Popular Science. Demystifying the worlds of science and technology since 1872.
The first playgrounds were for adults, not kids
Early playgrounds were more about fitness than fun—and children didn’t enter the equation for decades.
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Vet constructs ingenious contraption to help a tortoise hit by a car
The African spurred tortoise’s recovery deserves a shell-ebration.
Glowing algae could power the lamps of the future
The bioluminescent plants are a potential alternative to electrical light and batteries.
Hiker stumbles on 6th century gold sword scabbard under fallen tree
‘The odds of finding something like this are minimal.’
Denmark’s ‘hands‑off’ approach to parenting could offer a blueprint for raising more resilient, self‑reliant kids
Letting kids take the lead can work well, but sometimes they can’t see or anticipate certain risks.
The real storm chasers of the Great Plains
A veteran chaser separates Hollywood magic from the real, on-the-ground excitement of tornado season.
Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday present is… a parasitic wasp
Meet ‘Attenboroughnculus tau.’
An extinct human species made surprisingly creative butchery tools
Our cousins ‘Homo juluensis’ knew how to adapt in the face of an ice age.
Magic mushrooms make mean fish lazier and more chill
Psilocybin may selectively lower aggressive behavior in the the notoriously nasty mangrove rivulus.
Want stronger concrete? Just add oysters.
The biomimetic material is based on shellfish bonds.
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Popular Science has been demystifying the worlds of science and technology since 1872. We explain the inner workings of the phone in your pocket, explore world-changing innovations, and examine everything from the marvels of deep space to the secret lives of staples like bread. We deliver an engaging, approachable, and inclusive look at emerging technologies and scientific advances.
Daily, Popular Science unpacks the science behind the top current new stories, dissects the latest technology and digital trends, and helps readers live smarter, safer, and happier through clever DIY projects.
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