diff --git "a/raw_rss_feeds/https___www_popsci_com_rss_xml.xml" "b/raw_rss_feeds/https___www_popsci_com_rss_xml.xml" --- "a/raw_rss_feeds/https___www_popsci_com_rss_xml.xml" +++ "b/raw_rss_feeds/https___www_popsci_com_rss_xml.xml" @@ -1,328 +1,486 @@ -Popular Sciencehttps://www.popsci.comen-USSun, 04 Jan 2026 05:24:59 -0500WordPress 6.8.3hourly1<![CDATA[Addiction is puzzling. Scientists are trying to understand why.]]>New book explores the philosophy of addiction.

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The post Addiction is puzzling. Scientists are trying to understand why. appeared first on Popular Science.

-]]>https://www.popsci.com/health/addiction-is-puzzling-scientists-are-trying-to-understand-why/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729219Sat, 03 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500HealthDiseasesPsychologyScienceExcerpted from WHAT WOULD YOU DO ALONE IN A CAGE WITH NOTHING BUT COCAINE: A Philosophy of Addiction © 2026 by Hanna Pickard. Reprinted by permission of Princeton University Press.

+Popular Sciencehttps://www.popsci.comen-USWed, 07 Jan 2026 04:52:49 -0500WordPress 6.8.3hourly1<![CDATA[Giant phantom jellyfish spotted deep in Pacific]]>These rare sea creatures live where the sun don't shine.

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The post Giant phantom jellyfish spotted deep in Pacific appeared first on Popular Science.

+]]>https://www.popsci.com/environment/giant-phantom-jellyfish-spotted-deep-in-pacific/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730384Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:15:00 -0500EnvironmentAnimalsBiologyConservationOceanScienceWildlifeLike a scene out of a Jules Verne novel, scientists from Schmidt Ocean Institute recently encountered a giant phantom jelly (Stygiomedusa gigantea). The enormous deep-sea jellyfish was spotted about 830 feet below the surface of the Pacific Ocean by a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) exploring the Colorado-Rawson submarine canyon wall off the coast of Argentina.

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ROV pilots filmed this giant phantom jelly, or Stygiomedusa gigantea, at 253 meters during an ROV descent to explore the Colorado-Rawson submarine canyon wall. #ArgentinianDeepSeeps pic.twitter.com/80tq5JYOTz

— Schmidt Ocean (@SchmidtOcean) January 2, 2026
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Keith Richards, lead guitarist for the Rolling Stones and sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll icon, famously said that he never had a problem with drugs, he only had a problem with the police. Richards did have a problem with the police. His notoriety as a Rolling Stone and as a drug user meant he was targeted and harassed both at home and on the road, leading to multiple drug-related charges during the 1960s and 1970s and one prison sentence. But Richards was also devoted to drugs. He was a daily polydrug user and physically dependent on heroin at various stages of his life. In his memoir, Life, he is clear that, although drugs sometimes took a toll on his work and his relationships, they also greatly enhanced both. For Richards, drugs are connected to his creativity and his intensity, to living in a way that squeezes the most out of life. He is also honest about the fact that his wealth protected him from costs that other drug users face. Richards was able to use only the purest and highest quality drugs and to get excellent medical care whenever he needed. By saying that he never had a problem with drugs, I take Richards to mean that whatever the costs of his drug habit—which at times in his life were surely severe—they were in his view worth it. His drug use, despite its costs, accorded with his own set of values—his conception of the good life, for him. His problem was that his values did not accord with those embodied by the law—witness his problem with the police.

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What counts as a cost and what counts as a benefit and how much weight to attach to either presupposes a set of values by which they are measured, that is, a conception of the good. One person loves to feel wild and chaotic and out of control—to escape from the rigid confines of their ordinary life and self. This is part of the good life, for them. Another person hates it. Their good life is one of calm routine. Their drug of choice is a nice cup of tea. What for the first is a benefit of alcohol or amphetamines or psychedelics is a cost for the second. But how much does the first person love that feeling of wild abandon—enough to risk their job, their relationship, their health? It depends. How much do they value their job and their relationship and their health? The working explication of addiction as a pattern of drug use that counts profoundly against a person’s own good presses these questions. Which values? Whose conception of the good? And how can we know? Suppose we ask these questions about Richards. We might wonder: Was he right that he never had a problem with drugs or was he in denial?

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During a dive over the winter holidays, the team explored the wall of a submarine canyon and encountered the creature—also called the giant phantom jelly. It is a very rare find, with only about 118 sightings over 110 years. It is believed to be widespread throughout the world’s oceans, except in the Arctic Ocean. Giant phantom jellyfish have four long oral arms that do not sting the way the tentacles on other jellyfish do. Instead, they use these appendages to grab their prey and guide it towards their mouths

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To answer this question, we must begin by noting a standard but underappreciated distinction between addiction and physical dependence. Opioids, alcohol, and nicotine are classes of drugs that, if taken regularly and at sufficient doses, produce physical dependence: a physiological condition defined by the occurrence of a physical withdrawal syndrome upon sudden abstinence or dose reduction. Richards was certainly, at times, physically dependent on heroin. Withdrawal from heroin typically lasts up to one week, and, similarly to withdrawal from any opioid, can include fever, nausea, diarrhea, aches, cramps, runny nose, watery eyes, insomnia, formication, and more. Opioid withdrawal is not life-threatening. But as this list attests, it is awful to experience. It can be alleviated through medication, including methadone and buprenorphine (themselves opioids), clonidine (a psychiatric medication used to treat pain and hypertension) and over-the-counter medications for symptom relief.

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According to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) in California, they can reach lengths of 3.3 feet across and 33 feet long. MBARI’s ROV Tiburon previously spotted a fish swimming alongside of the giant phantom jelly during an expedition to the Gulf of California. The team watched the fish hover above the jellyfish’s bulbous body and swim in and out of its arms. Since the waters of the ocean’s Midnight Zone (about 3,300 to 13,100 feet) offer little shelter, many creatures find shelter in the gelatinous animals like jellyfish that live here.

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The post Giant phantom jellyfish spotted deep in Pacific appeared first on Popular Science.

+]]>en-US<![CDATA[Beer waste helps lab-grown meat taste meatier]]>Brewing byproduct may be a key sustainable secret ingredient.

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The post Beer waste helps lab-grown meat taste meatier appeared first on Popular Science.

+]]>https://www.popsci.com/science/beer-waste-lab-grown-meat/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730388Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:25:03 -0500ScienceAgricultureEnvironmentHealthNutritionSustainabilityBrewing beer relies on a very simple living thing–brewer’s yeast. The microorganisms thrive on mashed grains, converting sugars into both alcohol and carbon dioxide along the way. But there’s not much use for yeast after the pints are poured. However, recent experiments indicate there may be a way to recycle the massive amounts of fermentation waste into something especially sustainable: lab-grown meat.

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musician keith richards holding a guitar with a cigarette in his mouth
Keith Richards, of the Rolling Stones, posing backstage at a Faces show on December 23, 1974. Image: Graham Wiltshire / Contributor.
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According to a study recently published in Frontiers in Nutrition by researchers at University College London, beer yeast’s second life may come from its bacterial cellulose. Similar to the cellulose in plants, the organic substance forms a protective layer around yeast cells and provides them with a sturdy shape. Researchers are increasingly interested in ways to harness this rigidity for a wide range of uses, including 3D-printed bandages and plant-based meals. But while lab-grown meat is more common and accessible than ever, the industry still faces challenges when it comes to affordability and properly imitating the real thing. 

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Physical dependence is highly relevant to weighing costs and benefits of drug use.  Although the nature and severity of withdrawal symptoms varies with drug class, experiencing withdrawal is a significant cost of not using, and avoiding it a significant benefit of using. Indeed, with respect to severe alcohol addiction, withdrawal can be life-threatening. But physical dependence is neither necessary nor sufficient for addiction. Although there are inevitably psychological effects of sudden abstinence or dose reduction if a person is addicted, various drugs to which people become addicted do not have a physical withdrawal syndrome, for example, cannabis and cocaine. This is why physical dependence is not necessary for addiction. But equally, it is not sufficient, because people can be physically dependent on drugs when we would never consider them to be addicted.

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“While it’s relatively easy to grow animal cells for mass food production you need to be able to grow them on something cheap, edible and that preferably provides a structure that resembles real meat,” study co-author and UCL medical researcher Richard Day explained in a statement.

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Many psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants, have a physical withdrawal syndrome. Antidepressants are psychoactive. They affect cognition, emotion, mood. Sudden abstinence or dose reduction will cause people to go into withdrawal, which typically lasts between one and three weeks and has symptoms that are similar to opioid withdrawal. Yet we do not consider people to be addicted to antidepressants. Similarly, people who suffer from debilitating pain may be on standing opioid prescriptions. This is a routine part of palliative care but can also be appropriate for some chronic, long-term pain patients. These patients will be physically dependent. In the wake of the US opioid epidemic and widespread recognition that—in large part due to relentless propaganda, manipulation, and incentivization by pharmaceutical companies—doctors had been overprescribing opioids, many pain patients had their prescriptions suddenly discontinued. Overprescription was a terrible problem, but this was an equally terrible response. Sudden discontinuation precipitates withdrawal—as well as the return of debilitating pain—pushing people toward sourcing opioids on the streets to relieve both. It also fails to recognize that a patient who is physically dependent on opioids is not thereby addicted. In the context of debilitating pain, a stable opioid prescription can make it possible to function—to work, to sleep, to have the capacity to be present and engaged in relationships with others, to live a fulfilling life. So too can taking the very same opioid at the very same dose if it is sourced not from a pharmacy but from the streets. With respect to psychiatric medications, we do not consider people addicted simply because they are physically dependent. Similarly, with respect to opioids, we should not consider people addicted simply because they are physically dependent—no matter where the drugs are sourced. This is because, in both cases, drugs can make life significantly better, not worse.

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To test yeast waste’s viability in its alternative role, Day and colleagues took a batch of old brewing bacteria and utilized it to culture Komagataeibacter xylinus—a bacterium with particularly strong cellulose. Next, they placed the new cellulose into a “chewing machine” that repeatedly compressed it to assess its physical properties. The team discovered that bacterial cellulose grown from brewer’s yeast not only equaled conventional methods, it supported animal cells known as fibroblasts. This strongly suggests yeast-based cellulose could be used in making artificial meat.

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“One of the biggest hurdles in cultivated meat is replicating the ‘mouthfeel’ and texture of real meat,” said study co-author and UCL Division of Medicine researcher Christian Harrison. “Our findings suggest that bacterial cellulose grown on brewing waste not only supports cell growth but also mimics the mechanical properties of meat more closely than other scaffolds.”

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Hanna Pickard is Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and Bioethics and Krieger-Eisenhower Professor at Johns Hopkins University.

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There is still a lot of work to be done, but early analysis indicates there may soon come a day when yeast helps craft both your pint of beer and its accompanying burger.

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The post Beer waste helps lab-grown meat taste meatier appeared first on Popular Science.

+]]>en-US<![CDATA[Dissected Greenland shark eyeballs could help humans see forever]]>The world's longest-living vertebrates maintain their vision for centuries.

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The post Dissected Greenland shark eyeballs could help humans see forever appeared first on Popular Science.

+]]>https://www.popsci.com/environment/greenland-shark-eyes/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730367Tue, 06 Jan 2026 14:28:55 -0500EnvironmentAnimalsBiologyEvolutionHealthMedicineScienceSharksWildlifeThe Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) is well-known for its impressive lifespan. Marine biologists believe the world’s longest-living vertebrate often reaches over 400 years old, and possibly lives even longer. But while the shark isn’t known for its vision, a lot could be learned from the deep-sea predator’s eyes. 

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The post Addiction is puzzling. Scientists are trying to understand why. appeared first on Popular Science.

-]]>en-US<![CDATA[Food scientists cook up healthier chips that don’t taste awful]]>Microwave Vacuum Drying, or MVD, may be a real MVP for snack foods.

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The post Food scientists cook up healthier chips that don’t taste awful appeared first on Popular Science.

-]]>https://www.popsci.com/health/healthier-chips-beets/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729858Fri, 02 Jan 2026 12:32:00 -0500HealthAgricultureEnvironmentNutritionScienceIt’s hard to stop after eating a single potato chip—and that’s kind of their whole problem. The deep-fried, popular salty snack is loaded with unhealthy fats, oils, and other unwanted ingredients that are linked with numerous health problems. Unfortunately, those are also the flavor profiles humans are evolutionarily wired to crave.

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According to new research recently published in the journal Nature Communications, the Greenland shark retained its visual organs throughout millions of years of evolution for a reason. The explanations of why its eyes have stayed the same may help experts better understand and treat debilitating ocular diseases in humans.

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After decades of tinkering and experimentation, there still isn’t an alternative that provides that perfect (yet still nutritious) flavor profile. Even when swapping out baking for frying, the cooking heat often still reduces the food’s overall nutritional value. According to Cornell University food scientist Chang Chen, however, combining beets with a technique called microwave vacuum drying(MVD) might be the solution snack lovers have been waiting for.

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Never mind the eyeball parasites

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“We wanted to produce a healthy snack from whole vegetables, with all-natural ingredients and high fiber,” he explained in a university profile. “We said, ‘What if we can engineer the process and achieve the same texture without adding any oil?’”

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Greenland sharks are as fascinating as they are impressive. The fish can easily measure 20 feet long and weigh over 2,000 pounds, although it may take them a while to reach such a size. The shark doesn’t reach sexual maturity until around 150 years-old, and often lives for at least another three centuries. All that time also means that these fish are not in a huge rush to birth the next generation of Greenland sharks. Pups are only born after eight to 18 years of gestation, after which they’ll spend the rest of their lives swimming through the frigid North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean waters at depths as low as 3,900 feet.

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Chen and his colleagues detailed their approach in a study published in the journal Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies. MVD removes moisture from the root vegetable similar to frying or baking, but more quickly and at a lower temperature. Because of this combination of cooking factors, nutrients that normally deteriorate during long drying cycles remain in the food. At the same time, MVD retains the starch required for a chip’s trademark texture.

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Heightened vision isn’t as big of an issue in such a dim environment, which is why so many deep-sea creatures are functionally blind. For decades, many scientists also assumed this was the case for the Greenland shark. Although it still features baseball-sized eyeballs, they’re opaque and often obscured by a small parasitic crustacean called a copepod (Ommatokoita elongata) that attaches to the organs. But after reviewing both video footage of live specimens as well as examining harvested eyes in a lab, biologists now think there’s more to see in the Greenland shark, so to speak. 

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While potatoes are the go-to for such snacks, beets are far more nutritious. In addition to being a great fiber source, they’re high in vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, manganese, potassium, and iron. If you could swap out potatoes for beets and still get the same flavor profile, then you wouldn’t only replace traditional chips—you could improve them. And that’s exactly what they believe they have accomplished.

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“You see it move its eye,” physiologist and study co-author Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk recounted in an accompanying University of California, Irvine profile. “The shark is tracking the light—it’s fascinating.”

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“We have achieved a good puff, usually only seen in deep-frying, and they are even crispier than fried chips,” said Chen.

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Skowronska-Krawczyk first became interested in the Greenland shark’s vision around six years ago after reading a study published in the journal Science.

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Chen’s collaborator, food scientist Diane Makovic, explained that the chips people love rely on starch due to how it gelatinizes under heat.

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“One of my takeaway conclusions…was that many Greenland sharks have parasites attached to their eyes—which could impair their vision,” she said. “Evolutionarily speaking, you don’t keep the organ that you don’t need. After watching many videos, I realized this animal is moving its eyeball toward the light.”

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“You need a thin layer of gelatinized starch,” she said. “The puffs form when you use high heat and interior water evaporates and creates the puff.”

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A 200-year-old eyeball

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Chen, Makovic, and their team believe MVD won’t only benefit beets, but also other tubers like butternut squash and traditional potatoes.

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After organizing an international team of researchers, including University of Copenhagen marine biologists working off the coast of Greenland’s Disko Island, scientists caught Greenland shark specimens during multiple expeditions between 2020 and 2024. They then dissected and preserved individual eyeballs before shipping them to Skowronska-Krawczyk’s lab.

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“Down the road, that’s what we are going to do. And we’ve hired a new student to work on apples,” Chen said. “It’s all about balancing the food’s properties.”

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The post Food scientists cook up healthier chips that don’t taste awful appeared first on Popular Science.

-]]>en-US<![CDATA[5 new quarters commemorate 250 years of American independence]]>The new designs honor the Constitution, Civil War, and more.

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The post 5 new quarters commemorate 250 years of American independence appeared first on Popular Science.

-]]>https://www.popsci.com/science/new-2026-quarters/https://www.popsci.com/?p=728966Fri, 02 Jan 2026 10:14:00 -0500ScienceWhile we’ve said goodbye to both the year 2025 and the penny, five new United States quarters will be finding their way into your pocket soon enough. The designs of each new quarter will honor the country’s 250th anniversary (aka its semiquincentennial).

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“I opened the package, and there was a giant, 200-year-old eyeball sitting on dry ice just staring back at me. We’re used to working with mouse eyeballs, which are the size of a papaya seed,” said study co-author and Ph.D. candidate Emily Tom.

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According to a press release from the U.S. Mint, the coins “commemorate 250 years of American Liberty by reflecting our country’s founding principles and honoring our Nation’s history.” They will only be available this year, which almost assuredly means they will be collector’s items in the future. Each will also be engraved with two dates: 1776–2026. Typically coins only bear the year in which they were minted, not two dates.

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After carefully thawing the eyes, Tom and colleagues carefully analyzed the organs. They noted typical deep-sea visual adaptations like the presence of densely packed, lengthier rods—photoreceptors designed to function better in lower light. However, they also found other unexpected features.

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In December 2025, the original designs for the “America 250” coins were abandoned and replaced with ones that commemorate some of the country’s founding documents and presidents. The original quarters approved by two official committees in 2024 honored Black Abolition, Women’s Suffrage, and Civil Rights, but were scrapped by the Trump Administration. 

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“[We] confirmed the presence of essential visual cell types: rods, Müller glia, and bipolar, amacrine, and ganglion cells,” the team wrote in their study. “Moreover, despite being over a century old, the examined specimens showed no obvious signs of retinal degeneration.”

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There will now be five different quarter designs.

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Seeing in shark vision

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Mayflower Compact Quarter

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Although early in their research, Skowronska-Krawczyk and her team believe that the Greenland shark has evolved a DNA repair mechanism to guard their vision over hundreds of years. They also believe a better understanding of the complexities of the shark’s eyes could lead to new treatments for age-related vision problems in humans. For example, discovering how a Greenland shark maintains its healthy ocular cells and tissues for centuries may help develop therapies for diseases including glaucoma and macular degeneration that often develop later in life. The information could also inform our wider understanding of vision evolution across the animal world.

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a quarter with a drawing of a male and female pilgrim embracing
Image: U.S. Mint
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“Not a lot of people are working on sharks, especially shark vision,” said Tom. “We can learn so much about vision and longevity from long-lived species like the Greenland shark.”

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The heads or obverse side shows two Pilgrims embracing, and honors the Mayflower Compact, Signed on November 21, 1620, the document is considered a precursor to the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. The inscriptions are “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “1776 ~ 2026,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

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All that research generally requires federal funding—something that’s increasingly difficult to secure in the current cultural climate.

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a quarter with a drawing of a ship with full sails
Image: U.S. Mint
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“Having the funds to do research like this is very important,” added Tom.

