Popular Science. Demystifying the worlds of science and technology since 1872.
Why every arm of an octopus moves with a mind of its own
There is ‘an equivalent to a spinal cord running down the center of every single arm.’
Yes, ginger ale really does taste better on a plane. Here’s why.
Plus other weird things we learned this week.
Rachel Feltman
At Popular Science, we report and write dozens 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.
POPULAR SCIENCE VIDEOS
Popular Science on YouTube is a laboratory of stories from the future, past, and present. It’s like a time travel learning machine—in video form.
Rare Roman gold coins discovered in Luxembourg
The 1,700-year-old coins depict eight emperors–including one that tried to bring paganism back.
New foot-long crustacean named after Darth Vader
The ‘sea bug’ is considered a delicacy in some countries.
Wildfires can contaminate drinking water systems with harmful chemicals
Here’s what Los Angeles needs to know.
16 enthralling wildlife photos spotlighting the need for conservation
‘In the last 50 years, we have lost 73 percent of the world’s wildlife.’
Intricate tattoos on 1,200-year-old mummy revealed by lasers
‘The level of skill and effort that was required from the Chancay artist really blew our minds.’
The world’s first 3D-printed microscope costs only $60 to build
It’s strong enough to view individual blood cells.
Thawing tundra reveals ancient fossilized forest in Montana
Warming temperatures mean similar trees may return to the area—for better or worse.
New colorful species of crayfish discovered in aquarium shipment
‘Like the other members of this genus, this crayfish is aggressive.’
Elon Musk’s Boring Company is tunneling beneath Las Vegas with little oversight
Thanks, in part, to ‘What Happens Here, Stays Here.’
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