Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 819)

How to leave the great outdoors exactly how you found it
Life Skills

How to leave the great outdoors exactly how you found it

No, you can't just throw food in the woods.

This distant Neptune-like planet really shouldn’t exist
Exoplanets

This distant Neptune-like planet really shouldn’t exist

A 'Forbidden planet' defies odds and thrives under inhospitable conditions.

highveld mole rat droptail ant
Evolution

The naked mole rat’s furry cousin also feels no pain

Immunity to discomfort seems to run in the family.

Snow might be the next clean energy source
Energy

Snow might be the next clean energy source

Two scientists have developed a device that captures the electrical charge from falling snow.

Wildfire smoke is particularly bad for you—here’s why
Pollution

Wildfire smoke is particularly bad for you—here’s why

Smoke from so-called 'prescribed burns' is less detrimental than smoke from wildfires.

A bizarre new theory connects supernovae explosions with humans’ ability to walk upright
Space Telescope

A bizarre new theory connects supernovae explosions with humans’ ability to walk upright

We're going to need some more evidence.

Eco-friendly packaging could be poisoning our compost
Pollution

Eco-friendly packaging could be poisoning our compost

After a study uncovered PFAS in compost, regulators in Washington moved to ban this class of synthetic compounds.

pachacutec profile
Archaeology

The king behind Machu Picchu built his legacy in stone

In lieu of a written language, the Inca communicated through construction.

Europeans looked down on Neanderthals—until they realized they shared their DNA
Evolution

Europeans looked down on Neanderthals—until they realized they shared their DNA

Excerpt: Superior

Protected bike lanes make the roads safer—even if you’re in a car
Health

Protected bike lanes make the roads safer—even if you’re in a car

Cyclist-friendly streets have fewer injuries and deaths overall.

Schools have more unvaccinated kids than they realize
Vaccines

Schools have more unvaccinated kids than they realize

Thousands of kindergarteners aren’t vaccinated, but also don’t have exemptions.

The increase in Everest deaths may have nothing to do with crowds or waiting
Health

The increase in Everest deaths may have nothing to do with crowds or waiting

More people are climbing the mythical peak than ever before.

Humans fueled last summer’s deadly heat
Environment

Humans fueled last summer’s deadly heat

Why summer 2018 saw wildfires, power outages, and buckling roads and railways.

colony of Termites
Life Skills

11 gross animals you can eat in a survival situation

These meats might not be appetizing, but they sure beat the heck out of starving.

Opioid risks are different for kids and teens—the guidelines should be, too
Health

Opioid risks are different for kids and teens—the guidelines should be, too

Emergency rooms and urgent care centers often use opioid prescribing rules meant for adults.

The World Health Organization knows ‘burnout’ is a problem—but is it a disease?
Mental Health

The World Health Organization knows ‘burnout’ is a problem—but is it a disease?

ICD-11 has a few crucial changes.

Inside the racing simulators drivers use for realistic training
Vehicles

Inside the racing simulators drivers use for realistic training

Moving platforms, hyper-realistic responsiveness, and really big screens.

Ancient fungi may have laid the groundwork for complex life
Evolution

Ancient fungi may have laid the groundwork for complex life

Enjoy being alive? Thank these fossilized shrooms.

Birds might follow their noses home
Animals

Birds might follow their noses home

Excerpt: Supernavigators

How to find native plants for your garden
Life Skills

How to find native plants for your garden

Back-alley deals not necessary.