Popular Science. Demystifying the worlds of science and technology since 1872.

Podcasts

Videos

Latest Articles

Six men performing a sea shanty in front of a wooden boat
Psychology

Sea shanties actually help people work together better

Centuries-old work songs still possess real psychological benefits today.

a before and after satellite image
NASA

NASA satellite images show how a massive tsunami in Alaska changed the landscape forever

A landslide dumped 64 million cubic meters of rock into the popular Tracy Arm fjord.

Spread wings of a wild crested caracara in South Texas USA
Birds

There’s a reason we don’t have birds the size of elephants

woman with flame
Health

The explosive history of spontaneous combustion

In Europe in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, nearly a dozen cases of supposed spontaneous combustion were reported.

Hand grabbing Altoids tin next to another tin filled with a tiny computer
Internet

This guy crammed a laptop into an Altoids tin

Yes, it works—if you have small fingers.

Stream of coffee pouring into an overflowing coffee mug on a white table
Biology

Why coffee tastes bitter, according to molecular biology

Researchers imaged taste receptors responding to coffee compounds for the first time.

Green Plastic Tyrannosaurus Rex On Yellow Background
Dinosaurs

Why did Tyrannosaurus rex have such short arms?

Teeth? Big. Arms? Not so much.

a baby elephant walking under an adult
Endangered Species

Meet Sam Houston, the new baby Asian elephant

The 285-pound pachyderm was up and running right after birth. Yee-haw!

Everyday items including playing cards, toy train tracks, and scrap paper can help users learn the principles of coding with less screentime.
Internet

Game teaches kids programming basics without screens

Texico’s analog brain games use playing cards, toy train tracks, and scrap paper.

Popular Science Cover Art Store

Own a piece of science history.

Browse all covers

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.

Meet the team

Our writers and editors