Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 583)

A bald man wearing headphones and a backpack in a crowded area, maybe a train station.
Tech Hacks

The easiest way to cue up calming sounds on your iPhone

It all comes down to how fast you can press a button.

fossilized human footprints
Archaeology

These footprints could push back human history in the Americas

But knowing for sure isn't easy.

Rolls-Royce’s zippy electric airplane wants to break speed records—and power air taxis of the future
Aviation

Rolls-Royce’s zippy electric airplane wants to break speed records—and power air taxis of the future

The goal is to fly faster than 300 mph.

Everything you need to know about COVID booster shots
Vaccines

Everything you need to know about COVID booster shots

Whether boosters will be needed for the general population isn’t yet known.

Unmarked vials to represent the COVID-19 vaccines in the US
Vaccines

Which COVID-19 vaccine is the best?

If you have a choice in the type of COVID-19 vaccine you get, it’s worth knowing the differences between the vaccines.

Spiciness isn’t a taste, and more burning facts about the mysterious sensation
Health

Spiciness isn’t a taste, and more burning facts about the mysterious sensation

There's a little bit of masochism involved.

Soccer player injured after getting too many concussions
Health

When to worry about a concussion

There’s a lot we don’t know.

Toyota’s new hybrid Tundra uses an electric motor for more power
Hybrid Cars

Toyota’s new hybrid Tundra uses an electric motor for more power

The 2022 pickup truck is now partially electrified, boosting its performance when drivers are hauling heavy loads.

A tablet with a stylus next to it, and the Netflix app on the screen.
Tech Hacks

How to keep track of what’s new on Netflix and what’s leaving

Don't miss your viewing window.

Sustainable diet of salad on a pink and purple background
Agriculture

How to eat sustainably without sacrificing your favorite foods

The food system is complicated, but these tips are simple.

A person in a green shirt sitting in front of a computer while a person in a black shirt leans close over their shoulder.
Tech Hacks

How to use Apple’s new Mail Privacy Protection to fight email tracking

This feature can render tracking data essentially useless.

pfizer covid vaccine vials
Vaccines

The CDC recommends booster shots for healthcare workers and other at-risk groups

An FDA advisory committee met on Friday amid an ongoing debate about the potential value of COVID booster shots.

Red pickup truck stopped in front of a tornado in Nebraska
Weather

3 wild ideas for how to stop a tornado

To stop a tornado, you first have to know how it's formed.

Pepper the social robot.
AI

Do we trust robots enough to put them in charge?

The factors that cause people to accept robots, or not, will surprise you.

Soy sauce, cilantro, broth, and other umami foods on a pink and purple background
Science

What is umami? No, really.

It translates to 'mouthfulness.'

Singapore’s new robot cops will focus on small-time crime
AI

Singapore’s new robot cops will focus on small-time crime

Machines like these, called Xavier, may ultimately just be mobile extensions of surveillance systems.

A gloved hand holding a syringe and vial.
Vaccines

CDC panel gives a thumbs-up to Pfizer boosters, but not for everyone

Here's everything you need to know this week.

This drone knows precisely where to drop a life-saving raft
Drones

This drone knows precisely where to drop a life-saving raft

Some drones deploy weapons. This one drops rescue equipment to people stranded out at sea.

A closeup of a bunch of red maple seed, still red and green and unripe.
Environment

Floating whirligig microchips could help us monitor nature without leaving a trace

Inspired by the seeds of maple trees, engineers have built a flying microchip.

An illustration of a 2-legged dinosaur running beside a small brown bird, on a checkered background. Their skin is see-through, revealing bones and tendons.
Dinosaurs

Two-legged dinosaurs wagged their tails like giant, scaly puppies

Were they trying to save energy, or just happy to see you?