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The reverse or tails design features the Mayflower, with full sails over rough seas. The inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “LIBERTY,” “MAYFLOWER COMPACT,” and “25¢.”

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Despite the uncertainties, Skowronska-Krawczyk said that, like the Greenland shark, it’s important to see the bigger picture and outlast day-to-day threats.

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Revolutionary War Quarter

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“We will prevail,” she promised.

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The post Dissected Greenland shark eyeballs could help humans see forever appeared first on Popular Science.

+]]>en-US<![CDATA[New wildlife cam features 800-pound elk in northern Michigan]]>Gaylord is home to its own herd of 60 elk and one of the largest wild herds in the United States.

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The post New wildlife cam features 800-pound elk in northern Michigan appeared first on Popular Science.

+]]>https://www.popsci.com/environment/elk-cam-michigan/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730344Tue, 06 Jan 2026 12:02:00 -0500EnvironmentAnimalsConservationLandScienceWildlifeWhen winter’s bitter winds blow and snow falls, it can be hard for some of us to muster up the will and energy to actually spend time out in nature. Still, connecting with nature is important for our health, even in cold weather. Now, viewers around the world can take advantage of Gaylord, Michigan’s elk cam and get a taste of the outdoors from the comfort of home. With this livestream, nature enthusiasts can watch the 60-member herd in Elk View Park as the large mammals enjoy a Midwestern winter. You can tune into the elk cam here.

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a quarter with a drawing of george washington on it
Image: U.S. Mint
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“In a tourism study conducted in 2017, we learned that approximately 60% of visitors to the area participate in elk viewing,” Christy Walcott, director of marketing and communications for the Gaylord Area Tourism Bureau, explained in a statement. “Elk viewing is a highlight not only for visitors, but locals as well. It’s a pastime we’ve all enjoyed in Gaylord and many people want to hold on to that experience and share it with others.”

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The obverse design features the first president of the United States, George Washington. During the Revolutionary War, Washington served as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. 

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The camera is run by the Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau, in partnership with the Otsego County Commission on Aging (OCCOA) and the City of Gaylord.

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a quarter showing a soldier from the american revolution holding a long musket
Image: U.S. Mint
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The city’s elk herd roams on 108 acres in the outdoor tourism hot spot in Michigan’s lower peninsula. The webcam has been placed near their feeding area, where they are fed corn, hay, sugar beets, and vitamins. Some of the male elk (or bulls) weigh more than 800 pounds and are over 6 feet tall. The city’s herd began with three elk who were rescued when a local nature center closed. 

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The reverse design shows a Continental Army soldier at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Following a defeat at the Battle of Brandywine, Washington’s forces faced disease and devastation during their winter encampment from 1777 to 1778. While independence had been declared the previous July, the Second Continental Congress was forced to flee Philadelphia to evade a British attack. According to the coin’s designers, the soldier’s resolute gaze shows his will to overcome the trials of the war in pursuit of liberty. The inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “LIBERTY,” “25¢,” and “REVOLUTIONARY WAR.”

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The area is also home to a large wild elk herd that visitors can watch at Pigeon River Country State Forest. While the animals were once native to northern Michigan, they disappeared from the area during the late 19th century. This current wild herd can be traced back to 1918, when seven Rocky Mountain elk were brought into the Gaylord area. The herd steadily grew to close to 1,500 elk by the 1960s. However, their population dropped in the mid-1970s due to poaching and 

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Declaration of Independence Quarter

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reduced habitat quality. Since then, both the local government and private sector have worked to manage the elk population. Based on a 2016 aerial survey, there is an estimated population of 1,300 animals, making this one of the largest free roaming elk herds east of the Mississippi.

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a quarter with a profile of thomas jefferson
Image: U.S. Mint
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Wild elk are in the Pigeon River Country State Forest area all year-round, but September and October are considered the best months for elk viewing. This is when the bulls are trying to establish dominance for mating rights with the herd’s females (or cows). The bulls make loud vocalizations (called bugling) and break up brush with their antlers in an effort to impress cows and intimidate their rivals.

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This quarter’s obverse side design features Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and third President of the United States. 

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Additional elk cams are set up at various times of the year in other states, including Pennsylvania and Virginia. Unedited natural webcams offer people of all abilities an accessible way to connect with nature, while also entertaining and educating. 

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The post New wildlife cam features 800-pound elk in northern Michigan appeared first on Popular Science.

+]]>en-US<![CDATA[CES 2026: The audio gear we want to chase, carry, and crank]]>We’re in Las Vegas with two ears and a heart, on the search for the best in immersive open earbuds, portable Bluetooth speakers, powered stereo setups, and more.

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The post CES 2026: The audio gear we want to chase, carry, and crank appeared first on Popular Science.

+]]>https://www.popsci.com/gear/ces-2026-hot-new-audio-gear-earbuds-headphones-bluetooth-powered-speakers-preview/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730187Tue, 06 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0500GearAudioWhen it comes to audio systems at CES, held January 6–9 in Las Vegas, we always hope to find new ways companies have found to make music feel bigger without making your life harder. Sometimes that means earbuds you pull out of your pocket to pull previously unheard details out of tracks. Sometimes that means a wireless headset that considers limited bandwidth a personal insult. Sometimes that means portable speakers that can outlast (and outlive) the wildest party. And sometimes it’s a quiet suite for people who still believe that two speakers and a sweet spot can prove goosebumps should always be on the features list. So here’s the second hit list, previewing products that make us want to stop, listen, and linger well beyond the sales pitch. 

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a quarter with the liberty bell on it
Image: U.S. Mint
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The tails side shows the Liberty Bell ringing. While historians are not entirely sure if the bell rang out in July 1776, the Liberty Bell often rang to draw the people of Philadelphia towards the center of the city for announcements. The Bell’s infamous crack is visible, symbolizing the fragility of a young nation at its founding. The inscriptions are “THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE,” “QUARTER DOLLAR,” “LIBERTY,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

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Open-ear earbuds used to be a compromise you made for safety—a workout pick that let you hear a beat and, more importantly, hear oncoming traffic. CES 2026 pushes the idea that this former fitness hack can now do way more than keep a playlist on pace. For instance, Cleer’s Arc 4 and Arc 4+ arrive as the first THX-certified open-ear true wireless earbuds, shaving weight and hook bulk while stacking on DBE 4.0 for actual low end, Bluetooth 5.4/Snapdragon Sound with aptX Lossless for a strong signal chain, and Dolby Audio (and Atmos + head tracking on 4+ … spatial trickery formerly only in over-ear cans). The Arc 5, teased for early 2026, adds THX Spatial Audio+ to the growing list of no compromises. 

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United States Constitution Quarter

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Shokz answers with OpenFit Pro and open-ear noise reduction—still offering spatial awareness, but able to tamp down some of the road chatter and café chaos. In addition, there’s Dolby Atmos optimization for compatible streaming services, big 11x22mm dual-diaphragm drivers for more bass, DirectPitch 3.0 for less leakage, and battery life that makes “charge anxiety” feel quaint.  

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a quarter with a portrait of james madison
Image: U.S. Mint
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JBL joins the pile-on with Sense Pro and Sense Lite, using OpenSound air-conduction to keep ear canals clear. The Pro is performance-brained, with 16.2mm drivers, Adaptive Bass Boost, a voice pickup sensor, Bluetooth 6.0, and 38 hours total battery. While Lite goes lighter, with 32 hours of life plus a sweat-conscious IP54 rating. As for Anker, the AeroFit 2 is a convertible open-ear/ANC earbud, which adjusts to reposition the nozzle and switch between awareness and a proper seal (sensors recalibrating EQ accordingly).

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President James Madison is featured on this quarter’s obverse design. Madison was the fourth President of the United States and is popularly known as the “Father of the Constitution” for his role in drafting and promoting the document. 

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ASUS and Loewe headphones
ASUS/Loewe
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a quarter with independence hall and the worlds "we the people"
Image: U.S. Mint
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In the realm of full-sized headphones, ASUS announced the ROG Kithara flagship open-back planar magnetic gaming headphones (left, above), developed with HIFIMAN (a PopSci Audio Awards winner). With 100mm drivers, an 8Hz–55kHz frequency response, and a 3-in-1 cable with swappable 4.4mm balanced, 3.5mm, and 6.3mm single-ended plugs, this is an audiophile headphone for gamers, not a gaming headphone for audiophiles. While German luxury brand Loewe showed off its Leo Bluetooth headphones (right, above), which features a 50mm Olefin Composite Elastomer driver, dual Class A/B and Class D amplification for pure audio/adaptive ANC modes, support for Bluetooth LC3plus 24-bit/96 kHz codec, Dolby Atmos, and multiple audio profiles, an ARM processor for smart features, such as voice control and real-time translation, and a modular design with high repairability/upgradeability. And beyerdynamic’s DJ 300 Pro X headphones feature a 45mm dynamic driver, but most interestingly, swappable earpads so you can decide between on-ear or over-ear monitoring.

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The reverse design depicts Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The Liberty Bell was housed in this building and it is where both the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were written, debated, and signed. According to the designers, the inscription “WE THE PEOPLE” and the image of Independence Hall together, “highlight a founding principle laid out in the Constitution: specifically, that our government is grounded in the consent of the governed.” The inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “WE THE PEOPLE,” “LIBERTY,” “U.S. CONSTITUTION,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”

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Following in the footsteps of Marshall, among others, Fender Audio is debuting a series of Bluetooth speakers developed by Riffsound. But they look like way more than a logo on a lifestyle box. The ELIE (Extremely Loud Infinitely Expressive) speakers look to strike a chord with those who play instruments and those who just want to hit play. The speakers—60W E6 or more beefy 120W E12 (shown to the left below)—bring built-in subs and an XLR/¼-inch combo jack for a mic or guitar, plus a weirdly pro trick: up to four sources at once—Bluetooth, wired, and two wireless accessory channels—mixed in real time. A Waves System-on-a-Chip and DSP promise to keep the mix composed even if the volume knob gets brave. And MIX headphones are looking to occupy some space in your gig bag (and your heart), with 40mm graphene drivers, ANC, an integrated USB-C transmitter for lossless, low-latency audio, plus up to 100 hours of battery. 

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Gettysburg Address Quarter

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a quarter with a portrait of abraham lincoln
Image: U.S. Mint
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If Fender is turning Bluetooth into a grab-and-go PA, LG is still aiming for a roaming club. PopSci’s party-speaker coverage has already called out LG’s xboom Bounce as a mini rager after LG’s CES 2025 introduced the xboom-by-will.i.am era (Stage 301, Bounce, Grab). CES 2026 doubles down with four new durable boxes: Rock, Mini, Blast, and Stage 501 (above, right). The hook is using AI for auto-EQ, lighting, and stamina, so bass and battery life won’t turn to mud when the party moves outside. And anything with an “AI Karaoke Master” mode has our attention. 

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The heads side features the country’s 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. His Gettysburg Address is now recognized as one of the most poignant and moving speeches in American history. In the speech, Lincoln paid tribute to fallen soldiers and appealed to all Americans to advance the principles for which they gave their lives. According to the designers, this particular portrait shows the profound burden of war on his weathered face, but is paired with a forward-looking gaze and determination to move the country forward.

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CES isn’t the hi-fi show it once was, which is exactly why Klipsch and Onkyo showing up loud for their shared 80th birthdays feels extra special. Klipsch’s Arkansas origin story is all about chasing bigger, clearer, more alive … turning horn-loaded theory into a legendary sound. While Onkyo, born the same year as Klipsch but in Osaka, Japan, is all about sound harmony, the feel of fidelity. 

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a coin with two arms clasped
Image: U.S. Mint
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The tails side features the inscription “A NEW NATION CONCEIVED IN LIBERTY,” a passage from the Gettysburg Address. The two hands grasping each other represent Lincoln’s efforts to hold the U.S. together and his appeal to Americans to ensure, “that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” The inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, “A NEW NATION CONCEIVED IN LIBERTY,” “25¢,” and “GETTYSBURG ADDRESS.”

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The anniversary energy gets real as Klipsch debuts the refreshed The Fives II, Sevens II, and Nines II. The originals were already a PopSci favorite in powered-speaker land, and the new upgrades include bolting in an Onkyo-engineered electronics core with Dolby Atmos and Dirac Live calibration, plus DTS:X on the Nines II for format gluttons. There are also updated Reference Premiere models. Beyond the mainstage, Klipsch is teasing a three-model Atlas closed-to-semi-open headphone series, Auracast-ready portable/tabletop Bluetooth speakers, an outdoor-capable Flexus soundbar concept, and the brand’s “Project Apollo”—a bold new moonshot at high-performance towers. Onkyo’s “rebirth” (which began at CES 2025) flexes differently: Muse-series streaming integrated amps with that big color display/VU-meter swagger (see above), anniversary Creator speakers, and a peek at future THX/Dirac-powered theater brains. We love it when CES gives audio this much oxygen.

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New nickels, a collectible penny, dimes, and a half dollar in honor of the semiquincentennial will also be in circulation over the next few months.

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The post 5 new quarters commemorate 250 years of American independence appeared first on Popular Science.

-]]>en-US<![CDATA[Why do elephants have such big ears? There’s not one answer.]]>The multi-use appendages are kind of like their superpower.

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The post Why do elephants have such big ears? There’s not one answer. appeared first on Popular Science.

-]]>https://www.popsci.com/science/why-elephants-have-big-ears/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729405Fri, 02 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500ScienceAnimalsAsk Us AnythingBiologyEnvironmentIt’s a classic Disney moment: Dumbo the elephant jumps out of a burning building, spreads out his huge ears and flies. While real life elephants can’t fly, they certainly have enormous ears. The African elephant, for instance, has the largest ears of any animal. Their ears can grow up to 6.6 feet long and 4.11 feet wide, making up 20% of their body’s total surface area. But why are elephants’ ears so large?

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Cambridge LR Series speakers in a vivid orange colorway
Cambridge
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It’s nothing to do with flying, of course. Elephant ears play a vital role in how they cool down and communicate. 

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And it’s not just the show floor making room for two-channel. In the Cambridge suite, the British home audio designers are previewing the new L/R Series: three pairs of active stereo speakers built like modern components with old-school intent. All three have analog and digital inputs (including eARC and a Moving Magnet phono stage on the bigger models), making them perfect for that desktop/turntable listening station. The L/R X and L/R M bake in StreamMagic Gen 4 for hi-res Wi-Fi streaming and multi-room tricks, while L/R S keeps it simple with aptX HD Bluetooth for nearfield life. The flagship L/R X packs 800 watts, a new Torus tweeter, plus two five-inch woofers coupled to two six-inch force-cancelling radiators—basically bookshelf speakers with floorstander swagger. DynamEQ helps compensate for environmental conditions. And they’re all available in six rich finishes (a vivid orange on all three models shown above).

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Why staying cool is so hard for elephants

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This is just a short list of audio gear that caught our eye as worth our ear. But the best part of CES is the demo you didn’t plan to duck into but feel drawn to … the weird concepts that sound preposterous then sound phenomenal. We’ll report back on what gets us into a new groove.

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The post CES 2026: The audio gear we want to chase, carry, and crank appeared first on Popular Science.

+]]>en-US<![CDATA[Mysterious space object is full of dark matter]]>The failed star factory is nicknamed ‘Cloud-9.’

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The post Mysterious space object is full of dark matter appeared first on Popular Science.

+]]>https://www.popsci.com/science/new-space-object-cloud-9/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730347Tue, 06 Jan 2026 10:45:37 -0500ScienceDeep SpaceNASAPhysicsSpaceSpace TelescopeTechnologyAn international team of astronomers has discovered a new class of cosmic entity while harnessing the Hubble Space Telescope. Detailed in a recent study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, the find marks the first confirmed example of a long-theorized, but never proven formation known as a Reionization-Limited H I Cloud, or RELHIC. But while the gigantic region nicknamed Cloud-9 may be starless, it contains some of the universe’s most elusive content: dark matter.

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Elephants are the world’s largest land animal, weighing a staggering 12,000 pounds (more than an ambulance). While elephants’ size is often an advantage when it comes to warding off predators or reaching high vegetation, it also makes it harder for them to stay cool. Their massive bodies produce a ton of internal body heat, even when they’re just standing still. 

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“This cloud is a window into the dark Universe,” study co-author and Space Telescope Science Institute (STCScl) team member Andrew Fox said in a statement. “We know from theory that most of the mass in the Universe is expected to be dark matter, but it’s difficult to detect this dark material because it doesn’t emit light. Cloud-9 gives us a rare look at a dark-matter-dominated cloud.”

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What makes this an even bigger problem is their habitat. Elephants typically live in warm climates where there is a higher risk of overheating.  

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Located approximately 2,000 light-years from Earth, Cloud-9 is much smaller, symmetrical, and compact compared to the typical hydrogen clouds that neighbor the Milky Way galaxy. Initial calculations indicate the pressure of Cloud-9’s gas also balances the dark matter cloud’s gravity, implying it features much more of the latter. Currently, astronomers estimate it includes around 5 billion solar masses of dark matter.

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Us humans cool down by dispersing heat through long, narrow body parts, like our legs and arms. Elephants, however, with their bulky bodies and thick legs, have relatively little skin surface to release all that built up heat. 

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According to Alejandro Benitez-Llambay, a program lead investigator and astronomer at Italy’s Milano-Bicocca University, Cloud-9 is the first-known RELHIC and a “tale of a failed galaxy.”

“In science, we usually learn more from the failures than from the successes,” he explained. “In this case, seeing no stars is what proves the theory right. It tells us that we have found in the local Universe a primordial building block of a galaxy that hasn’t formed.”

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Unlike humans, elephants also don’t really sweat. They have a few sweat glands mostly between their toes that can release a small amount of moisture but this only helps to cool them down slightly. They also can’t pant, like dogs. So they’ve developed other ways to cool down.

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Two letters in RELHIC are key to understanding its significance—H and I. It stands for neutral hydrogen, the elemental gas from the universe’s earliest eras that never contributed to the birth of stars. Cloud-9’s core of neutral hydrogen is roughly 4,900 light-years wide and contains around 1 million times the mass of our sun. 

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Asian elephant family with two adults and one baby stand on a river bank drinking.
Asian elephants have much smaller ears than African elephants. Image: DepositPhotos
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For years, astronomers suspected that RELHICs lurked somewhere in the depths of space, but pinpointing them is a major challenge. What’s more, a suspected RELHIC could be overlooked without access to some of astronomy’s most powerful tools. In this case, the first clues about Cloud-9’s identity arrived in 2023, but it needed the Hubble Space Telescope’s Advanced Camera for Surveys to confirm its cosmic nature.

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How elephants use their ears to cool down

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“Before we used Hubble, you could argue that this is a faint dwarf galaxy that we could not see with ground-based telescopes,” STScl astronomer and study co-author Gagandeep Anand explained. “They just didn’t go deep enough in sensitivity to uncover stars. But with Hubble…we’re able to nail down that there’s nothing there.”

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“Elephant ears are exceptionally efficient at shedding heat,” says Angela Stöger-Horwath, a professor in zoo conservation science at the University of Vienna. Their ears have a large surface area containing thousands of tiny blood vessels.

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However, Cloud-9 may not always remain a failed galaxy. Depending on its growth rate, the REHLIC may one day become massive enough to collapse and form the first stars in a new galactic neighborhood. At the same time, powerful cosmic forces may also strip away gas as Cloud-9 travels through space. Either way, astronomers now have their first REHLIC to study—and it likely won’t be their last.

