😮 The 50 greatest innovations of 2024: From Polaris Dawn to pig-to-human transplants 😮

Environment

The changes and wonders of the natural world—and how human interaction influences animals, the ocean, and the rest of the environment.

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A juvenile Nile crocodile. It is small with pointed teeth
Environment

Why are crocodiles so bumpy? A dermatological mystery has been solved

By Laura Baisas

a new shrimp-like crustacean. it is white with two protruding tusk-like appendages at its head, at least 8 legs, and two tail-like appendages at the back
Environment

New predator uncovered 25,000+ feet under the Pacific

By Laura Baisas

a microscopic zooplankton
Environment

Microscopic ‘eating and pooping machines’ are great at sucking up carbon

By Laura Baisas

Nautilus captured on video
Environment

After 15 years, a vessel named ‘Nautilus’ actually saw a nautilus

By Andrew Paul

a variety of products on a banner reading 'best of what's new 2024'
Technology

The 50 greatest innovations of 2024

By Popular Science Team

a hand touching grass
Environment

What happens to our bodies when we touch grass

By Kathy Willis

twisted trees create a perfect reflection in still water
Environment

13 jaw-dropping International Landscape Photographer of the Year images

By Popular Science Team

dog kissing human licking face
Science

Why do dogs lick humans? It could be a sign of affection.

By Lauren Leffer

An oil rig in Oklahoma.
Technology

‘A needle in a haystack:’ How AI is helping uncover abandoned oil wells

By Mack DeGeurin

Frozen surface of Lake Enigma
Environment

Life discovered lurking under Antarctica’s frozen Lake Enigma

By Andrew Paul

Two views of a slingshot spider (Theridiosoma gemmosum) web. The right image shows the web’s cone shape with a spider at the tip.
Environment

Watch a slingshot spider deploy a perfectly-timed trap

By Laura Baisas

a siberian husky sits in the snow. it has piercing blue eyes and its ears are perked up
Science

Humans gave dogs treats 12,000 years ago, new archeological evidence suggests

By Laura Baisas

Researchers say they were inspired by the way the Manta ray effortlessly propels itself forward using its fins.
Technology

This Manta ray robot is the world’s fastest soft-bodied swimmer

By Mack DeGeurin

leaded gasoline reminder
Health

Childhood leaded gasoline exposure damaged Americans’ mental health

By Lauren Leffer

The anglerfish species Lophius piscatorius.
Science

Anglerfish are so much more than just their dangly bioluminescent lures

By Laura Baisas

brain scans in pink, blue, and yellow
Environment

Humans may have big brains thanks to our gut

By Laura Baisas

cattle grazing in a field
Environment

Feeding seaweed to gassy cattle can reduce methane

By Laura Baisas

A Mila mini air purifier and a Mila air purifier next to each other.
Gear

My Mila air purifiers are the most stylish ones I’ve tested, and they’re almost 30% off for Cyber Monday

By Amanda Reed

an orca whale dorsal fin coming out of the water
Environment

Orcas observed preying on massive whale sharks

By Laura Baisas

Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel in grass, Leelanau State Park, Michigan.
Environment

How hibernating squirrels go more than six months without water—and don’t get thirsty

By Lauren Leffer