Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 77)

Petralona skull of ancient hominin
Evolution

Hominin skull discovered in 1960 finally gets an accurate age

Give or take 9,000 years.

close up of a spectral bat. it has large ears, small teeth, and a pointy nose
Bats

World’s largest carnivorous bats are big softies

Spectral bats share prey, hug, and even form 'tight cuddle-balls' when falling asleep.

SN 2021yfj is a new kind of supernova, challenging our understanding of stellar evolution. Its progenitor lost its outer shells well before the supernova happened and only consisted of its oxygen/silicon core — unlike any known star in the Milky Way. The dying, stripped-to-the-bone star experienced extreme mass loss episodes that led to the ejecting of material rich in silicon (grey), sulfur (yellow) and argon (purple).
Black Holes

Violent supernova spilled a star’s ‘guts’ before exploding

The star's body was 'stripped to the bone' in this new type of supernova.

a person wearing gloves holds a large gelatinous greenish blob
Wildlife

‘Cursed gummybear’ spotted in Lake Huron

The super tough invertebrates are ace survivalists.

Close-up of two feet with red nail polish, separated by pink foam toe spacers against a light blue background.
Health

Can toe spacers actually help your feet? It could be worth a try.

Re-training your toes can give your feet a much-needed workout.

Close up of ear of corn in corn crop field
Agriculture

Corn gets gassy when it feels too crowded

But the chemical response can help defend it and fellow crops against pests.

a dire wolf skull. it has large front teeth
Archaeology

Dire wolf skull could fetch over $30,000 at auction

The Ice Age predator's skull, a cave bear skeleton, colorful ammonites, and more will be up for bid.

This image of Uranus from NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) on NASA's James Webb Space Telescope exquisitely captures Uranus's seasonal north polar cap and dim inner and outer rings. This Webb image also shows 9 of the planet's 27 moons – clockwise starting at 2 o'clock, they are: Rosalind, Puck, Belinda, Desdemona, Cressida, Bianca, Portia, Juliet, and Perdita.
Moons

Uranus may have a 29th moon

JWST spotted a tiny satellite that Voyager 2 likely missed nearly 40 years ago.

tattoed skin in frame
Health

Father-son morticians turn tattoos into wall art

Save My Ink Forever gives ink a second life after death.

Example of knotted khipu cords next to ruler for siz referenc
Archaeology

Human hair-based recordkeeping was widespread in Incan Empire

The khipu system wasn't only reserved for elite men.

a lake trout looking up from the water
Fish

Meet Mary Catherine, the Great Lakes’ oldest-known trout

When she hatched, milk cost $1 per gallon.

Patagonia hoodies jackets on a yellow background
Outdoor Gear

Patagonia is blowing out jackets, hoodies, hats, and more during this rare clearance sale

Grab some of our favorite fall and winter gear for half off before the pumpkin spice coffees start flowing this year.

Interior of small airplane bathroom
Diseases

Airplane toilet water may help combat the next pandemic

Antimicrobial resistant pathogens may kill 50 million people by 2050.

a rattlesnake with brown and white scales is coiled on the ground of a forest
Land

Michigan’s only rattlesnake is inbreeding

Habitat loss is putting the timid wetland reptiles in a genetic bind.

Close up of dental exam on woman's teeth
Medicine

Want a better toothpaste? Just add wool

A protein found in hair and fingernails may help restore enamel.

a bird with long wings and white and black plumage gliding over the oceanCREDIT: Yusuke Goto
Birds

These seabirds poop on the fly (literally)

Japanese scientists accidentally discover a bird's very regular routine.

Cacao Beans in seed pods next to chocolate chunks in cacao seed pod
Science

How to make perfect chocolate, according to science

Cacao starter cultures may lead to a chocolate fermentation renaissance.

two small brown rodents called prairie voles
Psychology

Love hormone could be key to friendship

Oxytocin helps prairie voles make friends faster and stay loyal.

a black dog looks up with soulful eyes
Dogs

What do you do if your dog ingests cocaine?

One researcher is trying to protect pets from future accidents.

kids sitting in classroom
AI

Kids need soft skills in the age of AI, but what does this mean for schools?