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When elephants pump blood to their ears, the blood moves along those thousands of vessels cooling to the outside temperature. The blood then recirculates through the elephant’s body, helping the animal return to a normal body temperature.

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“Among our galactic neighbors, there might be a few abandoned houses out there,” added study co-author and STScl astronomer Rachael Beaton.

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The post Mysterious space object is full of dark matter appeared first on Popular Science.

+]]>en-US<![CDATA[Idaho once dropped 76 beavers from airplanes—on purpose]]>Don't worry. They had parachutes.

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The post Idaho once dropped 76 beavers from airplanes—on purpose appeared first on Popular Science.

+]]>https://www.popsci.com/environment/beaver-drop-idaho/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730306Tue, 06 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500EnvironmentAnimalsBiologyConservationLandScienceWildlifeBeavers might rival even the most hardworking corporate employee in productivity and hustle, but they’re not quite cut out for business travel—especially the airborne kind.

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Ear flapping also helps to dissipate heat. When elephants flap their ears, they increase the airflow across those blood vessels, further cooling the blood.

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Nevertheless, in 1948, 76 industrious beavers were subjected to a once-in-a-lifetime “work trip” to Idaho’s remote Chamberlain Basin—via parachute. The event, which was captured in a now-viral video, has become celebrated as a quirky example of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship. After all, who can resist a flying beaver? 

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Using a computer model, researchers have demonstrated that elephants mostly lose heat through their ears. “The ears act as adjustable radiators,” says Stöger-Horwath. “Elephants use them more or less depending on the temperature, activity, or time of day.”

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“There’s just the glorious weirdness of it,” says Ben Goldfarb, author of Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter. “If you were to pick the least aerodynamic animal imaginable, beavers would be high on the list. They’ve got these thick, chunky, pear-shaped bodies,” says Goldfarb. “The incongruity of this very land-bound animal soaring through the sky is just inherently comedic to people.”

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This cooling strategy has even influenced elephant evolution. The African elephant has the largest ears of any species because it’s exposed to hotter, open landscapes, while Asian elephants have comparatively smaller ears because they live in shaded forests.  

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How beavers almost went extinct

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But as the planet warms due to climate change, elephants and their impressive ears may face new challenges. “The ears of elephants are a really important adaptive mechanism,” says George Wittemyer, a professor of fish, wildlife, and conservation biology at Colorado State University. “But they’re getting exposed to heat in new and different ways with the planet warming. What’s going to be beyond their capacity to manage?” 

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Idaho’s 1948 beaver drop came at a pivotal moment in the ecological history of humans and beavers—a relationship long defined by exploitation and extermination.

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How elephants communicate using their ears

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“Starting in the early 1600s, beavers were these animals that we systematically annihilated in North America,” says Goldfarb. “Fur trappers and traders were traveling the country, just eliminating beavers from every single lake, river, stream, or pond they encountered.”

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Elephants also use their ears to talk to one another. “They hold their ears in a variety of different positions to signal their emotional state or behavioral intent,” says Michael A. Pardo, a senior scientist at the non-profit organization Elephant Voices. When facing a threat they often spread their ears out 90 degrees from their body to make themselves look even bigger. This is often used as a warning for others to back off. 

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North America’s beaver population fell from an estimated several hundred million animals before European colonization to roughly 100,000 by the turn of the 20th century, with the vast majority living in Canada, according to Goldfarb.

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An adult elephant spreads ears wide as a baby elephant stands behind her. They're in the African savannah and it's muddy and green. A small white bird is on the right.
A mother elephant spreads her ears wide to ward off an unseen enemy and protect her baby. Image: Contributor / Getty Images / Mondadori Portfolio
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“By the dawn of the 20th century, you would’ve had a hard time finding a beaver anywhere in the lower 48,” he says. 

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In social situations, an elephant’s ear movement can signal joy, agitation, dominance, and coordinate group behavior. “When elephants are highly emotionally aroused, such as when greeting family members after a period of separation, they often flap their ears rapidly,” says Pardo. It’s their way of saying, “Hey, I’ve missed you! Where have you been?”

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An unfurled white parachute lowers a black box against a blue sky. The photo is archival and blurry.
In 1948, Idaho took a radical new approach to beaver relocation—parachutes. Image: Public Domain
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Elephants are amazing listeners

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People find love—beaver love

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Elephants’ ears also help them hear a wide range of sounds, particularly in the low frequency range. While elephants certainly make many sounds humans can hear, most of their communication is at frequencies so low we can’t. These low frequency sounds have long wavelengths that trees and vegetation are less likely to interfere with. This allows these sounds to travel much farther through dense forests or wide savannas, making elephants impressive listeners. Some elephants can even hear sounds from more than 6 miles (10 kilometers) away.  

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By the early 1900s, attitudes had begun to shift toward beavers, Goldfarb says. 

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Elephants’ ears also help them locate where a noise is coming from more precisely. “Their large ears help channel sound waves into their eardrums,” says Wittemyer. “Elephants are using that. You can see that when they’re listening, they’ll stand up and their ears will be out.” This can help them pinpoint threats and improve their chances of survival for tomorrow.

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“We started to reverse course a bit to say, ‘Hey, wait a minute, these are some pretty cool, important, useful animals that we want back on the landscape.’ Various states restricted trapping and started to reintroduce beavers,” explains Goldfarb.

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Although they don’t give elephants the power to fly like Dumbo, elephants’ massive ears are a kind of superpower. They help them communicate across long distances, cool down in the heat of the savanna, defend themselves, and even show how much they miss each other. 

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Idaho’s beaver problem

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In Ask Us Anything, Popular Science answers your most outlandish, mind-burning questions, from the everyday things you’ve always wondered to the bizarre things you never thought to ask. Have something you’ve always wanted to know? Ask us.

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It was within this broader cultural context that Idaho officials found themselves confronting a local beaver problem. After World War II, a postwar economic boom spurred a growing resort industry in McCall, a former logging town on Payette Lake, about two hours north of Boise. As vacation homes went up along streams and shorelines, residents were less than thrilled with the local beaver community, which was busily chewing their trees and clogging their irrigation ditches.

+ + + +

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game knew the rodents needed to be moved but, unlike in earlier decades, killing them was no longer the solution. This wasn’t pure altruism. People were beginning to understand that, as pesky as beavers could be, they were also ecologically invaluable.

+ + + +
A man wither lowers or takes out a beaver from a wooden crate with holes. The man wears a tan shirt and blue pants. There are more similar crates in the background.
In order to parachute beavers to the ground, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game developed specialized wooden boxes that would spring open when they reached the ground. Image: Public Domain
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“Beavers build dams and create ponds, and they do that to enhance and expand their own habitats, but in the process, they’re providing all of these incredibly beneficial ecological services for us humans,” says Goldfarb. “They’re storing water, so they’re great at mitigating drought. They’re filtering out pollution. They’re preventing flooding in some places. They’re restoring degraded streams and fighting fire.”

+ + + +

For Goldfarb, Idaho’s 1948 beaver dilemma, and the thoughtful solution officials devised, marked an important shift in human/beaver relations. “There is a huge beaver movement now,” he says, “and for some of us ‘beaver believers,’ the Idaho story is part of where that movement began.”

+ + + +

Saving Idaho’s beavers, one parachute at a time

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But understanding the environmental value of beavers didn’t solve the immediate problem: Officials still needed a way to relocate them to the Chamberlain Basin, a rugged, roadless region in the mountains of central Idaho where they could live undisturbed.

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The traditional method, which entailed transporting beavers across many miles in crates on horseback, wasn’t going well. Beavers need to be kept cool and wet during transport, conditions that were difficult to maintain on long trips, and historical accounts from the period suggest the method frequently resulted in beaver deaths.

+ + + +

The horses, meanwhile, were less than thrilled to be tasked with carrying a bunch of cranky, overheated rodents across long distances. 

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“Beavers are not subtle animals up close, and they have a smell to them that horses don’t love,” says Shawn Szabo, a staff biologist with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game who oversees the state’s wildlife, including beavers. 

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“And horses can be very spooky. I think the horses might even pick up on the beavers’ nervousness.”

+ + + +

Enter Elmo Heter, a resourceful 1948 employee at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, who set out to find a better way. He began experimenting with surplus materials from the Army, such as parachutes and lightweight wooden boxes. Eventually, Heter designed a crate using a “clamshell suitcase-type design,” held together with elastic straps. The crates stayed shut during descent and popped open on impact, Szabo says.

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A black and white old-school diagram shows three different panels labeled top, side, and bottom. The diagram is entitled "Beaver Dropping Box."
Elmo Heter, an employee at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, designed the lightweight wooden boxes beavers were parachuted in. Image: Public Domain
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“They had a few different iterations of the container they used to hold these beaver while they were parachuted,” Szabo said. “It was two beavers per crate as long as the weight didn’t exceed a hundred pounds. However they worked it out, it was eventually aerodynamically sound.”

+ + + +

To test the system, Heter used a single male beaver named Geronimo, who endured several trial drops and reliably crawled out each time.

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“Satisfactory experiments with dummy weights having been completed, one old male beaver, whom we fondly named ‘Geronimo,’ was dropped again and again on the flying field,” Heter wrote in his unforgettable 1950 scientific paper, Transporting Beavers by Airplane and Parachute.

+ + + +

“Each time he scrambled out of the box, someone was on hand to pick him up. Poor fellow! He finally became resigned, and as soon as we approached him, would crawl back into his box ready to go aloft again.”

+ + + +

Geronimo was ultimately rewarded for his service, beyond whatever frequent flyer miles he might have accrued. In the paper, Heter recounts that the beaver had a “priority reservation on his first ship into the hinterland,” and that “three young females went with him.”

+ + + +

“Even there, he stayed in the box for a long time after his harem was busy inspecting the new surroundings,” Heter wrote.

+ + + +

Once the design was proven safe, Heter and his team prepared 75 more beavers for relocation. Working in pairs, the animals were loaded into the clamshell crates and released over the Chamberlain Basin. Most landed without issue, the wooden boxes springing open on impact as the beavers scrambled out into their new home. According to Szabo, only one beaver didn’t survive the operation, after chewing its way out midair.

+ + + +

Idaho Fish and Game staff filmed the entire operation—a detail that went largely unnoticed for decades. 

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It took decades to find the lost footage of Idaho’s 1948 beaver drop. Video: Fur for the Future, Idaho Fish and Game
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Finding the 1948 Idaho beaver drop’s lost footage

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When Sharon Clark, a longtime Idaho Fish and Game employee who also serves as the agency’s historian, first heard rumors of the film from former Wildlife Bureau Chief Roger Williams, she thought it sounded completely absurd. 

+ + + +

“I laughed at him,” she says. “I told him, ‘Roger, you can’t be serious.’” But the story stuck with her.

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After searching in the state archives and coming up empty, Clark eventually received a call years later: The film had been found, mislabeled under its original title, Fur for the Future, a  slogan about restoring the fur-bearing species. The film was in bad shape due to improper storage, so it was sent to a restoration company, which digitized it and recovered the missing audio.

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“When we finally had the restored version, I was beyond excited,” Clark said. “I had no idea it would turn into the phenomenon it has.” When the department posted the film to YouTube, it went viral, drawing hundreds of thousands of views and inspiring children’s books, including When Beavers Flew by Kristen Tracy and The Skydiving Beavers: A True Tale by Susan Wood.

+ + + +

The footage also sparked novelty sweatshirts and even led a Boise baseball team to briefly rename itself the Battle Beavers.

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A beaver looks out from a wooden box with holes. A deployed parachute rests on the ground behind the beaver. The scene takes place in a grassy field.
A beaver looks at their new home after being dropped from the sky. Image: Public Domain
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Today, Idaho no longer relocates beavers by parachute, but the underlying challenge hasn’t changed much. Beavers still cause conflicts with landowners, chewing orchard trees, flooding fields, and blocking irrigation systems—and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game still moves animals to places where they’re needed. “We use big, high-quality dog crates now,” Szabo said. “We hike them in on foot. No planes involved.”

+ + + +

Modern relocations also serve a broader ecological purpose, according to Szabo. Beaver ponds create habitat for sage grouse, whose populations have declined across much of the West, as well as spotted frogs, redband trout, and other species. Szabo says modeling indicates ample habitat in stream systems where beavers are still absent. “We think there are opportunities to expand their distribution,” Szabo said. “It benefits a huge variety of wildlife.”

+ + + +

Even now, the beaver drop has a way of resurfacing in unexpected places. After the footage went online, a Pennsylvania man in his nineties telephoned Clark to thank her. The younger generations of his family had been skeptical of his tales about helping trap beavers for the project as a youngster. And to be fair, “I worked on the parachuting-beaver mission” does sound a little far-fetched.

+ + + +

“He had been telling his kids and grandkids this story over the years [about his involvement in the project],” says Clark. “He called just to thank me for getting the video out there, because now his kids and his grandkids believed him.”

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In That Time When, Popular Science tells the weirdest, surprising, and little-known stories that shaped science, engineering, and innovation.

- Related 'Ask Us Anything' Stories

+ Other 'That Time When' Stories
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Why some animals eat their babies

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How do snakes move? It’s not all slithering.

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Why do horses have eyes on the side of their head?

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How squirrels actually find all their buried nuts

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Which animals can and can’t fart?

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During WWII, a dress-wearing squirrel sold war bonds alongside FDR

+

When the U.S. almost nuked Alaska—on purpose

+

Andrew Jackson’s White House once hosted a cheese feeding frenzy

+

The space billboard that nearly happened

+

The radioactive ‘miracle water’ that killed its believers

+

During WWII, the U.S. government censored the weather

+

The U.S. tried permanent daylight saving time—and hated it

+

The 21 grams experiment that tried to weigh a human soul

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The post Why do elephants have such big ears? There’s not one answer. appeared first on Popular Science.

-]]>en-US<![CDATA[Amazon is clearing out Stanley tumblers, water bottles, food containers and more during this limited sale]]>Stay hydrated and keep all of your drinks cold all year with these drinkware deals from Stanley.

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The post Amazon is clearing out Stanley tumblers, water bottles, food containers and more during this limited sale appeared first on Popular Science.

-]]>https://www.popsci.com/gear/stanley-water-bottle-tumbler-amazon-deals-winter/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730168Thu, 01 Jan 2026 21:49:46 -0500GearFitness GearIf your 2026 resolutions include staying hydrated, now is a great time to grab some new Stanley tumblers, jugs, water bottles, coolers, and more during Amazon’s flash sale. These are huge discounts and they stretch across just about everything Stanley makes. They’re extremely tough, well-insulated, and come in a ton of cool colors. Grab the color you want now.

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The post Idaho once dropped 76 beavers from airplanes—on purpose appeared first on Popular Science.

+]]>en-US<![CDATA[Amazon dropped Lasko space heater prices by up to 35% during this limited winter sale]]>Cold weather season is in full effect. A well-placed space heater can make your home more comfortable while cutting your utility bill.

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The post Amazon dropped Lasko space heater prices by up to 35% during this limited winter sale appeared first on Popular Science.

+]]>https://www.popsci.com/gear/lasko-space-heater-amazon-deal-winter/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730334Tue, 06 Jan 2026 08:40:17 -0500GearHomeIf one room in your home always feels like the cold room at Coscto, a space heater is a quick way to get comfortable without cranking the thermostat for the whole place. Lasko’s ceramic space heaters are some of the most popular, no-nonsense options for bedrooms, home offices, and anywhere you want targeted warmth. I have one in my garage right now.

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Below are the best prices from the batch you sent, with a mix of tower heaters for broader coverage and smaller models for desks, bathrooms, and tight spaces.

@@ -333,21 +491,21 @@
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STANLEY Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle and Straw 40 oz $30 (was $45)

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Lasko 1500W Ceramic Tower Space Heater with Remote (751320) $55

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- Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler in blue + Lasko 1500W ceramic tower space heater
- The large tumblers leave plenty of room for ice. + Grab a space heater now before you need it. -

Stanley

 +

Lasko

@@ -357,7 +515,7 @@ - + See It @@ -365,28 +523,42 @@ -

The Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle and Straw 40 oz (Ponderosa Star) is the one that started the whole frenzy—40 ounces, a handle, and a rotating lid that lets you sip, chug, or seal it up. It also plays nicely with most cupholders, which is why it ends up in your car, on your desk, and in your gym bag (which you should probably wash, FYI).

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The remote makes it easy to tweak this heater’s settings from the afar, and the tall, slim design helps spread warmth better than a tiny desktop heater that only toasts your shins. It’s $55.00 right now (31% off).

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Stanley IceFlow 2.0 Flip Straw Tumbler with Handle 40 oz (Black 2.0) $34 (was $45)

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Lasko CT14650 Small Portable Ceramic Space Heater $40

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- Stanley IceFlow 2.0 Flip Straw tumbler + Lasko small portable ceramic space heater
- The integrated straw in the lid is extremely leak-resistant. + Despite its small size, this heater can warm up a typical space. -

Stanley

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Lasko

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The Stanley IceFlow 2.0 Flip Straw Tumbler with Handle 40 oz (Black 2.0) uses a flip-straw lid that’s quick to drink from and easy to close when you’re moving. The big handle makes it a grab-and-go bottle substitute, especially if you’re bouncing between office, gym, and pretty much anywhere.

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This model belongs under your desk in a cold office. It’s compact enough to tuck into a home office corner, but still has the ceramic punch to take the edge off a chilly room fast. It’s $39.98 (33% off).

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Stanley Adventure Easy-Carry Wheeled Cooler 50qt (Twilight) $262 (was $350)

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Lasko Portable Ceramic Bathroom Heater (CD08200) $38

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- Stanley Adventure Easy Carry Wheeled Cooler + Lasko Portable Ceramic Bathroom heater
- The built-in handle and wheels make this cooler extremely easy to lug. + Never get out of the shower cold again. -

Stanley

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Lasko

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If your idea of a good time involves cold drinks that stay cold, the Stanley Adventure Easy-Carry Wheeled Cooler 50qt (Twilight) is the move. Wheels matter when you’re hauling 50 quarts of snacks and beverages, and a hard-sided cooler is still the simplest way to keep the setup easy and the ice situation under control.

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Sometimes you want some extra warmth when you get out of the shower, but not every model can stand up to the damp conditions. This compact bathroom-focused model is an easy add for quick warm-ups while you get ready. It’s $37.99 (31% off).

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Here’s the complete deal list with pricing from the PDF:
-Featured Deals
-Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler 30 oz Rose Quartz – The IceFlow series delivers reliable temperature retention with vacuum insulation that keeps drinks cold for 12 hours or iced for 2 days. The 30 oz capacity means you can fill it up twice and have enough hydration for a full workday without constant refills. The flip straw lid makes one-handed drinking simple while you’re juggling a laptop or groceries, and the integrated handle fits most car cup holders despite the generous size.
-Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler 30 oz Cranberry Gloss – The ProTour series upgrades the popular Quencher design with a truly leakproof lid, solving the main complaint about earlier models. The built-in flip straw means no more lost straws rattling around in your bag, and the stainless steel construction keeps your cold brew legitimately cold through a full morning of meetings. At 30 oz, it holds enough coffee or water to reduce refill trips while still fitting in standard cup holders.
-Stanley Classic Legendary Vacuum Bottle 20 oz Black 2.0 – This thermos represents Stanley’s heritage design updated for modern use. The 40% discount makes it an exceptional value for vacuum insulation technology that genuinely works—keeping coffee hot for hours on a job site or during outdoor activities. The 20 oz size is substantial enough for a full morning’s worth of coffee but compact enough to toss in a work bag, and the leakproof cup lid doubles as a drinking vessel.

