Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 735)

Pamela Smith in her lab
Science

This scientist studies alchemy to turn historical handicrafts into modern innovations

Some of the best science lies in the designs of really old stuff.

bikes tied up by fence
COVID-19

The pandemic could make cities more bike-friendly—for good

Cities are creating “slow streets” to enable social distancing and prevent surges in traffic when they reopen.

Two starts orbiting a black hole, as portrayed by an illustrator
Black Holes

Astronomers just found the closest black hole to Earth

And more probably lurk nearby.

bats flying out of an abandoned gold mine
COVID-19

Why do so many diseases come from bats?

Many viruses originate in bats, but that doesn’t mean we should live in fear of them.

A ball of homemade Silly Putty
Projects

Stay-at-home science project: Two-ingredient Silly Putty

Easy peasy, putty squeezy.

a war propaganda poster
Space

Carrots were once a crucial tool in anti-Nazi propaganda

And they don’t actually improve your eyesight.

alaska permafrost lab
Climate Change

Inside a frozen tunnel hiding the galaxy’s biggest secrets

The permafrost in the Fox tunnel in Alaska protects age-old biological clues from decay. But the priceless substrate and scientific tool is disappearing fast.

SARS-CoV-2 strain under a microscope
COVID-19

How the CDC plans to track the mutating coronavirus

Changes to the SARS-CoV-2 genome can be difficult to identify and track.

a homemade fossil footprint
Projects

Stay-at-home science project: Leave some “fossil” footprints

Dinosaur footprints are wonderful. Have some fun making a few of your own.

Hand holding Air Pods
Tech Hacks

Yes, you can use your AirPods on any non-Apple device. Here’s how.

Sounds good, right?

Calyptocephalella gayi frog.
Animals

How did ancient frogs move between America and Australia? Easy: They hopped across Antarctica.

40 million-year-old fossils reveal a ribbiting history.

girl using a mask and hand sanitizer
COVID-19

The US just had its deadliest day of the pandemic yet. June could be worse.

Plus, how a foot rash became a COVID-19 symptom .

shark birth science
Sharks

Why scientists are giving ultrasounds to 10-foot-long pregnant sharks

A small satellite tag, placed in the predator’s uterus, pops out with the baby to deliver much-needed data.

pile of generic drugs
COVID-19

Are doctors trying too many experimental COVID-19 treatments?

Some physicians worry the medical community may be trying too many unproven therapies to help coronavirus patients.

Three gummy bears on a white paper towel
Projects

Stay-at-home science project: Enlarge gummy bears to reveal the secrets of osmosis

It’s os-mazing!

person holding vaccine syringe
Vaccines

Oxford University’s timeline for a COVID-19 vaccine is shorter than previous estimates

Under the best-case scenario, their vaccine could be ready this year. However, the odds are against any vaccine candidate.

air refueling system
Aviation

Refueling fighter jets mid-flight is complex, but new tech from Airbus could simplify the process

Everything you ever wanted to know about how planes take on more fuel as they fly.

Grilled vegetable skewers on a bed of lentils and beans
COVID-19

Sixteen protein-packed veggie dishes to get you through any meat shortage

International eats, brought to you by beans, vegetables, and delicious, melty cheese.

head trip birthday logo
Science

Solve this birthday riddle with a little logic and math power

It’s a real head-scratcher.

A crop of Edvard Munch's painting "The Scream"
Science

Where does fear actually come from?

It’s a surprisingly physical response.