Read the latest articles from Popular Science (Page 99)

A dark, vibrant nighttime scene in a cemetery during a Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) celebration. In the foreground, a decorative, brightly colored skeleton doll (Catrina) stands next to a stone grave marker topped with a cross. The grave is covered in bright orange marigold flowers, and numerous lit white candles and small tea lights illuminate the scene, casting a warm glow on flowers and blurred figures in the background.
Health

How Day of the Dead took root in the United States

Rutgers expert Regina Marchi explains why the holiday’s popularity continues to grow as a spiritual, cultural and commercial celebration.

a close up of food scraps being poured into a compost bin
Aviation

Food scraps could power future airplanes

Scientists are turning last night’s leftovers into tomorrow’s takeoff.

Eastern hellbender salamander underwater in river
Wildlife

Hellbender salamanders are huge—and in trouble

The elusive 'snot otters' can grow up to two feet long.

MacPaw Moonlock home screen
Computers

MacPaw’s Moonlock offers a full suite of Mac security tools in a slick, simple package

The makers of CleanMyMac have spun off its robust security features into a stand-alone app for Mac users that offers malware protection and a built-in VPN.

a mosquito on a white daisy
Insects

This mosquito death trap is all-natural and very deadly

The power of flowers and fungi is no match for these insects.

a plump brown spider
Spiders

Beware, beachgoers: New spider discovered in California’s sand dunes

This tiny tarantula relative lives like a vampire.

Bat flying down to attack a frog in rainforest pond
Bats

This tiny bat is one of the world’s deadliest hunters

Lions wish they killed this well.

wind turbine being loaded into airplane
Aviation

The world’s largest plane will transport wind turbines blades and fighter jets 

When completed, the WindRunner will stretch the length of a football field.

Two men are standing behind an enormous, pale orange Atlantic Giant pumpkin, with their hands resting on it. They are inside a large greenhouse structure, surrounded by green vines and leaves. Both men are smiling and wearing casual t-shirts and jeans.
Agriculture

Giant pumpkin growers face off for world gourd domination

There's a surprisingly competitive global race on to grow a 3,000-pound pumpkin.

Musket and cannonballs recovered in Scottish battlefield
Archaeology

18th century lead ammo found in Scottish Highlands

Lead musket balls and cannon shot highlight a lesser known facet of the Battle of Culloden.

Four views of ochre fragment used by Neanderthals
Evolution

Neanderthals used ‘crayons’ to color

Ancient ochre pigment fragments show that our cousins had an artistic flair.

Shark air purifier next to an adorable dog
Home

Shark’s pet-friendly air purifier is cheaper than ever at Amazon for a limited time

The most popular Shark air purifiers are on sale for their lowest prices of the year at Amazon. The deals also include vacuums, styling products, and more.

Illustration of a pack of Nanotyrannus brazenly attacking a juvenile T. rex
Biology

This tiny T. rex is actually a new species

Nanotyrannus settles a big and 'acrimonius' paleontology debate.

man holding radio shouting
Announcements

Listen up: The Popular Science ‘Ask Us Anything’ podcast is back

Answering your weirdest questions since 1872.

A dark, grainy infrared or night-vision security camera image shows a mouse or rat on a ledge or windowsill, grappling with and biting a flying bat. The bat is visible on the left, upside down in mid-air with its wings spread, as the rodent lunges at it. The entire scene is dominated by shades of white and gray against a dark background.
Bats

Caught on camera: Rats hunting bats mid-flight

Scientists record predatory rats at work for the first time.

The Priority Current Plus electric commuter bike in white parked on the grass overlooking the Potomac River and DCA airport in the background
Outdoor Gear

The best electric commuter bikes for 2026, tested and reviewed

Whether you need to Class 1 to class or Class 3 up the career ladder, an electric bike can add class 2 your commute and cut down on the time and sweat it takes to get there.

the planet saturn
Moons

November Stargazing: Supermoon number two, meteors galore, and ‘naked’ Saturn.

Three meteor showers will peak this month.

a long, thin aircraft in the sky
Drones

This drone’s wingspan rivals a 737—but it’s lighter than an NFL linebacker

It could deliver internet to remote areas...or quietly watch us from the stratosphere.

Muddy tire in pothole puddle anchored by bricks
Engineering

New asphalt could make potholes extinct

Adding graphene to the mix could be a powerful pavement supplement.

A wasp spider in its web inside Sierra Mariola Natural Park in Bocairent, Valencian Community, Spain.
Spiders

Spiders ‘decorate’ their webs to help trap dinner

Stabilimenta may help spiders find a buggy snack.