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Quencher ProTour Tumblers

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Tower heaters for bigger coverage

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  • Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler 40 oz Port Shimmer $29.25 (was $45.00)
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    Compact heaters for desks, small rooms, and targeted warmth

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  • Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler 40 oz Ponderosa Shimmer $29.25 (was $45.00)
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    Quencher H2.0 Tumblers

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    “Both parents did an exceptional job feeding and caring for this chick, who is the biggest this season,” she added.

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    IceFlow Original Flip Straw Tumblers

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    Prominent collectors, including but not limited to Phineas Adams, Amon G. Carter Sr., Waldo Charles Newcomer, and Edward Howland Robinson Green have all owned this coin at various times. In 1941, numismatist B. Max Mehl said, “[i]n all of numismatics of the entire world…there never has been a single coin which was and is the subject of so much romance, interest, [and] comment,” in reference to this particular coin. It is expected to sell for over $1 million. 

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    IceFlow 2.0 Fast Flow Tumblers

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    + Related Coin Stories

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    A long lost silver dollar may be worth $5 million

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    5 new quarters commemorate 250 years of American independence

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    40,000 Roman-era coins discovered in French village

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    Ancient ‘rising sun’ coins reveal far-reaching trade network

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    Statistics to solve the first-move advantage

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    IceFlow 2.0 Flip Straw Water Bottles

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    At France’s Paris-Saclay University, statistical theorist Marc Barthelemy says Fischer’s variant still can’t wholly solve for the so-called “first-move advantage.” He recently examined the 960 starting positions in Fischer’s variant using the popular open-source chess engine Stockfish to calculate the best possible moves. From there, Barthelemy developed a novel statistical approach to investigate decision-making complexity by determining the amount of positional information a player requires to choose the best moves. The results revealed that in almost all 960 potential starting layouts, white retains a clear upperhand. And by “almost all” layouts, Barthelemy means 99.6 percent of them.

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    • Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw 2.0 Water Bottle 24 oz Rose Quartz $26.25 (was $35.00)
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      “Stockfish evaluations show a near-universal first-move advantage for White…indicating that the advantage conferred by moving first is a robust structural feature of the game,” he wrote in a forthcoming study.

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    • Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw 2.0 Water Bottle 24 oz Black 2.0 $26.25 (was $35.00)
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      Barthelemy argued that, if anything, Chess960 illustrates a constant theme throughout both standard chess and other similar strategic games. Over generations, each piece’s accepted starting position likely solidified thanks to how they contributed to the board’s overall memorable visual symmetry. 

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    • Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw 2.0 Water Bottle 24 oz Twilight $26.25 (was $35.00)
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      “Standard chess, despite centuries of cultural evolution, does not occupy an exceptional location in this landscape,” he wrote. “It exhibits a typical initial advantage and moderate total complexity, while displaying above-average asymmetry in decision difficulty.”

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    • Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw 2.0 Water Bottle 24 oz Ash $22.50 (was $30.00)
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      Getting the ‘most balanced’ position

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    • Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw 2.0 Water Bottle 16 oz Rose Quartz $22.50 (was $30.00)
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      Of Fischer Standard Chess’ 960 openings, Barthelemy cites position 198 as the “most balanced, with both evaluation and asymmetry near zero.” In this arrangement, the back rank piece order is as follows:

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    • Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw 2.0 Water Bottle 16 oz Frost $22.50 (was $30.00)
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      Position 198 in Chess960 is the arguably the fairest: Queen / Knight / Bishop / Rook / King / Bishop / Knight / Rook. Credit: Lichess
      Position 198 in Chess960 is the arguably the fairest: Queen / Knight / Bishop / Rook / King / Bishop / Knight / Rook. Credit: Lichess
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    • Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw 2.0 Water Bottle 16 oz Ash $22.50 (was $30.00)
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      However, players should opt for position 226 if they want the most complex possible setup:

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    • Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw 2.0 Water Bottle 16 oz Black 2.0 $22.50 (was $30.00)
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      Position 226 in Chess960 offers the most complex game: Bishop / Knight / Rook / Queen / King / Bishop / Knight / Rook. Credit: Lichess
      Position 226 in Chess960 offers the most complex game: Bishop / Knight / Rook / Queen / King / Bishop / Knight / Rook. Credit: Lichess
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    • Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw 2.0 Water Bottle 36 oz Rose Quartz $26.19 (was $35.00)
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      If confirmed, Barthelemy’s findings aren’t intended to diminish either standard chess or Chess960’s appeal. Instead, he hopes the analysis will help tournament organizers ensure the fairest matches possible—regardless of which version of the game you prefer puzzling over for hours.

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      The post Chess isn’t fair—so rearrange the pieces appeared first on Popular Science.

      +]]>en-US<![CDATA[CES 2026: The tech that excites us enough to fly thousands of miles and walk hundreds more]]>Every January the hottest gear and gadgets are previewed in Las Vegas, and here’s just some of what we plan to see at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show.

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      The post CES 2026: The tech that excites us enough to fly thousands of miles and walk hundreds more appeared first on Popular Science.

      +]]>      https://www.popsci.com/gear/ces-2026-hot-new-tv-projector-soundbar-ebike-tech-preview/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730179Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500GearEvery year, CES turns Las Vegas into a temporary future, equal parts prototype parade and endurance sport. Walk any aisle, and you could spot something that’s faster, brighter, louder, weirder … something that everyone will be talking about. And we’re here, on the hunt for those big reveals, the upgrades that just hit different. We’re scouting the optimistic spec sheets and collecting first-hand gear impressions, which we’ll share with you once we’re back. But before the halls open, we wanted to share this sneak peek at just some of our hit list.

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    • Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw 2.0 Water Bottle 36 oz Black 2.0 $33.75 (was $45.00)
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      What we’re excited to see …

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    • Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw 2.0 Water Bottle 50 oz Black 2.0 $41.25 (was $55.00)
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      Taking place January 6–9, but already previewed by major manufacturers, CES 2026 is shaping up to be the year LCD admits it wasn’t done evolving; it just wanted a better backlight. Samsung is marching Micro RGB out of the 115-inch stratosphere (actually 130-inch mesosphere, as a proof-of-concept was announced on our first night here) and into living-room sizes (55” up), using tiny RGB LEDs for tighter color control and cleaner brightness without the usual white-light compromises. LG’s counterpunch is its Micro RGB evo flagship, with its full-gamut sashay—plus a new anti-glare Gallery TV to treat Mini-LED like museum lighting. Hisense keeps leaning into its TriChroma/RGB approach—pure colors at the source, big-screen theater energy, and local dimming panache. TCL, meanwhile, is bringing peak-brightness SQD-Mini LED potency (the 10,000 nits X11L) and its first RGB Mini-LED sets (Q10M Ultra, Q9M), basically betting on its Deep Color System and Halo Control for HDR fireworks that still hold their hues. OLED who? (But don’t worry, LG for sure has some impressive Wallpaper OLED TVs to show off.)

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    • Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw 2.0 Water Bottle 50 oz Frost $41.25 (was $55.00)
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    Render of the Hisense XR10 laser TV (aka lifestyle projector) on a pedestal
    Shiny XGIMI Titan Noir MAX lifestyle projector sitting on a table in a modern apartment full of neutral colors
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    IceFlow 2.0 Flip Straw Jugs

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    PopSci’s projector coverage has been leaning into a simple truth: the “TV replacement” era is already here. CES 2026 is singing that tune with a laser-lit chorus. Hisense is hauling in two machines: the XR10 long-throw (65–300 inches) with a new LPU 3.0 engine and a pure RGB triple-laser engine rated at 6,000 ANSI lumens, plus an IRIS system and sealed liquid cooling to hold contrast in a compact shell. Then there’s the PX4-Pro, a PX3-Pro follow-up UST aiming for a 200-inch picture, 3,500 ANSI lumens with TriChroma color, and a 6,000:1 contrast bump via a new IRIS lens system. XGIMI, which we clocked stepping into the pro lane with TITAN at IFA 2025 back in September, is at CES with a TITAN Noir Max Series refresh and a dynamic iris that makes contrast feel like lighting design, not math. Meanwhile, AWOL Vision and Valerion are sharing a booth, building on the launch of the VisionMaster Max as a cinephile standout for black levels in paticular. Now AWOL’s Aetherion Max/Pro UST wants to keep alignment PixelLocked, offering the kind of sharpness that makes people lean in and grin as screens balloon to 200 inches. They’re also chasing gaming-grade speed (1ms-class, 240Hz, VRR, Dolby Vision Gaming) and next-gen wireless like Wi-Fi 7, while still sweating color fringing and focus falloff. And Samsung’s Freestyle+ may not be competing in the brightness wars at 430 ISO lumens, but this easily transported cylinder’s AI-enabled auto-adaptations (3D Auto-Keystone, Real-Time Focus, Wall Calibration, Screen Fit) make it hard to beat for plug-and-play supremacy.

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    • Stanley IceFlow 2.0 Flip Straw Jug 40 oz Black 2.0 $33.75 (was $45.00)
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      And we’re keeping a particularly close eye on how Dolby Vision 2 (coming to Peacock and TCL’s new flagship, among other TVs), as well as HDR10+ Advanced factor into this future.

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    • Stanley IceFlow 2.0 Flip Straw Jug 64 oz Black 2.0 $45.00 (was $60.00)
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      Here at PopSci, we also love to be as close to in the moment as possible, so we love it when connected tech can make us feel more connected to the real world, which the original Birdbuddy did. Sequel to a highly successful Kickstarter, Birdbuddy 2 is a smart feeder that behaves like a camera rig. The new flagship shoots 2K HDR with slow-mo across a 135° view, flips portrait-to-landscape, and wakes instantly so the “good” visitor isn’t gone by frame two. An improved mic listens for birdsong while vision AI tags species, and Gorilla Glass plus dual-band Wi-Fi and dual solar panels promise fewer ladder climbs. The faster capture and smarter ID make the system more autonomous, which means we’ll never miss a glimpse at a feathered friend. A new Mini keeps the core camera, shrinks the shell. 

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    • Stanley IceFlow 2.0 Flip Straw Jug 64 oz Frost $45.00 (was $60.00)
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      What we’re excited to hear …

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    • Stanley IceFlow 2.0 Flip Straw Jug 64 oz Rose Quartz $45.00 (was $60.00)
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      CES can sometimes feel like a screen fest, but some of our favorite things are the systems that accompany them, that try and make sound waves behave in living rooms and car cabins. Spatial sound has been a major theme for us going into this year, so we’re looking for setups that feel less like demo tricks and more like things you’ll actually use for cleaner dialogue, better positional cues, and more immersive sound without more intrusive hardware.

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    • Stanley IceFlow 2.0 Flip Straw Jug 96 oz Frost $54.00 (was $90.00)
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      Pioneer is bringing its in-car spatial audio concept to 2026 as a bolt-on reality. SPHERA is a 10.1-inch in-dash receiver that enables Dolby Atmos playback through Apple CarPlay, turning a compatible cabin into a little dome where you can appreciate sounds positioned with creator intent instead of merely panning left-right. The trick is practical: take an Atmos pipeline and add PURE Autotuning, time-aligning, and EQ to your existing speakers until the sweet spot feels centered, not smeared. Quick Swipe, split-screen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, and a Luminous Bar seal the gadget vibe without requiring a 19+ channel system in a luxury EV SUV (or costing $55,000-$80,000).

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    • Stanley IceFlow 2.0 Flip Straw Jug 96 oz Rose Quartz $67.50 (was $90.00)
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    Audeze Maxwell 2 headphones on a stand on an LED-lit gaming desk
    Audeze Maxwell 2 driver view
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    Quick Flip GO Water Bottles

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    Maxwell 2 is the sequel gaming geeks crave: take a favorite and tighten every screw. We declared the original Maxwell as a standout across platforms for 90mm planar punch and FILTER noise-busting comms, plus Dolby Atmos support and absurd battery life. Now Audeze drags SLAM tech—acoustic modulation vents first shown in the flagship CRBN2 and trickled down to the LCD-S20—into a headset built for marathon raids. Thanks to the 10Hz–50kHz frequency response, I can hear footsteps snap into place, feel bass hit harder without blur, and just keep playing. And that will be easier with magnetic pads for quick swaps, AI mic cleanup, a low-latency USB-C dongle, Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio/LDAC, and 80-plus hours on tap—plus a cleaner, quicker new Audeze app.

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    • Stanley Quick Flip GO Water Bottle 24 oz Black 2.0 $18.75 (was $25.00)
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      Samsung’s 2026 audio push has plenty of software polish, with its updated Q990H soundbar adding Sound Elevation for nudging dialogue toward the screen’s center and Auto Volume for smoothing jumps. But the real sonic catnip is Music Studio 7 (left, below). A sculpted Wi-Fi speaker that’s built like décor (a “timeless dot” aesthetic) and tuned like gear, it throws 3.1.1 spatial audio with left-, right-, and top-firing channels, Pattern Control to keep the stage uncluttered, and Hi-Res 24/96 processing for bite and air. Solo, it’s a one-box lean-in Dolby Atmos listen. Paired with a compatible Samsung TV in Q-Symphony, one or more can stack, with or without a soundbar, for wider, taller, more action-anchored home cinema and no extra cable chaos. (And there’s a more curvaceous twin-tweeter Music Studio 5 on the horizon, as well. Think vinyl records and staff notation as visual inspiration.)

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    • Stanley Quick Flip GO Water Bottle 24 oz Frost $18.75 (was $25.00)
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      Designer Erwan Bouroullec holding the Samsung Music Studio 7 speaker in a modern showroom
      A living room render of the LG Sound Studio suite of Dolby FlexConnect home cinema speakers
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    • Stanley Quick Flip GO Water Bottle 24 oz Rose Quartz $18.75 (was $25.00)
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      When we heard TCL’s Z100 speakers—the first-to-retail Dolby Atmos FlexConnect setup—our takeaway was simple: we can get behind surround sound that adapts to the room instead of punishing it with the need to rearrange. Now, heading into CES 2026, FlexConnect is no longer a one-off experiment tied to a single speaker kit. Dolby and LG are pushing it into a bigger, more “traditional” living-room shape—a modular, auto-tuning ecosystem anchored by the world’s first FlexConnect-powered soundbar (right, above), the LG H7, and promising the same “place speakers where they fit” freedom using LG’s latest premium TVs as a hub (and even select 2025 models via a future software update). It’s a bigger, cleaner, less fussy system that can scale from two boxes, done to a 13.1.7 layout across 27 configurations, if desired, making object-based audio feel special without needing a specialist.

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    • Stanley Quick Flip GO Water Bottle 36 oz Black $21.00 (was $28.00)
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      TCL’s A65K Design Series soundbar is a slim black blade that wants to make your couch vibrate without making your room look like a cable crime scene. It’s a 3.1.2 setup with a wireless sub and up-firing drivers, so Atmos cues don’t just get louder; they launch, hover, and swell, effortlessly. Up to 460 watts, HDMI eARC, Bluetooth 5.3, and AI room calibration mean it’s built to lock in fast and sound “right” in whatever weird-shaped living room it lands in. The signature sauce is Audio by Bang & Olufsen—the Danish design-and-hi-fi institution famous for sculptural speakers and rich, musicality-obsessed voicing—and it’s not just here: TCL’s upcoming X11L Series SQD-Mini LED TV carries the same B&O audio co-sign, too. It’s the merger of picture and sound into one dynamic aesthetic.

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    • Stanley Quick Flip GO Water Bottle 36 oz Rose Quartz $21.00 (was $28.00)
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    And that’s just a few of the earbuds, headphones, speakers, etc. that are calling to us.

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    IceFlow Fast Flow Water Bottles

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    What we’re excited to feel …

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      Elation! Confusion? A swift spiritual kick to the head?!? CES always promises (and delivers) sensory overload, and we’re sure 2026 will be no different. Part of the fun is coming across an interactive exhibit that really has people engaged. But for now, we’ll preview one thing we know we’re excited to hear whisper and feel kick.

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    • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Water Bottle 24 oz Rose Quartz $22.50 (was $30.00)
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      Segway Muxi ebike in front of a coffee shop
      Segway Myon EBike Blue left side view of woman riding in the park
      Segway Xaber 300 action Shot jumping a hill
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      Segway rolled into CES 2025 with the Xafari and Xyber, two proof-of-concept bikes that were overbuilt in the best ways (we called the Xyber “outrageous,” and we stand by that statement). This year, it’s widening the lane with the three models shown above. Muxi is a short-tail low-step cargo-cruiser for anyone who wants Dutch-bike stability without giving up gadgetry—20×5 tires, regen braking, hill controls, and a cupholder. Myon looks like a step-through commuter until you thumb the e-shift buttons with Algorithm 2.0 smoothing assist to feel like legs, not lurch. It’s for nerds who argue about cadence sensors vs. torque feel (our people). The optional accessories are just icing on the cake: the Xiro Dropper Post senses stops and auto-lowers the seat, while rear radar adds car-like blind-spot alerts. Meanwhile, the Xaber 300 is a dirt bike that goes full Dakar—three modes, virtual clutch, wheelie-angle training—electric mischief you can tune. It’s got a 24.7% power-to-weight ratio and is backed by a 1-year bike, 2-year key components (battery, motor, frame) warranty.

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    • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Water Bottle 16 oz Rose Quartz $26.25 (was $35.00)
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      So that’s just a taste of what we expect to see from these brands and many more. Some other previews we know we’ll attend: Sony, Garmin, Razer, Govee … just to name a few. By the time you read this, we’ll already have sore feet. By the end of the week, we’ll have a camera roll full of close-ups of ports, panels, and “wait, what was that?” But we’ll also have the best thing CES can give you: perspective on what tech will look like in 2026, and what press releases turn into things you’ll actually want in your living room. Beyond what’s here, we expect more personal audio, gaming monitors, smartphone accessories, robot vacuums (and mowers and clothesfolders and companions), plus other smart-home/kitchen appliances, etc. So, after our power walks and protein bar meals, we’ll report back on our hands-on winners.

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    • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Water Bottle 36 oz Black 2.0 $33.75 (was $45.00)
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      People crowd the aisles of CES displays
      Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®
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      The post CES 2026: The tech that excites us enough to fly thousands of miles and walk hundreds more appeared first on Popular Science.

      +]]>en-US<![CDATA[Pigs have been island hopping for 50,000 years]]>With human help, the mammals can defy 'the world’s most fundamental natural boundaries.'

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      The post Pigs have been island hopping for 50,000 years appeared first on Popular Science.

      +]]>      https://www.popsci.com/environment/pigs-island-hopping-pacific/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730264Mon, 05 Jan 2026 10:53:00 -0500EnvironmentAnimalsArchaeologyBiologyConservationLandScienceWildlifeDespite not exactly being world-renowned swimmers, pigs have spread across the Asia-Pacific region for thousands of years. But how? With the genetic and archeological data from over 700 pigs, a team of scientists documented how people helped the mammals make their way across thousands of miles. Their findings are detailed in a study recently published in the journal Science.

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      “This research reveals what happens when people transport animals enormous distances, across one of the world’s most fundamental natural boundaries,” evolutionary geneticist and study co-author author Dr. David Stanton of the University of Cardiff and Queen Mary University of London said in a statement. “These movements led to pigs with a melting pot of ancestries. These patterns were technically very difficult to disentangle, but have ultimately helped us understand how and why animals came to be distributed across the Pacific islands.”

