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a hermit crab grabbing a plant that looks like a mushroom
Wildlife

Hermit crab poop spreads a parasitic plant’s seeds

The crustaceans are both external and internal seed dispersers.

The canals and raised fields of La Mojana during wet season.
Land

Ancient South American families built massive waterways by themselves

As few as 800 volunteers could finish a project—all without centralized government.

two eagles on a nest
Birds

Jackie the bald eagle dead at 14

‘Soar free, Jackie.’

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING -AUGUST 7: Visitors walk the boardwalk as White Dome geyser erupts. The 12-foot-high geyserite cone is one of the largest in the park and has eruptions as tall as 30 feet on August 7, 2024 in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. (Photo by Jonathan Newton/Getty Images)
Land

How Yellowstone builds boardwalks beside piping hot thermal pools

Thermal cameras and a lot of planning.

a small brown rodent standing on dirt
Endangered Species

The cute, tiny Texas kangaroo rat needs help

Concerned ranchers and conservationists team up to help save the small, hopping rodent.

two lizards with brown with yellow-green coloring sitting on a branch
Wildlife

New lizard named after colorful ‘House of the Dragon’ character

It can’t really breathe fire—we think.

Saumos (33), July 24, 2026: Fire in the Temple and Saumos area of Gironde; the smoke cloud creates an apocalyptic atmosphere at night in broad daylight above the forest.
Climate Change

Europe’s wildfires have raised the danger posed by unexploded WWII bombs

At least 75 explosives were recovered from the scorched earth in France.

a baby penguin chick with fuzzy gray feathers sits on a pink towel
Birds

New ‘desert’ penguin chick arrives in Seattle

Humboldt penguins are not at home on the ice.

two bald eagles
Birds

Jackie the bald eagle is ‘unstable’

‘Her overall condition remains extremely serious.’

The big light
Projects

Fix your terrible overhead lights—no electrician required

The “big light” doesn’t have to suck

a tiger shark attacks a sea turtle
Wildlife

16 gorgeous images from the 2026 Aerial Photographer of the Year Awards

Our world looks different from above.

View of The Mall section of Central Park during autumn in New York City lined with American elm trees.
Land

Killing trees to save the forest

The deadly experiment that could save the American elm.

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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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