Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 697)

A headshot of Jessica Rosenworcel, acting chair of the FCC.
Internet

The FCC is about to undergo a huge shift that could drastically affect the internet

What does the future hold for Net Neutrality, the digital divide, and Section 230?

A floating balloon from Project Loon.
Aviation

RIP Loon, Google’s balloon-based cellular network

An Alphabet project that used stratospheric balloons to deliver connectivity to people below is permanently coming down to Earth.

two people looking bored
Psychology

There’s a right and wrong way to be bored

The doldrums can be helpful when it comes to creativity, but chronic boredom isn’t so positive.

US Senator Bernie Sanders edited into a vintage Popular Science magazine cover to look like he's driving an experimental single-wheel motorcycle.
Projects

How to make a legendary meme

Whether you’re using a meme generator or a more elaborate program, we’ve got tips for you.

Three people in prison jumpsuits behind orange bars and the SARS-CoV-2 virus illustrations superimposed in four spots
COVID-19

On surviving—and leaving—prison during a pandemic

In Colorado, a woman released at the height of COVID-19 finds resilience.

Blue Origin’s New Shephard rocket lifts off.
Private Space Flight

SpaceX won’t be the only company launching commercial rockets in 2021

Two companies took big steps toward selling modestly priced rides to space last week.

A Black Hawk helicopter with a rescue basket beneath it.
Army

Getting rescued by helicopter has risks. This gadget could make it safer.

Small electric thrusters can help stop a litter from spinning out of control.

Dire wolves attacking prey and fighting off gray wolves.
Evolution

Dire wolves are actually ice age mega-foxes

Think less Winterfell, more massive red fox.

a person putting a vaccine into a syringe.
Vaccines

To get vaccines to more people, the priority system needs to loosen up

The vaccine rollout has been shaky, but it can still get on track.

Psittacosaurus reconstruction
Archaeology

This fossilized butthole gives us a rare window into dinosaur sex

The cloaca is the hole-y grail to understanding prehistoric copulation.

Live inauguration coverage on Twitch with emojis in the chat.
Internet

All the best ways to stream the Biden Inauguration

There are many ways to watch the day’s events as well as the concert happening in the evening.

assasin bug preserved fossil
Insects

Feast your eyes on this 50-million-year-old assassin bug and its exquisite genitalia

Delicate insect genitalia are rarely retained as fossils.

Person walking in forest in the middle of a snow storm.
Outdoor Gear

Dress like an Alaskan to weather the winter cold

According to this Fairbanks outdoorsman, this is the gear and know-how you’ll need to get outside this winter.

WASP-107b orbiting in front of its star
Exoplanets

Spacey ‘super puffs’ are changing our understanding of how planets form

As big as Jupiter but 10 times lighter and practically hugging its star, WASP-107b is breaking every rule in the book.

A line of protesters with signs standing in a street, just feet from a line of police with riot shields.
Tech Hacks

How to save important photos and video from the web

The internet is always changing, but there are reasons to archive posts.

Blood vials at a bank or testing lab
Vaccines

We may have grossly underestimated COVID-19 infection rates

Labs and blood banks collect millions of samples each month, offering a distinctive source of data to track cases and also study immunity before and after vaccination.

Air Force One does a practice landing and take off.
Aviation

The new Air Force One arrives in 2024. Here’s what we know so far.

Let’s take a look at the past, present, and future of the airborne White House.

A lunar rainbow or moonbow stretching over the mountains at night in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Weather

In perfect conditions, rainbows can come alive at night

They’re called moonbows, y’all.

A man sleeping in a bed on a pillow with a white blanket.
Life Skills

Take the best naps, with science

When you snooze, you shouldn’t lose.

vaccine syringe held out by a gloved hand
Vaccines

How does an mRNA vaccine work?

The technology is likely to be used for a variety of other diseases, so understanding them now is key.