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    • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Water Bottle 36 oz Ash $26.25 (was $35.00)
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      Crossing the Wallace Line

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    • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Water Bottle 50 oz Rose Quartz $41.25 (was $55.00)
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      Previously, plants and animals did not always naturally spread across Indonesia’s over 17,000 separate islands. In the mid-19th century, evolutionary biologist Alfred Russel Wallace pinpointed a major biogeographic boundary now known as the Wallace Line. This invisible line stretches from the Indian Ocean through the Lombok Strait (between Bali and Lombok), north through the Makassar Strait (between Borneo and Celebes), and eastward, south of the island of Mindanao, into the Philippine Sea. 

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    • Stanley Varsity IceFlow Aerolight Fast Flow Water Bottle 24 oz Mist Mesh $26.25 (was $35.00)
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    a map of pacific islands, with a black line separating bornoe from flores
    The invisible Wallace Line represents a boundary between two faunal regions. Image: Gunnar Ries via Wikimedia Commons CC by 2.5
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    IceFlow Fast Flow Jugs

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    Several mammal, bird, and fish groups that are abundantly represented on one side of the Wallace Line are either not represented at all or exist in limited numbers on the other side. For example, leopards and monkeys are found on the Asian side and marsupials are largely limited to the Australasian side.

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    • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Jug 64 oz Black $45.00 (was $60.00)
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      Pigs represent one notable exception to the rules of the Wallace Line. There are populations of pigs on both sides of the Wallace Line, extending across Southeast Asia into New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and remote Polynesia. The mammals are biologically considered highly effective ecological invaders, and culturally important across the region. Given how well they have established themselves and cultural importance, the role people played in pigs’ spread remains a key question for biologists and conservationists.

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    • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Jug 64 oz Frost 2.0 $45.00 (was $60.00)
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      “Wild boar dispersed across all of Eurasia and North Africa and certainly don’t need people to help them disperse into new areas. When people have lended a hand, pigs were all too willing to spread out on newly colonised islands in South East Asia and into the Pacific,” added study co-author and University of Oxford bioarcheologist Greger Larson. 

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    • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Jug 64 oz Rose Quartz 2.0 $45.00 (was $60.00)
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      Movement 50,000 years in the making

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    • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Jug 96 oz Black 2.0 $67.50 (was $90.00)
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      In the new study, a team of scientists examined the genome of over 700 pigs, representing both living animals and archaeological specimens. With the genomic data, the team reconstructed the pigs’ movement across southeast Asia and identified when the animals arrived on certain islands and how they may have interbred with various native pig species living there.

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    • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Jug 96 oz Frost 2.0 $67.50 (was $90.00)
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    They found that people of different cultures have moved pig species throughout the region for millennia. The earliest evidence of the pig exchange comes from people living in Sulawesi as early as 50,000 years ago. Ancient Sulawesi cave painters depicted warty pig species in their art and even transported them over 1,000 miles away in Timor. Moving the pigs to Timor may have been an effort to establish a future hunting stock.

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    All Day Slim Bottles

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    Prehistoric cave painting of two Sulawesi warty pigs, Leang Tedongnge Cave, Sulawesi, Indonesia.
    Prehistoric cave painting of two Sulawesi warty pigs, Leang Tedongnge Cave, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Image: Adam Brumm (Griffith University) and Adhi Agus Oktaviana (BRIN, Indonesia).
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    • Stanley All Day Slim Bottle 20 oz Cream $22.50 (was $30.00)
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      About 4,000 years ago, the introduction to pigs accelerated, when early agricultural communities transported domestic pigs across Island Southeast Asia. Their roughly 6,600-mile-long journey began in Taiwan, extending across the Philippines, to northern Indonesia (Maluku), into Papua New Guinea, and on to the outlying islands as far away as Vanuatu, and remote Polynesia. The team also found evidence for the introduction of European pigs during the colonial period.

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      Eventually, many of these domestic pigs escaped and some of them became feral. On the Komodo islands, the domestic pigs hybridized with the warty pigs that were brought over by people from Sulawesi thousands of years earlier. These hybrid pigs are now a major source of food for the islands’ signature species—the endangered Komodo dragon.

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      “By sequencing the genomes of ancient and more recent populations we’ve been able to link those human-assisted dispersals to specific human populations in both space and time,” said Larson.

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      Conservation conundrums

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      According to the team, this study shows the dramatic and enduring impact of human activity on local ecosystems in the Pacific, and raises some conservation conundrums. The region’s pigs have very different statues and impacts across the islands today. Some are considered spiritual beings, while others are viewed as pests, and some are so ingrained in local ecosystems that they could almost be considered native. Efficient conservation policies will need to navigate these complexities. 

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    “It is very exciting that we can use ancient DNA from pigs to peel back layers of human activity across this megabiodiverse region,” said study co-author and paleogenomicist Laurent Frantz. “The big question now is, at what point do we consider something native? What if people introduced species tens of thousands of years ago, are these worth conservation efforts?”

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    The post Pigs have been island hopping for 50,000 years appeared first on Popular Science.

    +]]>en-US<![CDATA[Can animals read? Not in the human way.]]>Bonobos, dolphins, and other animals can decode complex symbols.

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    The post Can animals read? Not in the human way. appeared first on Popular Science.

    +]]>    https://www.popsci.com/science/can-animals-read/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729223Mon, 05 Jan 2026 09:01:00 -0500ScienceAnimalsAsk Us AnythingEnvironment“My cat always watches my phone as I text or read a book,” someone wrote on Reddit. “Even right now she is on my shoulder, intently watching what I am typing on this post. Can she read or is she just interested in what I am doing?”

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    Classic Legendary Vacuum Bottles

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    Some non-human animals have shown a surprising ability to understand symbols, although—as we shall see—scientists resist calling this reading.

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    Is it reading?

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    Adventure Vacuum Bottles

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    Does recognizing symbols—or even printed words—count as reading? Dr. Arik Kershenbaum, a zoologist and associate professor at the University of Cambridge, doesn’t think so. “Do you consider understanding road signs to be reading? Not really,” he says. “Reading seems to be a wholly linguistic phenomenon.” 

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    Then, in the second step, your brain must make sense of those sounds, connecting them to meaning. This requires grasping sentence structure, word meanings, context, and how ideas link together across a text. 

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    Adventure Fast Flow Water Jugs

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    Because animals have a limited capability of understanding human language, they cannot “read” the way humans do.

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    Even for humans, reading is not an inborn biological trait, but a relatively recent cultural invention. “Reading and writing themselves did not appear until about 5,000 to 6,000 years ago in Mesopotamia,” Savage-Rumbaugh says. “Homo sapiens appeared about 300,000 years ago,” she says. “So we were on Earth a very long time before we decided to ‘invent’ reading and writing.” 

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    Cafe To Go Travel Mugs

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    Savage-Rumbaugh says that ability to use language—and then read—stems from an individual’s lived experience and social context. In Kanzi’s case, his ability to use graphic symbols to communicate with humans emerged because he was raised in an environment where those symbols and humans were continuously present. “The [bonobo] infants reared without exposure to the forest or to human beings with whom they shared their daily lives, fail to acquire an understanding of spoken words and/or graphic symbols,” she says.

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    In Ask Us Anything, Popular Science answers your most outlandish, mind-burning questions, from the everyday things you’ve always wondered to the bizarre things you never thought to ask. Have something you’ve always wanted to know? Ask us.

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    The post Can animals read? Not in the human way. appeared first on Popular Science.

    +]]>    en-US    <![CDATA[Amazon just dropped Dreo fans, air purifiers, and space heaters to clearance prices]]>Make your 2026 resolution to improve the air quality in your home with these discounted devices from Dreo.

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    The post Amazon just dropped Dreo fans, air purifiers, and space heaters to clearance prices appeared first on Popular Science.

    +]]>    https://www.popsci.com/gear/dreo-air-purifier-portable-heater-deals-amazon/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730240Sun, 04 Jan 2026 19:33:06 -0500GearHomeWinter has a way of turning your home into a collection of microclimates: the bedroom is dry, the office is freezing, and the living room is somehow both dry and drafty. These discounts on Dreo heaters, humidifiers, and fans are an easy way to make your space feel a lot more livable without messing with your HVAC.

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    Editor’s picks

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    If your home office chills out faster than you do, this whole-room heater is built to spread warmth instead of blasting one narrow hot spot. The 3D oscillation helps move heat around, so you can feel it at your desk and on the couch without babysitting the unit. It’s $89.99 (10% off).

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    The post Amazon is clearing out Stanley tumblers, water bottles, food containers and more during this limited sale appeared first on Popular Science.

    -]]>    en-US    <![CDATA[5 cool innovations in sports and outdoors in 2025]]>From the most effective brain-protective helmet to a new type of insect repellent.

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    The post 5 cool innovations in sports and outdoors in 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

    -]]>    https://www.popsci.com/technology/sports-outdoors-innovations-2025/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730157Thu, 01 Jan 2026 15:56:07 -0500TechnologyBest of What's NewIt’s no big secret that spending time in the great outdoors is good for our bodies and minds. For 2025, our Sports & Outdoors innovations make getting outside more accessible and safer. Our top prize winner Mimikai insect repellant is a safe and effective way to keep dangerous insects like ticks and mosquitoes from biting you while on that hike, without the harmful chemicals. Other exciting developments this year include a compostable sneaker, a screen that makes working on a computer outside during the day much easier, a highly versatile kit for mountain climbing, and a new bike helmet that can help prevent dangerous concussions. 

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    But when those ties aren’t strong enough, when we begin to damage the very structure that provides us refuge, the pain we feel is compounded. Whether the couple stays together or not, a loss of such magnitude is just too intense a trauma for the relationship to stay the same as it once was.

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    (Editor’s Note: This is a section from Popular Science’s 38th annual Best of What’s New awards. Be sure to read the full list of the 50 greatest innovations of 2025.)

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    THE HEALING HIGHWAY OF CARE

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    Grand Award Winner, Sports & Outdoors

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    My Kinsey Institute colleague Sue Carter and I walked across campus one afternoon, noticing the first signs of spring. Daffodils bloomed through the mulch, birds sang from the branches of newly green trees, and college students traipsed around dressed as if the temperature was much warmer than it actually was. Pausing in front of a row of budding magnolias, Sue noted that one of the big‑picture findings of her fifty‑year research career could be boiled down to a simple phrase: “Love truly is the best medicine.” She was referring to the undeniable evidence that healthy and positive close relationships can result in elevated oxytocin and physiological states that actively improve our health; that love and the physiological processes that make such intense feelings and joys of connection possible reduce inflammation, improve immune function, regulate the autonomic nervous system, and may even improve the health of our gut microbiome.

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    Mimikai Insect Repellent by Mimikai: The first biomimicry insect repellent

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    Another series of studies reveals that these interactions between relationships and physical health are bidirectional, meaning that just as relationship dynamics can affect our health, our health can also affect our relationship dynamics. In a pack of studies on how individuals and couples experience and cope with illness led by my collaborator Amanda Gesselman, our own lab has found that people with epilepsy, breast cancer survivors and their spouses, those with trauma from adverse childhood experiences, and young men living with HIV all exhibit a similar pattern in their relationships: Their health affects their relationships in measurable ways, and in turn, those relationships affect their health. Sexual function or loss of intimate contact can be a major player. When illness lessens sex drive or makes sex less possible or pleasurable, the partnership suffers.

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    When illnesses impact sexual and reproductive organs, medical decisions around treatment can place an especially heavy burden on couples’ intimate lives. In our work with breast cancer survivors, we observed a consistent finding that many women who undergo cancer-removing mastectomy (the partial or complete surgical removal of one or both breasts) struggle to feel comfortable in their new bodies, and often feel embarrassed by surgical scars. This inevitably impacts the way they behave when trying to be physically and emotionally intimate with their partners, and in some cases includes a lack of desire to be intimate at all. Survivors report grappling with any number of complicated emotions, from shame, anger, and sadness to a sense of mourning that a part of themselves that has defined their femininity has been altered or lost (this is one reason many women’s health advocates have argued for breast reconstruction surgeries to be covered by healthcare insurance, as studies have shown this can dramatically help survivors with their psychosocial health). 

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    The partners of women who have had mastectomies, too, face emotional obstacles when engaging in sexual intimacy — the uncertainty of whether they should acknowledge or ignore their partner’s scars; picking up on their partner’s discomfort but not knowing what to do or how to act; the pain of having to confront visual reminders of their loved one’s trauma. One man I spoke with told me about how once, while they were having sex, he had traced a finger along the twin scars of his wife’s mastectomy, feeling a sense of awe at her bravery and resilience. “No,” she had said simply, grabbing his hand, and he understood. While he saw his wife’s scars as a source of her strength, for her they triggered painful memories of grueling treatments and the fear of leaving her husband a widower, raising their young children alone.

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    The many medications that go hand in hand with illness can affect aspects of our sex lives as well. Some hormonal drugs, for example, can affect libido; some cardiovascular medications can reduce sexual function (penile erection and vaginal lubrication); other drugs might even cause romantic desires and feelings to be altered. Some psychiatric drugs can have similar effects. In one of our unpublished studies, a startling 11 percent of adults using antidepressant medications reported experiencing blunted romantic feelings as a side effect, consistent with a neuropsychiatric theory on the impacts of regulating serotonin proposed by Helen Fisher and J. Andy Thompson.

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    Most spray-on bug repellents are a sticky cocktail of nasty chemicals. Mimikai is different. The first new EPA-registered insect repellent in 25 years, the biomimicry-based Mimikai mosquito and tick-repelling spray and mist is free of harsh chemicals. But it’s as effective as DEET. After seven years of testing, not only does it meet the highest safety standards, but it’s effective for hours, and it doesn’t feel sticky on your skin. Mimikai blends methyl nonyl ketone, aka 2-undecanone, a naturally occurring compound found in wild tomatoes, bananas, cloves, ginger, and guava, with oil of lemon eucalyptus, soybean oil, and other skin-friendly ingredients. We’ve been testing it against biting bugs and insects in Vermont all summer, and we’re impressed with this non-toxic, effective alternative to traditional pesticides. 

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    two patients in a doctor's office while the doctor takes notes
    When illnesses impact sexual and reproductive organs, medical decisions around treatment can place an especially heavy burden on couples’ intimate lives. Image: Deposit Photos.
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    Fade 101 by Solk: A sneaker that’s beautiful, holds up, and won’t poison the planet

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    One study from Hong Kong of female breast cancer patients and their husbands found that marital adjustment to the realities of breast cancer was strongly associated with the patient’s outlook on the world, their relationship, their treatment, and even their marriage. In other words, our relationships and our health go hand in hand. These are the complex emotional dances couples navigate, in the best cases trying to support each other as needs change in the wake of health concerns, illness, and survivorship.

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    When one partner suffers a trauma, sometimes we hear things like “Well, s/he’s the one who’s actually going through it.” However, while it’s true that others often can’t fully relate to the personal battle of fighting illness, when it comes to a healthy relationship this statement isn’t entirely true. Even if we aren’t the person with the main burden of a disease or illness, we are affected. The literature on caretaking provides mountains of evidence of the toll managing a family member’s illness — termed “caregiver burden” — can take on partners, parents, kids, and the self. Illness damages our bodies, but it can also damage our intimate relationships, precisely at the moment we need them the most.

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    Jen battled her brain cancer for thirteen years. There were days she seemed to be in the clear and days she seemed almost gone; sometimes we held our breath and sometimes we let it out. Five craniotomies. Countless treatments, several experimental. After she had bounced back so many times, we perhaps forgot that she was mortal after all.

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    Footwear is notoriously toxic, both when it’s made and when its useful life is over. Foams and leathers don’t break down once shoes and boots are discarded. Eco-friendly alternatives lack structure and durability, and most don’t look stylish or feel comfortable. Veteran footwear designers David Solk and Irmi Kreuzer started Solk to make shoes that wouldn’t cause harm to the environment. Designed and built with a combo of traditional crafting and AI, every fiber, stitch, material choice, and end-of-life consideration has one goal: to be harmless to our environment. There is no rigorous zero-impact certification, so Solk created its own stringent standard that tests for 200 toxins. Materials include a 100% compostable foam midsole—other shoes use EVA, which won’t decompose for millennia—and leathers tanned without toxic forever chemicals that can decompose in a landfill. The shoes are beautiful, durable, and compostable. 

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    When it became clear that her illness had gained too much ground in the ongoing war, I was deep into my own career some 800 miles away. But even from this distance, I noticed that over the course of Jen’s illness, Dave had adapted in ways that were hard to fathom. His whole life — career, socialization, ambitions — had shifted to accommodate his wife, her needs, and the needs of their family, which by that point included two beautiful and remarkably resilient little girls, two dogs, and a turtle named Tommy (which we only much later learned was a female). While Jen was the one fighting cancer, both she and Dave had been out on the battlefield, and they would rise and fall together, time and time again.

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    Advanced Mountain Kit by The North Face: The most versatile high alpine clothing

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    Jen had always been my hero. But the sicker she got, the more I realized that Dave was my hero, too. Their story is a remarkable example of the resilient power of intimate love between two human beings.

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    IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH

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    Part of our legacy as the intimate animal is our capacity to bond with others — not just with a romantic partner but also with family members, colleagues, and friends. And in times of illness or trauma, these social relationships can become an essential source of support and care.

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    High-altitude mountaineers have historically dressed in cumbersome, Gumby-like down suits for summiting 8000-meter peaks. They were sweaty on the approach, expensive, and task-specific. The North Face’s new 24-piece Advanced Mountain Apparel Collection, which is part of a 31-piece Advanced Mountain Kit–provides elite athletes with the same extreme weather protection for climbing the world’s highest peaks, in a kit that can be used comfortably for mountain missions, including 8000-meter peaks, in a variety of weather in a range of altitudes. The kit is comprised of layers purpose-built for technical alpine climbing and mountaineering in all weather, including high-altitude environments. It’s a modular system. Each layer enhances the performance of others to help elite athletes succeed, whatever their objective. Lightweight, compressible to take up minimal packed space, and tough, the kit is built with cutting-edge fabrics, construction, and design, including Spectra yarns that are stronger than steel yet lightweight, and continuous baffle Cloud Down that eliminates cold spots and optimizes packability. DotKnit fabric marries the thermal and odor benefits of wool with active moisture transfer. The shell jacket and pants use an electrospun breathable membrane, and the down layers are infused with titanium and aluminum that reflects body heat. 

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    Work by psychologist Julianne Holt‑Lunstad and others has demonstrated that the absence of quality relationships is a strong predictor of disease and mortality. In one large meta‑analysis comparing data across dozens of studies with a total of over 300,000 people, researchers found a 50 percent increase in survival likelihood as a result of stronger social relationships. When scientists control for the quality of a relationship, even an unsatisfying one might be more beneficial than no relationship at all when it comes to health outcomes. It’s not unlike how having a helicopter parent anxiously hovering around a child’s every move is not ideal for his or her development, yet it’s still better than having no parent or a disengaged one — even if the overly involved kind adds a different kind of stress.  The body responds and adapts to social support in whatever form it comes.

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    Daylight DC-1 by Daylight Computer: The first computer designed to be used outdoors

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    There is an interesting nuance to the research on spousal support and social support more generally. While having a supportive partner and close relationships is important, especially in times of urgency or crisis, it’s the perception of support that matters most. That is, it’s not whether you are always available, but whether I believe you’ll be there when I need you most.

