

4 reasons to put down the cotton swab and love your earwax

Whether flaky or syrupy, your earwax has helpful health benefits. So stop picking it out of your ears.

Close up iv tube on hand
Diseases

What older adults need to ask before surgery

For some older patients, being prepared is especially crucial.

CES 2023 Day One sliced header
Gear

The coolest new tech and gadgets from CES 2023 Day 1

New devices include a tiny factory for your home, a smart mixer, and tons of new audio products.

A cutting board with a variety of ingredients for cooking a healthy meal.
Nutrition

Experts rank the raw food diet as the worst of 2023

The annual ranking looked at 24 diets, including best family-friendly diets and best diets for bone and joint health for the first time.

murder mystery illustration
AI

Only 4 people have been able to solve this 1934 mystery puzzle. Can AI do better?

'Cain’s Jawbone' is a scrambled whodunnit that claims to be decipherable through 'logic and intelligent reading.'

Concept image of solar power farming satellite orbiting above Earth
Technology

A potentially revolutionary solar harvester just left the planet

The 110-pound prototype will send back data on three unique energy projects.

a person stands on a snow covered mountain top looking out a vista of rocky mountains as the sun peeks above the horizon
Environment

Why it matters that humans and nature are growing apart

Our relationship with the great outdoors isn't quite the same as it was a few decades ago.

Yellow chlorovirus particles infecting microscopic green algae
Biology

These microbes could be the first lifeforms to munch on infectious viruses

Halteria were caught chowing down on large numbers of chloroviruses in a recent lab experiment.

Gloved hand holding iKnife cancer detecting surgical tool
Technology

This surgical smart knife can detect endometrial cancer cells in seconds

First debuted in 2013, the iKnife has helped detect breast and brain cancers for nearly a decade.

An orange box of mifepristone (Mifeprex) and a white container of Misoprostol, the two drugs used in a medication abortion, are seen at the Women's Reproductive Clinic, which provides legal medication abortion services, in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
Medicine

FDA takes big step to make abortion pills as accessible as other prescription drugs

It will still be difficult, or even illegal, to access the safe and effective medication in states with bans.

Check before you buy: Here are the new EVs that qualify for the clean vehicle tax credit
Electric Vehicles

Check before you buy: Here are the new EVs that qualify for the clean vehicle tax credit

Certain models may be up for a major federal tax credit.

gmc hummer ev
Electric Vehicles

Which vehicle would win—an electric Hummer or a Corvette?

A competition between the two offers lessons in the difference between quickness and speed.

Robot putting golf ball across indoor field into hole
AI

Meet Golfi, the robot that plays putt-putt

The tiny bot can scoot on a green and hit a golf ball with impressive accuracy.

smartphone that runs on 3g
Internet

It’s the end of an era—Verizon says farewell to 3G

How 3G cellular data ushered in the age of the smartphone.

A scientist testing samples in a lab.
COVID-19

The new Omicron subvariant XXB.1.5 may the next big COVID strain

The CDC estimates that it's causing 75 percent of new cases in the northeastern US.

A crowded airport ticket line
COVID-19

China is facing a COVID-19 surge—and that could mean complications for travel

New restrictions go into effect on January 5 in the United States.

ISS astronauts are building objects that couldn’t exist on Earth
International Space Station

ISS astronauts are building objects that couldn’t exist on Earth

Gravity-defying spare parts are created by filling silicone skins with resin.