Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 763)

air-based heat pump
Global Warming

How heat pumps can help fight global warming

These ultra-efficient systems could massively reduce our emissions from heating and cooling buildings.

a person sneezing
COVID-19

All the ways you can—and can’t—catch the coronavirus

Little is known for sure, but sneezes are still the main thing you should watch out for

The Mac Dock, showing icons for Mail and other apps.
Tech Hacks

Ten tools to help you spend less time on email

There’s more to life than your inbox.

A road sign warning of possible alien abduction
Space

The truth about Area 51 UFO sightings, according to a local expert

Decades of government secrecy have led to a rash of extraterrestrial reports in Nevada. Author Sarah Scoles set out to see for herself.

A hospital operating room
Health

New tech in university healthcare systems brings secret costs for patients

Consumers don’t need to know the price of things—they need to know how much they’ll pay.

bernie sanders speaking at rally
Global Warming

Where every Democratic candidate stands on the biggest environmental issues

We reviewed candidates’ statements and websites to compare their plans for climate change, and broke it all down for you.

a cattle skull mounted on wood
Archaeology

Five surprising ways people have used (and are still using) bones

Life after death.

IV drip in hospital
Life Skills

Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about donating bone marrow

From swabbing your cheek to saving a life.

An old man at a podium reading from a book
Physics

Theoretical physicist Freeman Dyson dies at 96

The mathematical prodigy didn’t care to stick to one subject of study—and he never bothered to get a doctorate.

a dirty green and white first aid bag
COVID-19

How to prepare for a viral outbreak like COVID-19

Don’t panic. Plan.

Mossy forest
Fossil Fuels

Ancient forests that power the modern world

Fossil fuels are, first and foremost, fossils.

Sarcos CES
Robots

Robotic exoskeletons are storming out of sci-fi and onto your squishy human body

The Sarcos Guardian XO will help Delta employees handle heavy bags.

Stephen Krcmar
Technology

Ebikes freed my commute from the tyranny of traffic

Fun, urban adventure, and no visits to the gas pump.

A bioluminescent ponyfish with a light-generating organ in its esophagus.
Evolution

Fish gave us legs—and four other finny facts

Have you thanked a fish today?

a seagull eating a piece of pizza on a restaurant table
Wildlife

Seagulls hunger for food touched by human hands

The birds will have what you’re having.

moon over the earth
Moons

Earth has a new mini-moon, but don’t get too attached

Goodbye mini-moon, we hardly knew ye.

Captain Jake Hiles and 708-pound tuna that is the pending new state Virginia record.
Fish

Anglers in Virginia reeled in a 700-pound tuna, then threw a dinner party

A mile-long chase in the pre-dawn hours gave Jack Hiles a chance to try his new lures (and break a record).

Bell helicopter
Aviation

Bell’s new helicopter may look strange, but it could reduce accidents and noise

The four small electric fans in the back are a dramatic change from the way a traditional tail rotor works.

x-ray of bone with extra growths likened to dripping candle wax
Diseases

Six rare bone disorders you probably haven’t heard of

Plus one more you might be more familiar with.

Superstar singer Taylor Swift at a music festival
Psychology

Eating disorders are about emotional pain, not food

Simply changing eating or exercise patterns won’t work.