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    From the moment she was diagnosed, our whole family became a sort of galaxy orbiting around the black hole of Jen’s health. Her long battle for survival gave us something to rally around, something to unite us in the face of the unimaginable. When she died, we all remained extremely close, but without a center our universe faltered.

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    In the wake of that loss, we did the only thing we could. We turned to Lexi and Emily, the daughters Jen had loved so fiercely but would never get to see graduate from high school and then college, or watch as they got married. We are still a very close family, in many ways still orbiting around Jen’s ghost.

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    Some evolutionists have argued that caring is the trait that ultimately facilitated humans having such remarkable success as a species in terms of survival, reproduction, and global distribution. In particular, sharing — first of food and childcare, later of feelings and intentions — allowed everyone to pitch in and provide for the group. With everyone working together, there was additional high‑nutrient food, allowing humans to evolve larger brains that facilitated more complex social interaction, and eventually more complex social structures. Sharing, as an outgrowth of caring, allowed us to be a super organism, a collective that helped its members and made sure everyone was cared for. In other words, care is not only at the center of our romantic relationships but may have been the key to our species’s evolutionary success.

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    Staring into our phones, tablets, and computers produces a lot of stress on our eyes and brains, whereas e-readers like the Kindle offer a gentler option for screentime. However, these e-readers generally don’t have the processing power necessary to make them as useful as a regular tablet or computer. The Daylight Computer splits the difference. Its monochrome tablet uses transflective LCDs in a patented fastest e-paper display ever that unlocks full computer functionality with the glare-free reflective display, which makes it ideal for working outdoors. The tablet is low-stimulation because there are no bright and saturated colors, fast-paced flashing, or brain-agitating blue light, so it’s not addictive like other phones, tablets, and computers. It won’t disrupt your sleep or put you in a negative feedback dopamine desensitization loop. The display stack feels paper-like, and it’s fast enough to be used for anything on the internet. That makes this a great tablet for kids, who are especially susceptible to the addictive properties of other devices. 

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    an empty hospital bed with flowers by a table
    Caring for others has a major influence on our health, well-being, and ability to thrive. Image: Deposit Photos.
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    Deflectr RLS Bike Helmet by Canyon: The most effective brain-protective helmet system is on the outside

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    Over the last decade, scientists have paid increasing attention to the remarkable power of caring, including its evolutionary foundations and significance to our health, well‑being, and ability to thrive. While many people are familiar with the fight‑or‑flight response, the mobilizing of a physiological and behavioral impulse in the face of danger, it turns out this may be a more commonly male response to threat. Females may be more likely to respond with what biopsychologist Shelly Taylor calls tend‑and‑befriend: the attempt to protect offspring (tend) or seek out a social group for mutual defense (befriend).

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    It’s easy to assume that traits such as caring, cooperation, empathy, and fairness are uniquely human. But decades of work by primatologist Frans de Waal shows us that other primates and mammals sometimes exhibit similar patterns, and that these social tendencies are critical to their survival.

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    Other research reveals that humans are not the only animals with the capacity for grief or extreme empathy for others in distress. In 2016, a family of elephants in Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya was filmed continuing to visit the body of their matriarch for weeks after her death, circling her skeletal remains, probing them gently with their trunks as if they were still trying to process their enormous loss. Magpies have been observed burying the dead under twigs and grass, and chimpanzees have been known to caress those who are nearing death, mourning and grooming them after they are gone, and avoiding the place where they died out of apparent grief.

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    Most bike helmets use expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam to absorb blunt impacts, but EPS is bad at dispersing the rotational forces that cause traumatic brain injury in a crash. RLS is a pioneering safety breakthrough that diffuses the rotational forces that can cause traumatic brain injury through exterior panels that slide on ball bearings, then release in a crash, taking stress off a cyclist’s brain. The outer shell panels rotate on 1500 tiny polycarbonate bearings on a vinyl sticker shell base. In a crash, mechanical fasteners release, allowing the bearings to roll freely and the outer shell to slide away, dissipating energy with concussion-level force applied to the shell. Then the bearings can roll freely, and the outer shell can slide away. That allows the brain time to decelerate inside the skull, minimizing internal damage when the helmet contacts the ground. Eventually, the RLS technology will be available for motorcycle, industrial, equestrian, snow, American football, and other sports and activities in entry-level to advanced helmets. According to Virginia Tech testing, the gold standard for cycling helmets, the tech works. This helmet is currently rated #1 safest cycling helmet you can buy. 

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    The post 5 cool innovations in sports and outdoors in 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

    -]]>    en-US    <![CDATA[How the timber rattlesnake became a symbol of American independence]]>The very real reptile warned enemies ‘Dont tread on me,’ and urged the colonies to ‘Join, or die.'

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    The post How the timber rattlesnake became a symbol of American independence appeared first on Popular Science.

    -]]>    https://www.popsci.com/environment/timber-rattlesnake-american-symbol/https://www.popsci.com/?p=728847Thu, 01 Jan 2026 12:02:00 -0500EnvironmentAnimalsConservationLandScienceWildlife2026 marks the 250th anniversary of American colonies declaring their independence from Great Britain. One of the most enduring symbols of those “times that try men’s souls” is the bright yellow Gadsden flag. With its coiled timber rattlesnake, emblazoned with the infamous words “Dont treat on me” (without the apostrophe), the cryptic reptile slithered its way into the American imagination long before the bald eagle.

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    Yet the relentless devotion to another’s well‑being while they are still alive is not something we see in the animal kingdom often. In most species, if a member of a pair bond gets sick, their partner will not stay by their side or display the caring behaviors we observe in human beings. Though many primates will groom each other to remove disease‑carrying ticks, lice, and fleas, many species have disease‑avoidance adaptations that result in them actively staying away from those that seem ill to prevent the spread of a potentially infectious disease.

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    “The next time you see a rattlesnake, or hear its warning rattle, consider it a reminder,” the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) wrote in a recent blog post. “A reminder of where we came from and a reminder that American symbols don’t always soar. Sometimes, they rattle.”

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    In the larger natural world, the fact that an animal will cut bait and run when disease strikes their kin is preordained — and if we follow evolutionary logic, we might expect humans to do the same. Rational choice theory, or the idea that humans are rational beings who exercise free will and are in control of their decisions, would likewise expect humans to avoid risks — in this case, the risk of contracting an illness — that are not in their self‑interest. Similarly, if we assume that the purpose of romantic love is to ensure the transmission of our genes via reproduction, we might expect humans to abandon a partner who is too sick to conceive or may not live long enough to have children. This behavior would be consistent with a phenomenon biologists sometimes call the Concorde fallacy (named after the Concorde, a British‑French supersonic passenger plane whose production costs famously far exceeded the original budget), which holds that individuals shouldn’t continue to invest in a sunk cost and should instead reallocate resources toward new opportunities. But in matters of human love, the rules don’t always apply.

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    For American colonists, the snake became a symbol to leave them alone or face consequences. Benjamin Franklin even praised the rattler because while it never strikes first, it does not back down. Even before the Gadsden flag, Franklin published a 1754 cartoon in his Pennsylvania Gazette showing a timber rattlesnake. In his now famous “Join, or Die” cartoon, the snake is cut into pieces labeled with a colony. It is considered the first political cartoon published in an American newspaper and helped cement the rattlesnake as an important early American symbol up through the Civil War.

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    It is precisely because of the intense power of romantic bonds that we do things for our partners and for our relationships that are unlike what theories of the natural world and other behavioral science models would typically predict. In other words, it is a consequence of our intimate instincts that humans don’t abandon their pair bonds lightly.

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    Benjamin Franklin's 1754 “Join, or Die” cartoon. it features a rattlesnake with its body chopped into eight pieces, with each piece representing american colonies (new england, new york, new jersey, pennsylvania, maryland, virginia, north carolina, and south carolina -
    Benjamin Franklin’s 1754 “Join, or Die” cartoon. Image: National Archives.
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    Our commitments to our loved ones, through thick and thin, are truly remarkable. To live and die for love is not what makes us human per se, but it is one of the most striking hallmarks of our humanity. A philosopher friend has teasingly asked me on more than one occasion: “Do you think we are human because we care so much, or do we care so much because we are human?”

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    While the reptile was an enduring historic symbol, the real timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is still a very real snake here in the United States. However, the serpent is facing increased threats. It is found throughout the eastern U.S. from the Mississippi River Valley up through the Appalachian Mountains. It is a venomous pit viper that lives in forests, rugged terrain, and rocky outcrops. However, it has disappeared from some of its range due to habitat loss and fragmentation, being run over by cars, and a decline in its food supply (small mammals).

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    My answer is always consistent: both.

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    These rattlers are slow to mature and reproduce infrequently, making them particularly vulnerable to disturbances. They are listed as endangered in New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, Virginia, New Hampshire, Indiana, and Ohio. Timber rattlesnakes are listed as threatened in New York, Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota, and Texas. They have also been extinct in Canada since 2001.

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    THE POWER OF CARE

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    Timber rattlesnakes are  threatened by habitat loss, automobile strikes, and a decline in food resources, particularly small mammals. Image: Grayson Smith/USFWS.
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    Now more than ever — as we find ourselves navigating the dark, open, and uncharted waters of a human intimacy crisis, rising global environmental threats, pandemic instability, and an increasingly polarized political climate — understanding the science and power of caring may very well be critical to our own species’s survival. In the face of these existential threats to human health and well‑being, our thresholds for caring may ultimately define the next chapters of our relationships and our evolutionary legacy on this planet.

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    As with most snakes, timber rattlesnakes suffer from a bad reputation. As Ben Franklin appreciated, they would rather warn you than bite. They generally want nothing to do with humans unless they are threatened (or stepped on). The reptiles are not aggressive and their rattles are merely a built-in warning system that says “stay away.” Timber rattlesnakes also keep ecosystems healthy by controlling rodent populations and reducing the spread of disease and damage to crops. As a top predator in many forest ecosystems, they serve as an indicator of environmental health.

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    Humans do something remarkable in our close relationships, which is to spell out explicitly the expectation that we will care for each other. We want someone in the trenches with us, someone who will tamp down the entirely natural urge to flee the scene when illness or adversity extracts its financial and psychological toll, and turn toward us instead. The natural world is unpredictable, and part of what we gain in the pair‑bonding deal is a partner to help us respond creatively to modern challenges, even if we no longer need to be kept on our toes about changes in food sources or predator threats.

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    According to the FWS, it is worth remembering this symbol of our country’s natural history as the nation honors 250 years of American independence

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    These intimate partnerships do more than simply help us withstand the vicissitudes of life: They help us heal from trauma, recover from illness, and maintain our mental health. That’s why I have long believed that in addition to prescribing medication and suggesting treatments, physicians of all kinds would do well to prescribe “relationship medicine:” tools that patients can use to maintain the health of their partnerships during times of illness. It might sound like odd advice coming from an oncologist, a cardiologist, or just your general practitioner, but I believe that investing in your relationship when you are ill or unwell is one of the best things you can do for your health. Intimacy helps to heal us and make us whole.

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    “They remind us not only of what we’ve fought for, but of what we still have to protect,” wrote the FWS. “The timber rattlesnake was there at the founding. It’s woven into our history, our flags, and our ideals. It’s not just symbolic. These snakes are real and alive and still need our care.”

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    The post How the timber rattlesnake became a symbol of American independence appeared first on Popular Science.

    -]]>    en-US    <![CDATA[An ode to slugs, the mascots of post-holiday laziness]]>They’ve got 500 million years of evolution on their side, after all.

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    The post An ode to slugs, the mascots of post-holiday laziness appeared first on Popular Science.

    -]]>    https://www.popsci.com/environment/slugs-holiday-slow/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729689Thu, 01 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0500EnvironmentAnimalsHealthWildlifeThe winter months and post-holiday slump are notorious for their ability to turn even the most prepared person into a lethargic lump until the spring thaw. But if it makes you feel any better, you aren’t alone in the sluggish lifestyle. The staff at the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, Maryland, recently extended a sympathetic hand to the slimy mollusks with a few bits of trivia on their neighborhood slug population, who they describe as the “ultimate slow movers.”

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    That’s why it’s especially painful when an intimate connection is severed in times of illness. And yet, the capacity of humans to endure emotional hardship together is an important part of what makes us an intimate animal.

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    For one thing, slugs will absolutely retreat into their homes if the conditions aren’t to their liking. In fact, the gastropods will often hide underground to ensure they avoid some of the coldest ambient temperatures. But it’s not always a death sentence when they can’t escape the frost. Studies have also shown that some species can endure extra-cellular ice formations in their tissues for at least some period of time. Meanwhile, their eggs have likely evolved to withstand the winter through a process of “supercooling” in which they lower their typical freezing temperature.

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    When it comes to slow movement, it’s hard to find a more ambling pace than the slug. At a top speed of around 6.5 inches per minute, the common banana slug (Ariolimax) is even confirmed to be the world’s slowest animal, beating out both sloths and snails. However, there’s a reason for their miniscule pace. Or—to put it more accurately—there’s no reason for them not to be so slow. Banana slugs mostly eat plants, mushrooms, and decaying matter, so they don’t need speed to catch any prey. On top of that, their slimy mucus secretions contain mouth-numbing chemicals and are extremely unpalatable to any would-be predators. 

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    Dr. Justin R. Garcia is an evolutionary biologist and sex and relationships researcher. He is Executive Director & Senior Scientist at the Kinsey Institute, Ruth N. Halls Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Adjunct Professor of Medicine at Indiana University, Bloomington. He also serves as Chief Scientific Advisor for dating company Match, providing expertise to the annual Singles in America study. Dr. Garcia has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, HBO, The Dr. Oz Show, Netflix, and National Geographic, and his research has been featured in outlets like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, TIME, Cosmopolitan and Vanity Fair. While working on this book, he fell in love, and recently got married.

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    The post Why humans live and die for love appeared first on Popular Science.

    +]]>    en-US    <![CDATA[6 science milestones turning 40 this year]]>In 1986, we had huge leaps forward, tragic steps back, and life-changing innovations.

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    The post 6 science milestones turning 40 this year appeared first on Popular Science.

    +]]>    https://www.popsci.com/science/science-milestones-1986/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729882Sun, 04 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0500ScienceTechnologyIt was a year that saw roughly six million Americans hold hands in a continuous (more or less) line across the country to raise money for homelessness. A news anchor named Oprah Winfrey debuted her new talk show. In London, a musical based on Gaston Leroux’s 1909 Gothic horror novel The Phantom of the Opera took its first steps on the path to becoming the longest-running musical in Broadway history. Meanwhile, Top Gun and Ferris Bueller battled for movie theater box office supremacy, while Madonna, Bon Jovi, and Whitney Houston dominated the radio. 

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    So if someone tries to make you feel guilty for winter laziness over the holidays, just respond with the snail’s life motto: “What’s the rush?”

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    The post An ode to slugs, the mascots of post-holiday laziness appeared first on Popular Science.

    -]]>    en-US    <![CDATA[5 remarkable engineering innovations of 2025]]>From an autonomous drone system to wood that's stronger than steel and 6 times lighter.

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    The post 5 remarkable engineering innovations of 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

    -]]>    https://www.popsci.com/technology/engineering-innovations-2025/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730153Thu, 01 Jan 2026 08:50:46 -0500TechnologyBest of What's NewEngineering(Editor’s Note: This is a section from Popular Science’s 38th annual Best of What’s New awards. Be sure to read the full list of the 50 greatest innovations of 2025.)

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    But it was also a year of scientific and technological innovations, milestones and benchmarks that would literally change the way we live, communicate and see the world (and beyond). 

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    Grand Award Winner, Engineering

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    This was 1986. And these are the moments that truly changed everything.

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    Superwood by InventWood: Stronger than steel and 6 times lighter, no blast furnace required

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    1. The Space Race Continued

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    The quest to send a manned mission to the moon began in the 1960s, but the race to go further and stay longer still had plenty of momentum well into the 1980s. The United States, the Soviet Union, and Japan would all make extraordinary leaps forward in 1986, starting with NASA’s Voyager 2. Originally launched in 1977, Voyager 2 would become the first human-made object to fly past Uranus in 1986, on its way to being the only spacecraft to study all four of the solar system’s giant planets–Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus–at close range. 

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    In the January 1986 issue of Popular Science, writer Jim Schefter wondered if Voyager 2 could solve the mysteries of Uranus. Image: Popular Science Archive
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    Steel is responsible for roughly 8 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, but is so reliable that builders don’t want to go without.

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    The same year, the Soviet Union began in-orbit construction of a modular space station called Mir (after the Russian word for “world,” which can also mean “community”). It would be the longest-lasting, most elaborate space station to date, and would house a total of 105 cosmonauts from 11 different nationalities including Russian, French, Austrian, German, and British scientists over the ensuing years. Its goal was to better understand the challenges and obstacles in the way of permanent space living. 

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    Researcher Liangbing Hu found a new approach to this problem through serendipity. As a young researcher at UCLA and then Stanford, Hu was trying to figure out how to assemble batteries out of carbon nanotubes—but finding that constructing at the nanoscale was challenging and expensive. He had an “aha!” moment looking at wood fibers, realizing that the nanofibers within wood cells are about 100 times as strong as regular wood. And in terms of scaling up efficiently and in a way that sequesters carbon? Just grow a tree. 

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    Finally, 1986 also saw the Japanese spacecraft Suisei, carrying a UV imaging system and solar wind instruments, get close enough to the year’s other big pop culture phenomenon–Halley’s Comet–to make some of the first significant findings of the mysterious galactic phenomenon that had returned after 76 years. Suisei was able to document Halley’s rotation through ultraviolet imaging, measurement of variations in its water-discharge rate, and observations of ions originating from the comet being captured by the earth magnetosphere.

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    Hu devised a chemical bath to remove the lignin that holds the cellulose in wood together. By then heating the resulting fibers, he was able to compress the wood by roughly 80 percent of its original thickness, using his knowledge of the nanoscale. He collapsed the internal structure in a way that eliminated weaknesses and strengthened bonds. (You can think of it as getting rid of all of the space inside the wood fiber.) His process also darkens the wood, and renders the material stronger than steel, not to mention six times lighter. The result is Superwood.

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    2. Voyages Closer to Home

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    Experts question whether the famously risk-averse construction industry will embrace such a radical replacement for steel, and not without reason. If you’re building a $2 billion skyscraper, would you want to tell your lender that you’re rolling the dice on treated wood without a decades-long safety record?

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    Back on Earth, less galactically inclined aircraft were making enormous strides of their own. Just as the year was coming to an end on December 23, 1986, a plane known as the Rutan Voyager (named after one of the pilots and the plane’s designer, brothers Dick and Burt Rutan) completed the first nonstop, non-refueled flight around the world. 

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    But Alex Lau, CEO of InventWood, the company that licensed Hu’s discovery, says that once the company scales up, he aims to sell Superwood at half the price of steel. But for now, he will win hearts and minds in the construction industry by first targeting the wood-friendly markets for decking and roof materials, before moving in on structural elements and Superwood-optimized buildings. And then there are the environmental benefits. Superwood can be made out of many different kinds of tree—you can even make the stuff out of the roughly 10 to 20 percent of forestry products that are discarded as the wrong species, or the 40 percent of sawmill wood deemed non-premium that would otherwise be chipped or burnt. Lau says he can displace half of US steel demand, or 50 millions tons, with just 12.5 million tons of Superwood. That sounds like a lot, but he points out we send that much waste wood to the landfill each year—and there are 14 million tons of excess capacity wood in Southern lumber mills.

