Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 540)

Feathered Caudipteryx dinosaurs drinking from a sandy river among palm trees before the asteroid hit
Dinosaurs

June was probably a terrible month to be a dinosaur. Here’s how we know.

Fish bones and water lilies help pin down the exact timing of when the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs hit Earth.

a large, dark globe-shaped fish with a striking rod on the crown of its head. the bulb at the tip of the rod glows a cobalt blue
Fish

This anglerfish has mastered a trick to light up the depths of the Pacific Ocean

To ensnare its meal, the Pacific footballfish puts on a dazzling light show by making and manipulating its own glow.

a rendering of a supersonic passenger aircraft in flight
Aviation

Boom plans to make its supersonic passenger planes in North Carolina

The company is making big boasts about producing new aircraft at a "superfactory" and then getting them airborne by 2026.

Brown kombucha SCOBYs sit on plate in front of jars full of fermented tea
Sustainability

Turns out kombucha SCOBYs could make good water filters

Researchers found membrane filters made with slimy, fermented microorganisms clogged less than their commercial counterparts.

two researchers in winter gear crouch over a small rock in an icy windy landscape. next to them are yellow and black snow mobiles
Space

A meteorite-hunting AI will scout for space rocks buried in polar ice

Antarctic meteorite expeditions can be grueling, but scientists designed a new AI that could help locate hotspots.

bottle and breast pump on a desk
Life Skills

Breast pumps have barely evolved, but you can still make them better

It's OK to hate your pump—we all do.

google chrome browser
Internet

Google Chrome finally found a replacement for cookies

Topics is Google’s new method of sharing user information with advertisers.

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
Moons

Part of a SpaceX rocket is going to crash into the moon. It’s probably fine.

It's one small impact for the moon.

Black couple at a campfire in front of a silver Airstream RV trailer
Sustainability

Electric self-towing Airstreams are coming—and car geeks are stoked

The eStream trailer motors along on electricity, so there's less pulling (and fuel) involved.

a brown bat in flight
Bats

The secret to these bats’ hunting prowess is deep within their ears

This major group of diverse bats are auditory innovators.

close up of a diamond ring
Life Skills

A buyer’s guide to ethically sourced diamonds

Yeah, maybe don't DIY this one.

a bottle of yellow liquid labeled "apple cider vinegar" next to a full glass and a pile of red apples
Health

The truth about oil pulling, apple cider vinegar, and other trendy cleanses

Some facts to consider before your next gua sha or sauna session.

Light brown tarantula with white discharge around mouth being attacked by a nematode worm on a bacteria backsplash
Spiders

What do you call a tiny tarantula killer? Jeff Daniels.

The actor says the new species designation "made him smile."

a person takes a selfie
Security

Why the IRS wants you to log in with a video selfie

The IRS will be requiring a video selfie, submitted through ID.me, for access to its website. Here's what to know.

hands-on-desktyping on mac computer
Tech Hacks

Save computer memory by turning your browser into an operating system

Your browser is more powerful than you think.

an air taxi in the sky
Aviation

This little air-taxi company just got a big lift from Boeing

Boeing is investing $450 million in Wisk, which is working on autonomous, electric air taxis.

Winter-Plant-Care
Life Skills

How to help houseplants survive winter

The bad news? There's not a lot you can do.

Can cannabis protect people from COVID? Buzzy studies can’t say.
COVID-19

Can cannabis protect people from COVID? Buzzy studies can’t say.

Preliminary research shows that very high, pure concentrations of CBD could hamper SARS-CoV-2.

Low hanging cloud layer over snowy ground
Pollution

How a bewitching weather phenomenon took over a Maine town

Events called inversions make for spellbinding views—or long-lasting haze.

a person is pricking their finger for blood to test on a white strip with a dropper
Diseases

Insurance coverage for at-home tests could help stop the rise in STIs

STI rates have been rising for years, and the pandemic is making things worse. Now California has a new law requiring insurance companies to cover at-home tests.