Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 596)

person preparing mRNA vaccine to be injected
Vaccines

The first mRNA-based HIV vaccine is about to start human trials

The same system Moderna used for its COVID vaccine may also be able to help prevent HIV.

Paris catacombs human skulls Skeleton Keys
Health

The human bone trade is legal—and booming on Instagram

Excerpt: Skeleton Keys: The Secret Life of Bone

Meet the cat-sized mammals that thrived after the dinosaurs died
Dinosaurs

Meet the cat-sized mammals that thrived after the dinosaurs died

Three newly discovered fossil mammals hint at a bustling post-dinosaur world.

What the heck is a time crystal, and why are physicists obsessed with them?
Physics

What the heck is a time crystal, and why are physicists obsessed with them?

Some of today’s quantum physicists are tinkering with an esoteric phase of matter that seems to disobey some of our laws of physics.

outdoors compositing pile with veggies
Life Skills

How to keep food, plastic, and fabric out of the landfill

Tackle life on the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle.

a diagram of saturn with its slushy core
Solar System

Saturn has a slushy core and rings that wiggle

Astronomers used the rings as a seismograph to peer inside the planet’s core.

View from inside a catio with white cat on a swing
Projects

Tips to build the safest, most purr-fect catio for your feline overlord

Yes, it's called a catio—it's a patio but for your cat.

Empty cups, both plastic and paper, take out containers, straws, and other trash sit in a multi-colored pile. Starbucks, Nathans, Dunkin Donuts, and Canada Dry logos are visible on some of the items.
Environment

Your compostable cups and containers aren’t reversing the plastic problem

Our waste systems just aren't ready for compostable plastic.

fire trucks lines up on a road
Self Driving

Teslas keep hitting emergency vehicles, and now the government is investigating

The cars in 11 crashes were all in Autopilot or adaptive cruise control mode.

Screenshot of the home screen of an iPhone showing the messages app with one unread message.
Tech Hacks

How to save your text messages from disappearing when you get a new phone

These apps will help you bring your text message history wherever you go.

Is ‘vegan’ leather really better for the planet?
Pollution

Is ‘vegan’ leather really better for the planet?

Step away from the pleather.

haitian coast
Weather

Why the aftershocks from Haiti’s earthquake could be incredibly destructive

It’s hard to overstate the severity of the unfolding crisis.

COVID hospitalizations for kids and younger adults are at record highs
Vaccines

COVID hospitalizations for kids and younger adults are at record highs

Here's everything you need to know.

A laptop on a college-dorm desk
Mental Health

8 tips for boosting mental health at college in the age of COVID-19

As campuses reopen, students stuck at home or in dorm rooms should take close care of themselves.

Young mice learn to parent by babysitting
Psychology

Young mice learn to parent by babysitting

Practice makes perfect for future rodent caretakers.

Apple iPhone with CSAM
Security

Apple has a new plan to curb child pornography. Here’s why it’s controversial.

The tech giant unveiled new tools to fight CSAM, or child sexual abuse material. This is what to know about them—and why some privacy experts are pushing back.

Scientists genetically engineered prehistoric proteins to detect diseases
Biology

Scientists genetically engineered prehistoric proteins to detect diseases

How a curious ancient protein could be the next frontier of imaging.

an illustration of a melting planet earth covered in lush trees and leaves
Animals

An ancient era of global warming could hint at our scorching future

Looking back at the strange and sweaty days of the PETM.

A gas station at night
Vehicles

Forget miles per gallon—here’s the best metric for measuring a car’s efficiency

It's been right there on the vehicle's sticker all along.

A man snoring in a white bed, while a woman angrily holds a pillow over her ears next to him.
Life Skills

How to stop snoring and spread the gift of better sleep

Finally sleep soundly (and silently).