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    It completed the task in just nine days, with Dick Rutan and co-pilot Jeana Yeager (interestingly, not related to the other famous aviator, Chuck Yeager) at the helm. Not only was the mission impressive, it helped prove the durability and usefulness of lightweight composite materials (carbon fiber, epoxy) that would go on to help fuel advancements in everything from luxury automobiles to sports equipment. 

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    Sand Battery by Polar Night Energy: An industrial-scale thermal battery out of sand to avoid fires and mining pollution

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    In 1984, we questioned if the Rutan Voyager could circle the globe without refueling. In 1986, it did just that. Image: Popular Science Archives
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    3. The Birth of the Laptop

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    On April 2, 1986, IBM debuted the IBM PC Convertible, the first commercially available laptop. 

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    Although weighing in at a chunky 13 pounds and about as conveniently portable as a small suitcase, the PC Convertible nonetheless marked a significant step in the evolution of the home computer. What used to take up an entire room had become something that could fit on your desk and now was something you could take with you relatively easily. 

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    Industrial-scale batteries provide one way to keep renewable power going when the wind stops blowing or the sun stops shining. But manufacturing batteries from lithium, cobalt, or iron has a significant greenhouse gas footprint and can also lead to metal and water pollution.  

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    IBM’s “briefcase computer” seen in the July 1986 issue of Popular Science. Image: Popular Science Archives
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    A Finnish company called Polar Night Energy is tackling the intermittency problem by upcycling crushed soapstone, a byproduct from a local fireplace factory, to create the largest sand battery in the world. Instead of storing electricity, this thermal battery stores heat in a roughly 43-by-49-foot insulated steel cylinder. The system takes excess electricity from the grid to heat up the sand. Then, pipes built into the battery direct cold air in, allow heat to transfer from the sand, and then send hot air out, at temperatures between 140 and 752 degrees F. The hot air can then be used to make steam for industrial processes, or to warm up buildings or water. Unlike conventional batteries that become less efficient over time, the sand does not degrade, and the battery has an expected useful life of 30 years. And unlike lithium-ion batteries (or oil refineries), the sand will never catch on fire.

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    Just two years prior, the first commercially available handheld portable phone had been introduced and while it, like the PC Convertible, didn’t radically change the way we work and communicate overnight, they laid the groundwork for the laptops and smartphones we can’t live without today. 

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    Though using hot sand as a battery is an ancient idea, the tool is modern and industrially rated, storing up to 100 MWh of energy for months at a time. This is enough for a month of heat demand in the battery’s small hometown of Pornainen, and a week during the icy Finnish winter.

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    4. Silver Screen Science

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    And this is just the first industrial-scale project from Polar Night Energy; the company plans to compete with lithium-ion batteries for certain industrial applications at smaller sizes—between 2 MW and 10 MW—across Europe. The cost per stored kilowatt hour is lower too, though high upfront costs and builders who don’t like unfamiliar tech are obstacles. Nearly 40 percent of industrial applications for heat are in the sand battery’s temperature range.

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    Not only were there plenty of blockbusters cementing their legacies as cultural touchstones and enduring cult favorites in 1986, but some were also slowly pushing the envelope in ways that would completely change the art form forever.  And one of them was Jim Henson’s Labyrinth. Yes, Labyrinth, the PG-rated 1986 fantasy oddity that famously paired goblin puppets with rock star David Bowie (wearing questionably PG-13 jodhpurs). 

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    Willow Quantum by Google: A chip that actually makes fewer errors as the number of physical qubits increases

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    Diana, Princess of Wales, Royal Command Premiere of Labyrinth, London, With Ludo and Jim Henson, 1st December 1986. (Photo by John Shelley Collection/Avalon/Getty Images)
    Princess Diana at the London premiere of ‘Labyrinth,’ with Ludo and Jim Henson on December 1, 1986. Image: John Shelley Collection/Avalon/Getty Images John Shelley Collection/Avalon
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    It turns out, the white owl that flies over the opening credits was the first use of a realistic computer-generated animal. It wasn’t quite Jurassic Park yet, but the seeds were sown. 

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    Meanwhile, at the Canada Pavillion at Expo ’86–the world’s fair hosted in Vancouver, British Columbia–audiences sat for a specially-created film called Transitions. What they didn’t know at the time was that this was the first ever full-color 3D IMAX movie. Between this and Labyrinth, you can say that the path of Avatar started in 1986. 

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    Error correction is a crucial feature in any computer chip, and it’s even more important in quantum computers. That’s because minor material glitches, changes in temperature, and even cosmic rays can alter the way the computing entities known as qubits store or transmit information. 

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    Oh, and filmmaker George Lucas was getting divorced. This isn’t science, but he was three years past his triumphant Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and the financial strain from ending his marriage coupled with the box office bombing of his 1986 film Howard the Duck (an MCU film before it was cool…or successful) led him to sell off the computer animation division of Lucasfilm. The buyer? Steve Jobs. The company would become known as Pixar and its first short film, Luxo Jr. (starring a sentient desk lamp that remains part of Pixar’s logo to this day), would be the first CGI film nominated for an Academy Award and would set Pixar on the path to revolutionizing animated movies. 

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    Google logged a major milestone in the road to an actually practical quantum computer with a new approach to quantum-error correction. With a new machine called Willow, Google has created a 105-qubit machine with the unprecedented ability to reduce errors even as the number of qubits in operation increases. Because qubits are inherently error-prone, traditionally, the more qubits in a chip, the greater the likelihood of a glitch. By placing qubits assigned to store data in a grid with error-correcting qubits, the Google research team was able to actually make the number of errors go down even as the number of qubits increased. That means that the 7-by-7 array had better error correction than the 3-by-3—an unprecedented achievement. Google reports that Willow completed a benchmark number test in five minutes that would have taken a conventional “classical” supercomputer 10 septillion years—that’s older than the age of the universe. And that points to the power of unleashing quantum effects on problems.

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    5. Gaming Builds Its Foundations

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    It’s not all puppies and rainbows in quantum land, however, where research computers typically start at a million dollars yet can’t solve any real problems. But they won’t be able to without robust error correction, and so Willow is a dramatic step forward.   

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    Nintendo Famicom home video game released in April 1986 in Japan. Image: Kurita KAKU/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images Kurita KAKU
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    Populus Hotel by Urban Villages/Studio Gang: an Eco-Hotel That Takes Sustainability Seriously and Looks Like an Aspen Tree

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    The primitive forms of home video game systems had begun laying some groundwork in the late ‘70s, but the broad U.S. launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986 (after being released in test markets a year earlier) took everything to the next level. 

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    While this system was revolutionary from a hardware perspective, it was 1986 that saw the early stages of true video game fandom, and the acceptance of video games as an entertainment entity alongside movies, television, and music in ways they really hadn’t been before. Yes, Pac-Man was a pop culture phenomenon, with breakfast cereals and even a novelty hit song, but the arrival of the NES and, more importantly, the debuts of games like The Legend of Zelda, Metroid and Dragon Quest in 1986 introduced games with more sprawling play styles and deep lore. These weren’t the same repetitive games meant to keep you pumping quarters into an arcade machine, they were an introduction to what would eventually grow into RPGs and open-world gaming experiences. 

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    6. Progress Is Not Without Its Challenges

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    With windows inspired by the black “eyes” in white Aspen trees made when branches fall off, Populus is more than just a curvilinear visual feast: The shading also helps reduce the amount of heat the building takes in the summer.

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    Sadly, not every world-changing moment in 1986 was a positive one. Science saw two of its greatest disasters strike that year, and their resonance is still being felt. 

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    The ample use of timber in construction reduces (but doesn’t eliminate) the need for carbon-intensive concrete in construction. The builder used a special lower-carbon concrete containing the coal waste product known as fly ash, which resulted in 30 percent less emitted carbon than conventional concrete. There is an on-site digester that converts food waste into compost. Plus, there is no on-site parking, both to reduce the need for cement and reinforced steel, and to incentivize the use of transit and ride-sharing.  

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    The first occurred on January 28, 1986, when millions watched live on TV as NASA’s Challenger space shuttle exploded seconds after launch. More than just a shuttle launch, Challenger held the attention of the world because one of its passengers was a civilian schoolteacher named Christa McAuliffe. While the world mourned, NASA investigated the tragic accident and not only discovered technical explanations that would change their processes and equipment–it turned out the rubber seals on the rocket boosters deteriorated in the extreme cold temperatures of that day–but it would also revamp its safety and accountability protocols to ensure future successful launches. 

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    The hotel has sponsored the planting of 70,000 thousand trees in Colorado to offset the carbon footprint of materials, and then purchased other carbon offset. (In part, because most of the tree seedlings died due to drought and a beetle infestation). They also buy wind energy credits from their electric company. In an online dashboard, the hotel says it has already sequestered 116 percent of the carbon that was released during construction and ongoing operations.  

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    University of Colorado environmental studies professor Joel Hartter is not sure all of the claims pencil out. For example, he points out that offsets are like paying someone else to eat vegetables so that you can keep eating fast food. After all, the lowest-footprint solution would be to not build a beautiful wintry destination heated with methane to have people fly in to visit. But he doesn’t want to make the perfect the enemy of the good. He says the Populus Hotel helps show the tourism industry, which is badly in need of improvement, of what a commitment to sustainability requires. In comparison with a typical luxury hotel, it’s like looking at apples and oranges.

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    A few months later, in April 1986, a sudden power surge during a reactor systems test caused a meltdown of the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine (then part of the Soviet Union). The fallout impacted vast areas of Ukraine, Russia and Belarus, and a 30 km (roughly 18 mile) area around the plant is still uninhabited. 

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    Delivery Zip by Zipline: An autonomous drone system safely winching burritos down into the front of Dallas homes

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    In the aftermath, organizations like the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) worked to identify the plant’s weaknesses and improved and upgraded the design safety of related reactors. There was also significant work done to heighten the focus on operational safety and regulatory oversight, improving shutdown mechanisms and increasing general safety awareness among nuclear reactor staff.

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    The post 6 science milestones turning 40 this year appeared first on Popular Science.

    +]]>    en-US    <![CDATA[Addiction is puzzling. Scientists are trying to understand why.]]>New book explores the philosophy of addiction.

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    The post Addiction is puzzling. Scientists are trying to understand why. appeared first on Popular Science.

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    Keith Richards, lead guitarist for the Rolling Stones and sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll icon, famously said that he never had a problem with drugs, he only had a problem with the police. Richards did have a problem with the police. His notoriety as a Rolling Stone and as a drug user meant he was targeted and harassed both at home and on the road, leading to multiple drug-related charges during the 1960s and 1970s and one prison sentence. But Richards was also devoted to drugs. He was a daily polydrug user and physically dependent on heroin at various stages of his life. In his memoir, Life, he is clear that, although drugs sometimes took a toll on his work and his relationships, they also greatly enhanced both. For Richards, drugs are connected to his creativity and his intensity, to living in a way that squeezes the most out of life. He is also honest about the fact that his wealth protected him from costs that other drug users face. Richards was able to use only the purest and highest quality drugs and to get excellent medical care whenever he needed. By saying that he never had a problem with drugs, I take Richards to mean that whatever the costs of his drug habit—which at times in his life were surely severe—they were in his view worth it. His drug use, despite its costs, accorded with his own set of values—his conception of the good life, for him. His problem was that his values did not accord with those embodied by the law—witness his problem with the police.

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    Drone-based delivery in a crowded urban area has long seemed too complicated and dangerous to undertake—but now it’s real, and starting to feel, well, normal. Beginning in April, Zipline began a service in which a 5-propeller drone copter collects a burrito or a smartwatch from retailers like Chipotle or Walmart by reeling up a robotic rectangular cargo vehicle called a “Delivery Zip.” The copter then flies autonomously to the customer location and winches down the Delivery Zip for delivery. Sounds like sci-fi, but Dallas-area senior citizens and single parents in particular love the new service. (The company reports serving “tens of thousands” of DFW customers). Around the world, Zipline has made over 1.85 million drone deliveries, and flown more than 120 million miles without a single serious injury. Those delivery numbers leave deep-pocketed competitors funded by Google and Amazon in the dust.

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    What counts as a cost and what counts as a benefit and how much weight to attach to either presupposes a set of values by which they are measured, that is, a conception of the good. One person loves to feel wild and chaotic and out of control—to escape from the rigid confines of their ordinary life and self. This is part of the good life, for them. Another person hates it. Their good life is one of calm routine. Their drug of choice is a nice cup of tea. What for the first is a benefit of alcohol or amphetamines or psychedelics is a cost for the second. But how much does the first person love that feeling of wild abandon—enough to risk their job, their relationship, their health? It depends. How much do they value their job and their relationship and their health? The working explication of addiction as a pattern of drug use that counts profoundly against a person’s own good presses these questions. Which values? Whose conception of the good? And how can we know? Suppose we ask these questions about Richards. We might wonder: Was he right that he never had a problem with drugs or was he in denial?

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    Zipline began delivering blood transfusions and then other medication in Rwanda in 2016, from the capital of Kigali to far-flung rural regions where roads were inaccessible. Among the results was 51 percent fewer deaths from postpartum hemorrhaging in facilities served by Zipline. Today, after expanding service to the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, and with medical trials in the UK and the US, the company has delivered more than 25 million doses of vaccines. Zipline is rolling out retail and food delivery to various sub-regions of the Dallas-Fort Worth area—there are 20 and counting as of press time. The first-generation Zipline platform used a fixed wing drone that dropped medical supplies by parachute; the team invented the second-generation P2 platform with the Delivery Zip given the more precise landing requirements of a crowded city.

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    The post 5 remarkable engineering innovations of 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

    -]]>    en-US    <![CDATA[Cremation or casket? Here’s the most eco-friendly burial option.]]>The greenest choice turns out to be the simplest one.

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    The post Cremation or casket? Here’s the most eco-friendly burial option. appeared first on Popular Science.

    -]]>    https://www.popsci.com/technology/cremation-burial-most-eco-friendly/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729586Wed, 31 Dec 2025 21:01:00 -0500TechnologyAsk Us AnythingScienceMost of us try to be responsible global citizens while we’re alive. We sort recyclables. We avoid fast fashion. We try to be good sports as we sip from soggy paper straws. After a lifetime of trying to put things in the right bin, we eventually arrive at the ultimate recycling dilemma: what to do with our bodies after we die. And with several new “eco-friendly” body disposition methods now available, it’s almost enough to cause decision fatigue.

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    To answer this question, we must begin by noting a standard but underappreciated distinction between addiction and physical dependence. Opioids, alcohol, and nicotine are classes of drugs that, if taken regularly and at sufficient doses, produce physical dependence: a physiological condition defined by the occurrence of a physical withdrawal syndrome upon sudden abstinence or dose reduction. Richards was certainly, at times, physically dependent on heroin. Withdrawal from heroin typically lasts up to one week, and, similarly to withdrawal from any opioid, can include fever, nausea, diarrhea, aches, cramps, runny nose, watery eyes, insomnia, formication, and more. Opioid withdrawal is not life-threatening. But as this list attests, it is awful to experience. It can be alleviated through medication, including methadone and buprenorphine (themselves opioids), clonidine (a psychiatric medication used to treat pain and hypertension) and over-the-counter medications for symptom relief.

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    So what is the most environmentally friendly option for handling human remains? Despite all the new technology, experts say there’s one clear answer, and it’s surprisingly old-school.

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    Keith Richards, of the Rolling Stones, posing backstage at a Faces show on December 23, 1974. Image: Graham Wiltshire / Contributor.
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    “If what you’re looking for is to leave the planet as responsibly as you can, natural burial is your only option,” says Lee Webster, a speaker, author, educator, and former president of Green Burial Council International. “Everybody wants something shiny, new and exciting, but the simplest solution is usually the best.”

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    Physical dependence is highly relevant to weighing costs and benefits of drug use.  Although the nature and severity of withdrawal symptoms varies with drug class, experiencing withdrawal is a significant cost of not using, and avoiding it a significant benefit of using. Indeed, with respect to severe alcohol addiction, withdrawal can be life-threatening. But physical dependence is neither necessary nor sufficient for addiction. Although there are inevitably psychological effects of sudden abstinence or dose reduction if a person is addicted, various drugs to which people become addicted do not have a physical withdrawal syndrome, for example, cannabis and cocaine. This is why physical dependence is not necessary for addiction. But equally, it is not sufficient, because people can be physically dependent on drugs when we would never consider them to be addicted.

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    Breaking down the most common funeral options

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    Many psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants, have a physical withdrawal syndrome. Antidepressants are psychoactive. They affect cognition, emotion, mood. Sudden abstinence or dose reduction will cause people to go into withdrawal, which typically lasts between one and three weeks and has symptoms that are similar to opioid withdrawal. Yet we do not consider people to be addicted to antidepressants. Similarly, people who suffer from debilitating pain may be on standing opioid prescriptions. This is a routine part of palliative care but can also be appropriate for some chronic, long-term pain patients. These patients will be physically dependent. In the wake of the US opioid epidemic and widespread recognition that—in large part due to relentless propaganda, manipulation, and incentivization by pharmaceutical companies—doctors had been overprescribing opioids, many pain patients had their prescriptions suddenly discontinued. Overprescription was a terrible problem, but this was an equally terrible response. Sudden discontinuation precipitates withdrawal—as well as the return of debilitating pain—pushing people toward sourcing opioids on the streets to relieve both. It also fails to recognize that a patient who is physically dependent on opioids is not thereby addicted. In the context of debilitating pain, a stable opioid prescription can make it possible to function—to work, to sleep, to have the capacity to be present and engaged in relationships with others, to live a fulfilling life. So too can taking the very same opioid at the very same dose if it is sourced not from a pharmacy but from the streets. With respect to psychiatric medications, we do not consider people addicted simply because they are physically dependent. Similarly, with respect to opioids, we should not consider people addicted simply because they are physically dependent—no matter where the drugs are sourced. This is because, in both cases, drugs can make life significantly better, not worse.

    -

    In the United States, there are currently five main options for handling remains, and each has distinct environmental and legal implications.

    +
    -

    1. Conventional burial

    +

    Hanna Pickard is Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and Bioethics and Krieger-Eisenhower Professor at Johns Hopkins University.

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      +

      +

      The post Addiction is puzzling. Scientists are trying to understand why. appeared first on Popular Science.

      +]]>      en-US      <![CDATA[Food scientists cook up healthier chips that don’t taste awful]]>Microwave Vacuum Drying, or MVD, may be a real MVP for snack foods.

      +

      The post Food scientists cook up healthier chips that don’t taste awful appeared first on Popular Science.

      +]]>      https://www.popsci.com/health/healthier-chips-beets/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729858Fri, 02 Jan 2026 12:32:00 -0500HealthAgricultureEnvironmentNutritionScienceIt’s hard to stop after eating a single potato chip—and that’s kind of their whole problem. The deep-fried, popular salty snack is loaded with unhealthy fats, oils, and other unwanted ingredients that are linked with numerous health problems. Unfortunately, those are also the flavor profiles humans are evolutionarily wired to crave.

