Popular Science. Demystifying the worlds of science and technology since 1872.
New psychedelic fungus rewrites origins of magic mushrooms
The fungi prefer to grow in cow dung.
Having to pee makes you scientifically better at video games
Plus what space smells like and other weird things we learned this week.
Rachel Feltman
At Popular Science, we report and write dozens of stories every week. And while a lot of the fun facts we stumble across make it into our articles, there are lots of other weird facts that we just keep around the office. So we figured, why not share those with you? Welcome to The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week.
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Civil War shipwreck remains in ‘fantastic’ shape on ocean floor
The USS Monitor was an ironclad ship nicknamed a ‘Yankee cheesebox.’
Yellowstone’s first grizzly bear of 2026 emerges from his den
After months without food, he’s hungry.
Scientists suggest modifying cars to hit fewer hedgehogs
Placing ultrasound repellants on cars could protect the spiny mammals.
3D-printed TV from ‘The Simpsons’ plays actual episodes
The tiny DIY replica even boots up the classic arcade game from 1991.
Ancient Andean parrot trade route stretched over 300 miles
The sophisticated network crossed mountains in Peru and pre-dates the Inca Empire.
A meteor soared across Europe—and possibly hit a house
No one was injured at the home in Germany, but the ESA is investigating.
15 enchanting images from the 2026 British Wildlife Photography Awards
‘A joyful celebration of Britain’s natural world.’
YouTube Premium Lite: Is it worth the $7.99/month?
There’s a new option for taking away the adverts on YouTube.
A buried jar of imperial gold coins resurfaces in Russia
Who hid the 409 rubles during the Russian Revolution remains a mystery.
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