Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 899)

Razor-sharp snowflakes are wreaking havoc on Olympians’ skis
Physics

Razor-sharp snowflakes are wreaking havoc on Olympians’ skis

In super-cold temperatures, it's more like skiing on sand than snow.

By Erin Blakemore

Bats help grow our crops, but climate change has them on the move
Bats

Bats help grow our crops, but climate change has them on the move

Rising temperatures are shifting bat migration patterns, with possible consequences for farmers.

By Marlene Cimons

‘Speed reading’ isn’t real, but you can still train yourself to read faster
Life Skills

‘Speed reading’ isn’t real, but you can still train yourself to read faster

Speedier reading is good enough for me.

By Eleanor Cummins

Thanks, anti-vaxxers: Measles is on the rise in Europe
Vaccines

Thanks, anti-vaxxers: Measles is on the rise in Europe

Our grip on infectious diseases is slipping as people turn away from vaccination.

By Sara Chodosh

Prehistoric lizards could sprint on two legs
Dinosaurs

Prehistoric lizards could sprint on two legs

Fossilized footprints provide new insight on ancient lizard behavior

By Jessica Boddy

Athletes with asthma tend to do better at the Winter Olympics
Health

Athletes with asthma tend to do better at the Winter Olympics

But it's not really clear where the advantage comes from.

By Erin Blakemore

You might be inhaling bits of toxic algae
Health

You might be inhaling bits of toxic algae

Breaking waves can send algal blooms airborne.

By Kate Baggaley

This year’s flu vaccine is only 36 percent effective—and that’s great news
Vaccines

This year’s flu vaccine is only 36 percent effective—and that’s great news

Yes, you should still get your flu shot.

By Sara Chodosh

The botany in Obama’s official portrait represents his history
Science

The botany in Obama’s official portrait represents his history

Artist Kehinde Wiley employed the language of flowers.

By Eleanor Cummins

China’s J-20 stealth fighter jet has officially entered service
Military

China’s J-20 stealth fighter jet has officially entered service

Ready to “safeguard China’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.”

By Jeffrey Lin and P.W. Singer

opportunity on Mars
Mars

The Little Rover That Could

We think you can, Opportunity.

By Mary Beth Griggs

Andy Soule
Technology

It took carbon fiber—and spy work—to get Paralympic skiers better gear

The Paralympic Games begin in South Korea on March 9.

By Rob Verger

The fumes from spray cleaners and perfumes are a major source of air pollution
Pollution

The fumes from spray cleaners and perfumes are a major source of air pollution

Our cars are getting cleaner, but our cleaning products? Not so much.

By Amal Ahmed

Thrill-seeking personalities can help Olympic athletes win gold
Psychology

Thrill-seeking personalities can help Olympic athletes win gold

Some Olympians may be hard-wired to seek out daring stunts.

By Kenneth Carter/The Conversation

Americans used to eat pigeon all the time—and it could be making a comeback
Birds

Americans used to eat pigeon all the time—and it could be making a comeback

It’s reviled by city slickers, but revered by chefs.

By Eleanor Cummins

There’s no such thing as naturally orange cheese
Science

There’s no such thing as naturally orange cheese

Or: how dairy farmers discovered the importance of food coloring on perceived taste.

By Sara Chodosh

The origin story of domesticated rabbits may be all wrong
Pets

The origin story of domesticated rabbits may be all wrong

The path from wild rabbit to fluffy bunny is much more mysterious than we thought.

By Jessica Boddy

Figure skaters have to train themselves to ignore their natural reflexes
Science

Figure skaters have to train themselves to ignore their natural reflexes

Brain areas that control movement have to learn new tricks.

By Kate Baggaley

Is China’s space laser for real?
Military

Is China’s space laser for real?

It’s not a Death Star super laser. It’s a space broom.

By Jeffrey Lin and P.W. Singer

What if hibernating animals formed an orchestra and performed a symphony about their winter’s sleep?
Wildlife

What if hibernating animals formed an orchestra and performed a symphony about their winter’s sleep?

Well, they did—sort of.

By Tom McNamara