Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 580)

Four prairie dogs standing up in a row on a rock.
Animals

The American West’s changing climate might mean more plague-carrying critters

Warmer mountains mean happier rodents—and more plague.

a thick green lake
Environment

Ancient cities had toxic pollution, too

The Maya may have dealt with dangerous algal blooms.

The science fiction podcasts every nerd should listen to
Science Fiction

The science fiction podcasts every nerd should listen to

To help you ignore your dystopian reality.

How to enjoy fake meat in a way that actually helps the planet
Climate Change

How to enjoy fake meat in a way that actually helps the planet

A Beyond burger is more sustainable than beef, but it's no kale salad.

A new technique reveals how butterfly wings grow into shimmery wonders
Insects

A new technique reveals how butterfly wings grow into shimmery wonders

Butterfly wing scales could be the inspiration for new materials.

Sony WH-1000XM4 from the side with yellow flowers
Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM4 review: Noise-cancelling headphones you can live in

Small refinements and big sound keep the Sony WH-1000XM4 in the best wireless headphones conversation.

a human skull wearing sunglasses and large headphones
Science

The best science podcasts for staying sharp and sounding smart

Bite-sized science knowledge for your hungry ears.

You can get a COVID booster shot. Here’s what else you need to know.
Vaccines

You can get a COVID booster shot. Here’s what else you need to know.

Many people in the United States are now eligible for a booster vaccine.

an astronaut stands next to an american flag on the moon
Moons

Imagine traveling to the moon only to realize you’re allergic to it. One astronaut did.

And other facts from The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week.

A gloved hand drawing a vaccine.
Vaccines

Which COVID-19 booster should I get?

Who can get a COVID-19 booster is changing. Here's who's eligible now.

dirty hands spray green plants with a plastic bottle
Bees

Pesticides leave a lasting mark on pollinating bees

Bees that encountered the chemicals as larvae went on to produce fewer offspring as adults.

Eleven gifts for the hypochondriac in your life
Gift Guides

Eleven gifts for the hypochondriac in your life

From my disease-fearing brain to yours.

Yellow soft vitamin d supplements and pills for potential covid-19 protection
COVID-19

How much does vitamin D protect us from diseases like COVID?

Popping vitamins and sitting in the sun became popular self-care practices during the pandemic. But doctors are still digging into the sunshine supplement's supposed magic.

guy reaching into a box with brown filling in it
Gift Guides

From unique to practical, the best birthday gift ideas for men will wow

Even if you think that special guy in your life has everything, the best birthday gift ideas for men will make his day, any and every day.

Best Tool for the Job: Cutting Rebar
Projects

Best Tool for the Job: Cutting Rebar

The best tools for trimming one of the most versatile and affordable materials you can get

Roomba robot vacuum and pets.
AI

The newest Roomba is finally smart enough to avoid pet poop

iRobot just made a POOP guarantee. Here's why.

Munu the black rhino in his enclosure
Endangered Species

This blind rhino’s infrared security system could help stop poachers

Munu, an endangered black rhinoceros, needs to be watched 24/7. Thermal cameras do the job.

Beautiful porch with screened doors and plants as a way to keep cool without ac
Life Skills

5 ways to stay cool without blasting the AC

Chill out without letting the electricity bill spike like the temperature.

How to make your own laundry detergent
Projects

How to make your own laundry detergent

It’s cheap, easy, and quick. Did we mention cheap?

Trays of basil under purple UV lights at a vertical farm
Agriculture

Vertical farms are finally branching out

By experimenting with more efficient lighting, vertical farmers are also finding that they can sustain new crops.