Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 609)

4 reasons to let your lawn grow wild
Sustainability

4 reasons to let your lawn grow wild

A beautiful lawn doesn't have to be plain.

A hand in a blue glove holds a small vial labeled "Comirnaty," the new name for the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine.
Vaccines

The FDA officially approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine

The vaccine has a 91 percent efficacy, according to recent data.

a kayak on a beach
Outdoor Gear

Folding kayaks give you a double workout—but they’re worth it

If you’re an explorer with a small apartment and a car with no roof rack, a kayak that folds up origami-style is an idea worth floating.

A photograph is being taken with an iPhone.
Wildlife

Your Flickr photos could help scientists keep tabs on wildlife

A new method of “passive citizen science” is seeking to discover plants and animals that you may not have known were in your photos.

We finally have a working supersolid. Here’s why that matters.
Physics

We finally have a working supersolid. Here’s why that matters.

Scientists have come one step closer to bringing this exotic state of matter into our world.

Nanoarmor design under microscope.
Military

Microscopic mesh could be the key to lighter, stronger body armor

New research finds that lattice-structured nanomaterials can better distribute the impact of tiny projectiles.

kettlebell weighted carry
Fitness & Exercise

The three strength exercises everyone should do

Even if you’re not trying to get swole, these movements will help you with everyday movements.

an old-fashioned medical tool covered in a serrated blade
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week

Why were chainsaws invented? To help with childbirth.

And other weird things we learned this week.

Male acorn woodpecker with tree cache
Birds

Polygamy is just one reason why acorn woodpeckers are master survivalists

They cache food—and chicks, in a way—over their lifetimes.

A homemade DIY rubber stamp made in the image of the Popular Science magazine logo.
Projects

Make a custom rubber stamp to leave your mark on everything

This project is sure to get your seal of approval.

With hurricane potential, Henri could flood the Northeast this weekend
Weather

With hurricane potential, Henri could flood the Northeast this weekend

The tropical storm could touch down as a hurricane in New England, making it the first to do so in decades.

An Apple Find My map displaying the location of David's iPhone.
Tech Hacks

How to find a lost phone

Step one: Stop panicking.

T-Mobile's lit up signage.
Security

A T-Mobile data breach could put 30 million social security numbers at risk

Over 100 million customers may have been affected by the incident.

Both bats and humans test out talking as infants
Bats

Both bats and humans test out talking as infants

Greater Sac-winged bat pups have their own version of baby talk.

Jeff Bezos and his brother
NASA

Jeff Bezos is suing NASA. Here’s why.

The Amazon CEO is taking on the US space agency as his prime target. Here's the context on the dispute—and NASA's moonshot plans.

One of Amazon's smaller in-person stores.
Technology

Amazon killed retail stores just to open up its own

E-commerce giant Amazon might be building new in-person stores in Ohio and California.

4 important question about COVID booster shots, answered
Vaccines

4 important question about COVID booster shots, answered

Many newer lineages of SARS-CoV-2 have various mutations affecting the spike-shaped protein on the surface of the virus.

Lake Mead low water levels on the Colorado River
Agriculture

Why we all have to heed the Colorado River water cuts

Farmers will feel the brunt of the water shortage this time, but states should develop plans for the future.

A science lab with a nuclear fusion reactor in the background, and a ladder leading to the center.
Energy

Humans just generated nuclear energy akin to a star

A recent nuclear fusion experiment puts physicists one step closer to achieving ‘ignition,’ a promising development for new clean energy.

Aerial view of Paranal with VISTA in the foreground and the Very Large Telescope in the background.
Space

A tiny town on the Tibetan Plateau could be the new global hub for space telescopes

Known as 'the roof of the world,' the Plateau boasts clear skies and predictable weather—ideal conditions for the next powerhouse in space research.