Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 672)

An ant on a bright green leaf.
Insects

In the battle for the crown, Indian jumping ants shrink and regrow their brains

These insects can go through intense but reversible bodily changes.

An alligator resting on a grassy bank near a body of water.
Life Skills

How to avoid an alligator encounter—and what to do if you can’t

Gators like to be left alone, but they're also hard to see.

This century-old technology could be the key to unlocking America’s renewable energy future
Renewables

This century-old technology could be the key to unlocking America’s renewable energy future

Pumped storage hydro once propped up coal and nuclear power. Now it's essential for a clean, growing grid.

Human activities are making freshwater sources saltier
Environment

Human activities are making freshwater sources saltier

Salt is being pushed into new places, and there could be consequences for our health and the environment.

A fox sitting in some grass.
Animals

We have no clue how climate change will affect most land mammals

We've only studied the effects of climate change for around one percent of all mammals.

someone holds a bunch of bananas on a green background with blue and green polka dots and a small eyeball logo in the upper left corner
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week

Craving a radioactive snack? Grab a banana.

Get the 411 on non-trinary particles in your fruit—and other weird facts we learned this week.

Salmonella could be lurking at your bird feeders and baths. Here’s how to clean them.
Projects

Salmonella could be lurking at your bird feeders and baths. Here’s how to clean them.

Make sure your yard isn't a bacteria breeding ground that kills birds and sickens people.

a woman holding flowers and wearing a gas mask
Medicine

It’s time you really understood what allergies mean

The word allergy originated in 1906. Today it’s come to mean a million different things.

person getting a covid vaccine
Vaccines

The pause on Johnson & Johnson’s COVID vaccine doesn’t mean it’s not safe

Extremely rare blood clots prompted the FDA to pause the shot, but not because the vaccine is dangerous.

Construction workers install solar panles.
Renewables

How Biden’s jobs plan will be put to work for the environment

The American Jobs Plans puts forward ambitious but necessary changes for a sustainable US, according to experts.

Yubikey security key next to a phone and a MacBook
Security

Twitter is about to take a big step toward a password-free future

Security keys make logging in simpler while making your account more secure.

MacOS Big Sur has an annoying Do Not Disturb bug. Here’s how to fix it.
Tech Hacks

MacOS Big Sur has an annoying Do Not Disturb bug. Here’s how to fix it.

Because sometimes you just need to be disturbed.

blood cells moving through blood vessel
COVID-19

COVID might be linked to more blood clots than we thought

A new study suggests the coronavirus itself causes blood clots more than we realized.

The FCC broadband coverage map
Internet

The FCC wants your help to get a better picture of US broadband access

The FCC speed test app tests your internet speed in order to get a better picture of broadband access across the country.

Two bamboo toothbrushes, one with tan bristles and one with blue bristles, on a white towel.
Projects

How to safely turn your old toothbrush into a household cleaning tool

Toothbrushes can be handy around the house—as long as you clean them first.

people wearing masks walking down a street
Vaccines

Most states will open vaccinations to all adults by mid-April

Here's everything you need to know this week.

A plume of smoke following a volcanic eruption.
Climate Change

Is blocking out the sun a good solution to the climate crisis?

We should work out the consequences of filling the sky with sulfur before doing so, researchers urge.

Corroded munitions with sea life grown over.
Ocean

The ocean is a giant dump for chemical weapons. Can we clean it up before it’s too late?

Millions of tons of discarded chemical munitions lie scattered across every ocean on the planet. Can we disband this pollution ticking time bomb before it explodes?

Person in white jacket wearing a red HIV/AIDS ribbon.
Vaccines

An HIV vaccine could arrive sooner than we thought—using Moderna’s mRNA tech

A new vaccine trial in humans shows promising results.

A parked electric vehicle.
Electric Vehicles

Hyundai’s new Ioniq 5 doubles as a giant backup battery for your gadgets

Why not plug your TV into your electric car?