Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 91)

Four desktop homescreens showing SETI@home software running
Deep Space

100 mystery sounds under review for signs of extraterrestrial life

Over 11 years, citizen scientists collected billions of data signals for the SETI@home project.

By Andrew Paul

the remains of an ice age wolf
Wildlife

14,000-year-old woolly rhinoceros DNA extracted from wolf’s stomach

The two-horned prehistoric mammal went extinct about 8,700 years ago.

By Laura Baisas

A top-down photograph of a pile of fresh, green okra pods resting on a rustic, beige linen napkin with a red striped border. The pods are scattered across the fabric and a weathered wooden tabletop, with the wooden handle of a kitchen knife visible in the upper right corner.
Ask Us Anything

Why is okra so slimy? Blame the mucilage.

The plant’s signature goo helps it thrive in the heat.

By Andrew Coletti

Depiction of the fourth horseman of the apocalypse, Death, riding a mythical creature, presumably a winged lion. Below him is a personification of famine (Fames), pointing to her open mouth. The depiction was created in Erfurt in the mid-14th century; the connection to Neuses may be drawn due to the date – St. Mark’s Day – of the annual memorial procession leading to the mass grave. Source: Klassik-Stiftung Weimar
Archaeology

Medieval plague victims likely found in mass grave in Germany

Archaeologists say they located a Black Death burial site containing some of a village's 12,000 dead.

By Andrew Paul

Three models of white LEVOIT air purifiers against a purplish solar background
Home

Amazon is blowing out LEVOIT air purifiers so you can filter out irritants

The air in your house sucks—fix it with these Amazon deals on air purifiers and humidifiers.

By Tony Ware

White axolotl seen underwater
Endangered Species

Is it illegal to own an axolotl? It depends.

A recent pet seizure at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport illustrates ongoing confusion.

By Andrew Paul

Peregrinen 4 quadcopter drone taking off from launch pad
Drones

Father and son reclaim Guinness World Record for fastest quadcopter drone

Luke and Mike Bell’s Peregrine 4 achieved the milestone barely a month after it was taken from them.

By Andrew Paul

a team stands on a beach with two pigs in kennels
Animals

Abandoned pigs rescued on Tennessee’s Looney Islands

The animals are in good hands thanks to patience and a ‘pig whisperer.’

By Laura Baisas

A colorful, detailed line illustration depicting a medieval courtroom scene where a pig is standing trial. The pig stands on its hind legs at a wooden witness stand or dock, facing a panel of judges and clerics seated behind a long table. In the foreground, a man in a light blue robe points a finger accusatorially at the pig, while other onlookers in traditional medieval tunics and headwear watch the proceedings with expressions of concern and curiosity. The setting features gothic arched windows and draped backdrops typical of the period.
Animals

In medieval France, murderous pigs faced trial and execution

Animal trials helped to restore order when the unspeakable happened.

By Anne Ewbank

UGREEN air tracker tags in space
Computers

Get a 4-pack of these UGREEN Air Tracker tags for just $23—less than the price of one Apple AirTag

These wireless tags use the Apple Find My tech and can make a sound to help you find your wallet, phone, or whatever.

By Stan Horaczek

Canon camera and lens heater
Cameras

Adorama just dropped prices on Canon cameras and lenses by up to 30%

Just about every camera and lens Canon makes is on sale right now at Adorama. Grab a mirrorless rig and make some photos and videos.

By Stan Horaczek

Backcountry hiking bag sale
Outdoor Gear

Backcountry is blowing out hiking bags, backpacks, and luggage for up to 65% off during this clearance sale

Score huge savings on bags from Dakine, Patagonia, Mystery Ranch, Osprey, and more during this clearance sale.

By Stan Horaczek

Diver underwater investigating Viking shipwreck
Archaeology

600-year-old Viking shipwreck is the largest of its kind

The medieval ‘cog’ was nearly 92 feet long and featured castles on its bow and stern.

By Andrew Paul

Close up of man's hands reaching into box of apples at orchard
Science

Test your apple farming skills with this free video game

Race Against Rot shows how engaging with community may be a valuable resource.

By Andrew Paul

a small black insect standing on white snow
Insects

Snow fleas use their tail to jump around the ice

The tiny insects are older than dinosaurs.

By Laura Baisas

The central square image, taken with the MUSE instrument on ESO’s Very Large Telescope, shows shock waves around the dead star RXJ0528+2838. When a star moves through space it can push away nearby material creating a so-called bow shock, which in this image is glowing in red, green and blue. The colours represent hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen, respectively. These shocks are usually produced by a strong outflow expelled from the star. However, in the case of RXJ0528+2838 –– a white dwarf with a Sun-like companion –– astronomers discovered that the shock wave can’t be explained by any known mechanism. Some hidden energy source, perhaps magnetic fields, could be the answer to this mystery.
Space Telescope

Dead star emits perplexing shock wave for 1,000 years

A cosmic outflow like this 'shouldn’t be there.’

By Andrew Paul

a bird with long legs and colorful feathers
Birds

A giant-footed bird showed up in a Massachusetts backyard. It didn’t belong there.

The purple gallinule found its way north through unusual winds.

By Margherita Bassi

Commercial airplane flying in stormy weather. A lightning strike illuminates the right side of the image as a plane flies to the left.
Ask Us Anything

How pilots avoid thunderstorms—and what happens when they can’t

Most commercial planes get struck by lightning a couple times a year.

By Cat Rainsford

An elevated, long-range photograph of the Rano Raraku volcanic crater on Easter Island, showing several moai statues partially buried in the grassy hillside. The massive stone heads and torsos are scattered across a sloped landscape that leads up to a rugged, rocky cliff face with visible excavation sites. Some areas of the background rock feature unnatural blue markings, likely from digital editing or site markers.
Archaeology

3D map of Easter Island takes you places visitors aren’t allowed

One of the world’s most isolated islands is open to virtual tourists.

By Sarah Durn

a medieval ring made of gold with a large blue stone at the center
Archaeology

Ornate medieval ring discovered in Norway’s oldest town

The roughly 800-year-old ring shines with a brilliant blue gemstone.

By Margherita Bassi