Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 763)

brown tree snake
Animals

These snakes wiggle up smooth poles by turning their bodies into ‘lassoes’

The newly discovered form of movement could help invasive tree snakes raid bird nest boxes in Guam.

Capitol Hill aerial view with construction vehicles and work
Military

Washington, D.C. is home to a fascinating labyrinth of tunnels

The underground passages, some of which date back hundreds of years, connect key buildings beneath the nation’s capital for a multitude of uses.

United States capitol building at night.
COVID-19

The attack on the Capitol had all the ingredients of a COVID-19 superspreader event

The red flags were all there.

a person staring at a smartphone screen
Social Media

How your daily screen time affects your wellbeing

Don’t lose sleep over your Instagram feed.

syringes
Vaccines

Is one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine enough?

A slow vaccine rollout means many may be left waiting for their second dose. How much does that matter?

Interacting galaxies seen among stars through a telescope
NASA

Behold six galactic collisions, masterfully captured by Hubble

The mergers can teach us about how stars are born.

A person in glasses and a buttoned shirt tossing a handful of colorful confetti in the air
Mental Health

A psychologist explains how hope can make a difference in impossible times

It’s more enduring than optimism, but you to have to dig a little deeper to find it.

a medical syringe
COVID-19

COVID vaccines are getting thrown out thanks to strict distribution rules

Here’s everything you need to know this week.

cold ocean waters with chunks of ice
Weather

The polar vortex is about to split in two. But what does that actually mean?

This might spell a snowy January for the US. Or not.

Hand holding iPhone indoors against modern paintings.
Tech Hacks

Your phone’s home screen can hold more than just apps. Here’s what else you should add.

Break free from the grid.

Outdoor cafe
COVID-19

When it comes to COVID-19 risk, what counts as ‘outdoor’ dining?

Ranking risk from inflatable igloos to chilly patios.

People dancing at house party at night
Tech Hacks

These apps bring the magic of a house party online

Meeting someone in the bathroom line can be a thing again.

Charging an electric vehicle.
Electric Vehicles

What to know before you buy an electric vehicle

This guide will help you understand the trickiest aspects of EV ownership: charging and range.

Man screaming
Psychology

Stressed? Try screaming. Yes, really.

A primal scream won’t solve all your problems, but it’s a good first step.

Stock image of a crowd from an unspecified event.
Technology

Facial recognition still can’t prove someone’s identity

AI can provide clues, but facial recognition is still nowhere near reliable enough to count as legal evidence.

This image was taken by Voyager 2, and features its Great Dark Spot and a bright moving spot colloquially called Scooter.
Solar System

Neptune’s bumpy childhood could reveal our solar system’s missing planets

The peace of the modern solar system hides a violent youth.

A helicopter with a person on the hoist below it.
Psychology

Stay calm under pressure with lessons learned in the world’s most stressful careers

You may not be a trauma surgeon, but you can use some of the same coping mechanisms.

A bookshelf made out of a reclaimed wood pallet, full of books, with a chalkboard panel.
Projects

Turn an old pallet into a handy—and free—bookshelf

This project is an easy way to add some personal flair to your home.

A US sailor at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California, prepares Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for rollout
Vaccines

Vaccines conquered smallpox and polio, but COVID-19 looks like a tougher battle

For starters, the US has barely reached 25 percent of its vaccination target.

An Apple macOS laptop, desktop computer, tablet, and iOS iPhone on a wooden desk.
Tech Hacks

How to keep people from stealing your Wi-Fi

Give digital trespassers the boot.