Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 80)

Quantum Random Number Generator machine
Engineering

Here’s how to generate a truly random number with quantum physics

CURBy is available online and free to use.

Two archeologists surveying site in Turkey
Archaeology

Archaeologists uncover royal tomb tied to the real King Midas

It didn't include any gold, but the discovery has a lot to tell us about this ancient dynasty.

a male river otter standing on snow
Animals

Escaped river otter takes his destiny into his own (tiny) hands

‘We believe he has made the decision to be a wild otter.’

an adult osprey looks on as the heads of three chicks pop out over a nest
Birds

Three osprey chicks hatch in 500-pound steel nest boxes

This prime bird real estate is 350 feet above the fish-filled Hudson River in New York.

Happy smiling little boy out in the rain
Ask Us Anything

The science behind the smell of rain

A story of bacteria, arthropods, and two very smelly organic compounds.

Cannabis Edible Gummies spilling from container onto wood table
Health

As cannabis users age, health risks appear to grow

'There’s increasing evidence of a potential effect on memory and cognition.'

European Gray Wolf Cubs in a Grass in a Spring Day
Dogs

Two Ice Age ‘puppies’ weren’t exactly dogs

But the sisters did feast on some woolly rhino before they died.

A loving father of African descent sits on the couch at home and reads a storybook to his preschool age daughter. The child is sitting on her father's lap and is smiling while looking at the book.
Psychology

Why do kids love reading the same book over and over? Child development experts explain.

Repetition helps your child feel safe, even if you need a break from 'Click Clack Moo.'

a small white dog standing on grey sheets looks up
Dogs

The 6 dog breeds more prone to diarrhea, according to new study

The dreaded ‘poonami’ can strike fear in the hearts of dog owners.

Thrush songbird
Archaeology

Ancient Romans snacked on deep-fried songbirds

Fast food has deep roots.

group of iphones
Tech Hacks

The 14 best new features coming to iOS 26 and macOS 26

Plus, how you can try them now.

Gold coins scattered on ocean floor
Archaeology

Gold coins confirm ‘world’s richest shipwreck’ is 18th century Spanish galleon

But who gets to claim the $17 billion treasure?

Examples of the pig molar teeth specimens analyzed for a study on pig domestication.
Archaeology

Wild boars began shrinking down to domesticated pigs 8,000 years ago

Ancient pig teeth indicate that the farm animals were first domesticated in China.

Winning products from the 2025 Popular Science Home of the Future awards
Gear

2025 Home of the Future Awards: 25 products that’ll improve your everyday life

We've selected the best innovations to make your home more comfortable, affordable, and livable.

child alone on the street
Science

If people stopped having babies, how long would it be before humans were all gone?

The number of people in the world is still growing, but the pace of that growth has slowed.

The fracture of BG1.12 is shown in various views (A–F). The skull fracture in this specimen starts at the anterior part of the frontal bone and extends diagonally to the sagittal border of the left parietal bone (G). Credit: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology (2025). DOI: 10.1002/oa.3415
Archaeology

Ancient cone-shaped skull shows signs of fatal trauma

The teen girl lived in modern-day Iran around 6,200 years ago.

Shokz OpenRun Pro bone conduction headphones on sale at Amazon
Headphones

The best bone conduction headphones for working out are cheaper than ever at Amazon

These headphones leave your ear canals open so you can hear what's going on around you during a workout, even when your music is blasting.

Hammerhead shark in water
Birds

Osprey drops hammerhead shark onto disc golf field

The hawk was forced to give up its odd prey after getting mobbed by crows.

Gonatus Antarcticus squid seen underwater
Ocean

Watch the mesmerizing first-ever footage of a rare Antarctic squid

The three-foot-long Gonatus antarcticus was spotted last year on Christmas Day.

clouds in a blue sky
Ask Us Anything

How do clouds get their shapes?

From fluffy cumulus to feathery cirrus to imposing cumulonimbus.