Popular Science. Demystifying the worlds of science and technology since 1872.
Radiation fruit: How 1950s ‘gamma gardens’ created today’s grapefruit
But don’t worry: Grapefruits can’t hurt you.
Podcasts
Latest Articles
Super rare black hole devours unlucky star
Similar black holes are usually found at the center of a galaxy. This one is wandering the cosmos.
Dinosaurs died out within hours, new study suggests
The Chicxulub asteroid impact may have set our whole planet on fire.
Jimothy the raccoon survived against the odds, a testament to sophisticated brains and devoted mothers
A compelling tale of an animal overcoming disability and surviving in the wild.
Bald eagle Jackie ‘more feisty’ during feedings, still in critical condition
Meanwhile, the sub-adult eagle that may have injured Jackie has been spotted near her habitat in Big Bear Lake.
Ancient Egyptian god of magic is sometimes a bird, sometimes a baboon. Now we know why.
It all has to do with moonlight’s iridescent glow.
Toothy human ancestor may have traveled in all-male packs
The strong and hefty hominin ‘Paranthropus boisei’ may have been more social than scientists thought.
Information isn’t sterile. It’s stranger than you think.
Somehow, information often feels like a world of 1’s and 0’s. The bigger picture is much weirder.
Smell of death could help trap invasive, cow-killing screwworms
The parasite that feeds on livestock flesh is making an unwelcome return in the U.S.
Bird droppings were a foundation of modern agriculture and American empire
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, fertilizer companies shipped millions of tons of dried bird excrement.
Make a plan for your digital photos after you die
Consider adding a Digital Executor to your will so your memories aren’t lost forever.
Plants and their ants: When flora and fauna team up
Mutualistic partnerships between species abound across nature—but it’s a tricky dance to make sure both parties keep pulling their weight.
World’s largest jellyfish spotted near Cape Cod
Its tentacles can be twice the size of a city bus.
Popular Science Cover Art Store
Own a piece of science history.
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