      -

      The most familiar is still conventional burial, which relies on embalming chemicals, hardwood or metal caskets, and concrete or fiberglass vaults. According to Webster, the environmental costs add up quickly due to energy and materials for manufacturing, mined metals and concrete, land disruption, and ongoing grounds maintenance. She also cites what she calls the “warehousing of funeral furniture”—the permanent underground storage of vaults, metal caskets, and polyester bedding—as a surreal-sounding yet very real burden.

      +

      After decades of tinkering and experimentation, there still isn’t an alternative that provides that perfect (yet still nutritious) flavor profile. Even when swapping out baking for frying, the cooking heat often still reduces the food’s overall nutritional value. According to Cornell University food scientist Chang Chen, however, combining beets with a technique called microwave vacuum drying(MVD) might be the solution snack lovers have been waiting for.

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      “It’s just all of it,” says Webster. “Natural resources squandered, carbon-intensive production, and chemical preservatives that don’t return anything to the ecosystem.”

      +

      “We wanted to produce a healthy snack from whole vegetables, with all-natural ingredients and high fiber,” he explained in a university profile. “We said, ‘What if we can engineer the process and achieve the same texture without adding any oil?’”

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      -

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      Is the universe really infinite? Astrophysicists explain.

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      Why we forget our childhoods

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      Where does tattoo ink go in your body? There’s one particular spot.

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      Chen and his colleagues detailed their approach in a study published in the journal Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies. MVD removes moisture from the root vegetable similar to frying or baking, but more quickly and at a lower temperature. Because of this combination of cooking factors, nutrients that normally deteriorate during long drying cycles remain in the food. At the same time, MVD retains the starch required for a chip’s trademark texture.

      -

      2. Cremation

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      While potatoes are the go-to for such snacks, beets are far more nutritious. In addition to being a great fiber source, they’re high in vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, manganese, potassium, and iron. If you could swap out potatoes for beets and still get the same flavor profile, then you wouldn’t only replace traditional chips—you could improve them. And that’s exactly what they believe they have accomplished.

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        +

        “We have achieved a good puff, usually only seen in deep-frying, and they are even crispier than fried chips,” said Chen.

        -

        Cremation, currently the most popular choice in the U.S., is often considered simpler or “cleaner.” But the process requires extreme heat, typically 1,400 to 1,900 degrees Fahrenheit, fueled by natural gas or oil. Cremation also releases carbon dioxide and mercury vapor from dental fillings. (Webster notes that about 14 percent of mercury in U.S. waterways is attributable to flame cremation.)

        +

        Chen’s collaborator, food scientist Diane Makovic, explained that the chips people love rely on starch due to how it gelatinizes under heat.

        -

        “The question we all have to answer is whether the convenience and price of flame cremation outweigh the environmental ramifications of mercury and carbon emissions, fossil fuel use, and wildcat scattering [spreading cremated remains around the world] in fields and streams worldwide,” Webster says.

        +

        “You need a thin layer of gelatinized starch,” she said. “The puffs form when you use high heat and interior water evaporates and creates the puff.”

        -

        Even in cultures where cremation is a central religious rite, such as in Hindu practice, researchers have identified a need for more eco-friendly options. According to a study conducted at Nirma University in Ahmedabad, India, traditional Hindu cremation practices, which occur on open-air funeral pyres, consume roughly 880 to 1100 pounds (400 to 500 kilograms) of wood per body, causing deforestation and releasing 500 to 600 kilograms of carbon dioxide into the air.

        +

        Chen, Makovic, and their team believe MVD won’t only benefit beets, but also other tubers like butternut squash and traditional potatoes.

        -

        “Traditional rituals need not be abandoned or ignored, but they can be thoughtfully adapted with innovations of green burials,” the researchers note. “These alternatives are not only technologically convenient, but also, they are cultural responses to the urgent ethical call of our time.”

        +

        “Down the road, that’s what we are going to do. And we’ve hired a new student to work on apples,” Chen said. “It’s all about balancing the food’s properties.”

        +

        The post Food scientists cook up healthier chips that don’t taste awful appeared first on Popular Science.

        +]]>        en-US        <![CDATA[5 new quarters commemorate 250 years of American independence]]>The new designs honor the Constitution, Civil War, and more.

        +

        The post 5 new quarters commemorate 250 years of American independence appeared first on Popular Science.

        +]]>        https://www.popsci.com/science/new-2026-quarters/https://www.popsci.com/?p=728966Fri, 02 Jan 2026 10:14:00 -0500ScienceWhile we’ve said goodbye to both the year 2025 and the penny, five new United States quarters will be finding their way into your pocket soon enough. The designs of each new quarter will honor the country’s 250th anniversary (aka its semiquincentennial).

        -

        3. Aquamation

        +

        According to a press release from the U.S. Mint, the coins “commemorate 250 years of American Liberty by reflecting our country’s founding principles and honoring our Nation’s history.” They will only be available this year, which almost assuredly means they will be collector’s items in the future. Each will also be engraved with two dates: 1776–2026. Typically coins only bear the year in which they were minted, not two dates.

        -
          +

          In December 2025, the original designs for the “America 250” coins were abandoned and replaced with ones that commemorate some of the country’s founding documents and presidents. The original quarters approved by two official committees in 2024 honored Black Abolition, Women’s Suffrage, and Civil Rights, but were scrapped by the Trump Administration. 

          -

          Aquamation, or alkaline hydrolysis (AH), is legally defined as a type of cremation because it breaks down the body’s soft tissue, leaving bones behind. It is currently legal in 30 states and available in 19. 

          +

          There will now be five different quarter designs.

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          Unlike flame cremation, AH uses heated water and alkali to break down soft tissue over the course of 12 hours. 

          +

          Mayflower Compact Quarter

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          “Alkaline hydrolysis components are either potassium or sodium hydroxide, essentially lye,” Webster says. “It’s mined as potash [a key component of fertilizer], then heavily processed chemically.”

          +
          a quarter with a drawing of a male and female pilgrim embracing
          Image: U.S. Mint
          -
          Three alkaline hydrolysis machines for pet remains at the Bio-Response manufacturing facility.
          Based in Danville, Indiana, Bio-Response Solutions builds alkaline hydrolysis (AH) machines that fit small pets (seen here) to adult humans. Image: Bio-Response Solutions
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          The heads or obverse side shows two Pilgrims embracing, and honors the Mayflower Compact, Signed on November 21, 1620, the document is considered a precursor to the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. The inscriptions are “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “1776 ~ 2026,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

          -

          The carbon emissions appear to be about 20 percent lower than those resulting from flame cremation, but the environmental story doesn’t end there.

          +
          a quarter with a drawing of a ship with full sails
          Image: U.S. Mint
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          The process produces 100 to 300 gallons of liquid waste that’s routed into municipal wastewater systems or septic tanks, raising infrastructure concerns. And because AH relies on an industrial chemical process rather than soil-based decomposition, it may be less appealing to those seeking an “earthy” or nature-focused approach.

          +

          The reverse or tails design features the Mayflower, with full sails over rough seas. The inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “LIBERTY,” “MAYFLOWER COMPACT,” and “25¢.”

          -

          “AH is lukewarm for many,” Webster says. “People are looking for authentic, organic solutions that further environmental goals like land conservation, not industrial and chemical processes that contribute to climate issues,” like aquamation.

          +

          Revolutionary War Quarter

          -

          4. Human composting

          +
          a quarter with a drawing of george washington on it
          Image: U.S. Mint
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          Human composting, or natural organic reduction (NOR), has generated quite a bit of recent buzz as it has become legal in more states. Webster says NOR is often mistaken for green burial, but it doesn’t involve burial at all. It’s an above-ground process that relies on natural decomposition inside a controlled environment. Webster considers NOR “industrial reduction technology,” closer to cremation than direct-to-earth burial. (State statutes do not define NOR as cremation.)

          +

          The obverse design features the first president of the United States, George Washington. During the Revolutionary War, Washington served as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. 

          -

          During the NOR process, a body is placed in a vessel with a mixture of organic materials such as straw, wood chips and alfalfa, and microbial activity breaks down soft tissue over approximately 60 days. Because the biological processes do not fully reduce skeletal remains during that time, the NOR process involves briefly removing and refining bone fragments before adding them back to the mix to ensure a uniform consistency.

          +
          a quarter showing a soldier from the american revolution holding a long musket
          Image: U.S. Mint
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          An overhead shot of a human composting vessel, which resembles a long, rectangular planter box with a light wooden frame. The interior contains a layer of straw, wood chips, and organic material, with colorful pink and purple flowers scattered throughout. A white cloth-wrapped form rests in the center.
          During human composting, the body is placed in a specialized polycarbonate vessel that’s eight feet long, three and a half feet wide, and three and a half feet tall. Image: Return Home
          +

          The reverse design shows a Continental Army soldier at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Following a defeat at the Battle of Brandywine, Washington’s forces faced disease and devastation during their winter encampment from 1777 to 1778. While independence had been declared the previous July, the Second Continental Congress was forced to flee Philadelphia to evade a British attack. According to the coin’s designers, the soldier’s resolute gaze shows his will to overcome the trials of the war in pursuit of liberty. The inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “LIBERTY,” “25¢,” and “REVOLUTIONARY WAR.”

          -

          “What this method has in common with cremation and AH,” she says, “is that there is a secondary disposal process that is necessary.”

          +

          Declaration of Independence Quarter

          -

          The NOR process produces roughly a cubic yard to a yard and a half of material per person. Webster notes that the material that results from the NOR process more closely resembles wood chips than soil, and must be managed after the process is complete. 

          +
          a quarter with a profile of thomas jefferson
          Image: U.S. Mint
          -

          “Specifically, there is a cubic yard to cubic yard and a half of leftover unfinished wood chips that get trucked over an hour out of the city and spread over the ground,” she says. “That’s about three quarters of a ton per person.”

          +

          This quarter’s obverse side design features Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and third President of the United States. 

          -

          Webster adds that the materials used in NOR have their own environmental costs: much of the alfalfa used for NOR is grown in the water-stressed Four Corners region—where the borders of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet—and is often transported over long distances.

          +
          a quarter with the liberty bell on it
          Image: U.S. Mint
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          Webster encourages eco-friendly consumers to do their homework when searching for the greenest final resting place.

          +

          The tails side shows the Liberty Bell ringing. While historians are not entirely sure if the bell rang out in July 1776, the Liberty Bell often rang to draw the people of Philadelphia towards the center of the city for announcements. The Bell’s infamous crack is visible, symbolizing the fragility of a young nation at its founding. The inscriptions are “THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE,” “QUARTER DOLLAR,” “LIBERTY,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

          -

          “When making an environmentally conscious decision about body disposition, people need to know the details around these options,” she says. “It’s like the food at your grocery store. It’s not enough to just say, ‘Oh, it says organic on the package.’”

          +

          United States Constitution Quarter

          +
          a quarter with a portrait of james madison
          Image: U.S. Mint
          -

          5. Green burial

          +

          President James Madison is featured on this quarter’s obverse design. Madison was the fourth President of the United States and is popularly known as the “Father of the Constitution” for his role in drafting and promoting the document. 

          -

          Green burial is an eco-friendly method where the body is placed directly into the earth, allowing it to naturally decompose. Unlike traditional burial, green burial avoids embalming and non-biodegradable materials, such as metal caskets and concrete vaults. Instead, biodegradable materials like plain wooden boxes or shrouds are used. The body is allowed to decompose naturally, enriching the soil and providing nutrients back into the ecosystem.

          +
          a quarter with independence hall and the worlds "we the people"
          Image: U.S. Mint
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          Webster says this approach is aligned with Jewish, Muslim, and Quaker burial practices, adding that before the advent of embalming, this was the method used by “everyone in the entire world since we began burying in caves.”

          +

          The reverse design depicts Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The Liberty Bell was housed in this building and it is where both the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were written, debated, and signed. According to the designers, the inscription “WE THE PEOPLE” and the image of Independence Hall together, “highlight a founding principle laid out in the Constitution: specifically, that our government is grounded in the consent of the governed.” The inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “WE THE PEOPLE,” “LIBERTY,” “U.S. CONSTITUTION,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”

          -

          “The simplest description of it is body-to-earth burial, with no impediments to decomposition,” she says.

          +

          Gettysburg Address Quarter

          -

          In natural burial, “there are no vaults, no chemicals,” and the body goes directly into the soil at about 3.5 to 4 feet, where microbial communities and “little coffin beetles” do their work, Webster says. Natural burial also leaves no leftover materials, no chemical effluent, and no machinery-driven emissions.

          +
          a quarter with a portrait of abraham lincoln
          Image: U.S. Mint
          -

          This high level of ecological efficiency is corroborated by a 2017 life cycle assessment (LCA), which is a study that calculates the total “environmental price tag” of a process. It found that natural burial consistently has the lowest “environmental shadow price” because it avoids the high energy demands of cremation and the manufacturing of industrial funeral materials.

          +

          The heads side features the country’s 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. His Gettysburg Address is now recognized as one of the most poignant and moving speeches in American history. In the speech, Lincoln paid tribute to fallen soldiers and appealed to all Americans to advance the principles for which they gave their lives. According to the designers, this particular portrait shows the profound burden of war on his weathered face, but is paired with a forward-looking gaze and determination to move the country forward.

          -

          The cautionary tale of mushroom burial suits

          +
          a coin with two arms clasped
          Image: U.S. Mint
          -

          As the green funeral industry continues to grow, the challenge will lie in separating true ecological innovation from viral trends. The rise and fall of “mushroom burial suits,” which captured social media attention but, according to Webster, lacked “scientific legs,” serves as a cautionary tale.

          +

          The tails side features the inscription “A NEW NATION CONCEIVED IN LIBERTY,” a passage from the Gettysburg Address. The two hands grasping each other represent Lincoln’s efforts to hold the U.S. together and his appeal to Americans to ensure, “that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” The inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, “A NEW NATION CONCEIVED IN LIBERTY,” “25¢,” and “GETTYSBURG ADDRESS.”

          -

          “The company is now defunct, and the only academic study was abandoned halfway through,” she says.

          +

          New nickels, a collectible penny, dimes, and a half dollar in honor of the semiquincentennial will also be in circulation over the next few months.

          +

          The post 5 new quarters commemorate 250 years of American independence appeared first on Popular Science.

          +]]>          en-US          <![CDATA[Why do elephants have such big ears? There’s not one answer.]]>The multi-use appendages are kind of like their superpower.

          +

          The post Why do elephants have such big ears? There’s not one answer. appeared first on Popular Science.

          +]]>          https://www.popsci.com/science/why-elephants-have-big-ears/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729405Fri, 02 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500ScienceAnimalsAsk Us AnythingBiologyEnvironmentIt’s a classic Disney moment: Dumbo the elephant jumps out of a burning building, spreads out his huge ears and flies. While real life elephants can’t fly, they certainly have enormous ears. The African elephant, for instance, has the largest ears of any animal. Their ears can grow up to 6.6 feet long and 4.11 feet wide, making up 20% of their body’s total surface area. But why are elephants’ ears so large?

          -

          While Webster views the mushroom “suit” as a failed experiment, she notes that mushroom coffins are a “different animal,” functioning more as a simple, carbon-neutral alternative to traditional wood or metal coffins. 

          +

          It’s nothing to do with flying, of course. Elephant ears play a vital role in how they cool down and communicate. 

          -

          “The purpose with those is to use organic material to make the container,” she says. “There is no expectation that any fungal growth will occur.”

          +

          Why staying cool is so hard for elephants

          -

          The transition to a greener afterlife doesn’t necessarily require a brand-new, dedicated facility. Instead, the funeral industry has adapted to provide “hybrid” cemetery models. The Green Burial Council now certifies these hybrid facilities, which are essentially conventional cemeteries with a designated area for eco-friendly funerals.

          +

          Elephants are the world’s largest land animal, weighing a staggering 12,000 pounds (more than an ambulance). While elephants’ size is often an advantage when it comes to warding off predators or reaching high vegetation, it also makes it harder for them to stay cool. Their massive bodies produce a ton of internal body heat, even when they’re just standing still. 

          -

          Looking ahead at how we handle human remains

          +

          What makes this an even bigger problem is their habitat. Elephants typically live in warm climates where there is a higher risk of overheating.  

          -

          So, will future generations face even more choices on how to make an eco-friendly exit? It seems likely, guesses Webster. 

          +

          Us humans cool down by dispersing heat through long, narrow body parts, like our legs and arms. Elephants, however, with their bulky bodies and thick legs, have relatively little skin surface to release all that built up heat. 

          -

          She cites one promising new approach, which is designed to break down both soft tissue and bone into nutrient-rich material. Developed by innovator Bob Jenkins, the method uses a proprietary mixture to transform remains to nutrient-rich material in an “accelerated” manner. 

          +

          Unlike humans, elephants also don’t really sweat. They have a few sweat glands mostly between their toes that can release a small amount of moisture but this only helps to cool them down slightly. They also can’t pant, like dogs. So they’ve developed other ways to cool down.

          -

          “This isn’t out there yet, but it could be a game-changer,” she says.

          +
          Asian elephant family with two adults and one baby stand on a river bank drinking.
          Asian elephants have much smaller ears than African elephants. Image: DepositPhotos
          -

          In the meantime, Webster says natural burial is legal in all states, relatively inexpensive, and, in her opinion, the most straightforward path for those looking to minimize their final footprint. 

          +

          How elephants use their ears to cool down

          -

          Additionally, many natural burial grounds operate on conserved land, Webster says, making this method a potential means of long-term preservation rather than resource depletion.

          +

          “Elephant ears are exceptionally efficient at shedding heat,” says Angela Stöger-Horwath, a professor in zoo conservation science at the University of Vienna. Their ears have a large surface area containing thousands of tiny blood vessels.

          -

          “What that means in the long term is that grave space, in deep time, could be reused,” she says. “This has been done for centuries and centuries, all over the world. This is true sustainability.”

          +

          When elephants pump blood to their ears, the blood moves along those thousands of vessels cooling to the outside temperature. The blood then recirculates through the elephant’s body, helping the animal return to a normal body temperature.

          -

          In Ask Us Anything, Popular Science answers your most outlandish, mind-burning questions, from the everyday things you’ve always wondered to the bizarre things you never thought to ask. Have something you’ve always wanted to know? Ask us.

          -

          The post Cremation or casket? Here’s the most eco-friendly burial option. appeared first on Popular Science.

          -]]>          en-US          <![CDATA[26 Popular Science stories you loved in 2025]]>From radioactive water to $25 vintage airplanes to a WWII shipwreck mystery.

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          The post 26 Popular Science stories you loved in 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

          -]]>          https://www.popsci.com/environment/best-popular-science-stories-2025/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729100Wed, 31 Dec 2025 10:15:00 -0500EnvironmentHealthScienceTechnologyIn 2025, Popular Science continued our mission to demystify our weird world for millions of readers. We debunked myths about baby birds and garbage patches. We answered your wildest questions—from how airplane toilets work to why you don’t remember all your dreams. And hopefully, we delivered stories that informed and entertained. Using a secret formula of traffic data, social activity, and curatorial instinct, we selected 26 stories that delighted you, dear reader, this year.

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          Ear flapping also helps to dissipate heat. When elephants flap their ears, they increase the airflow across those blood vessels, further cooling the blood.

          -

          The radioactive ‘miracle water’ that killed its believers

          +

          Using a computer model, researchers have demonstrated that elephants mostly lose heat through their ears. “The ears act as adjustable radiators,” says Stöger-Horwath. “Elephants use them more or less depending on the temperature, activity, or time of day.”

          -

          In the 1920s, Radithor promised to cure everything from wrinkles to leukemia, but its unintended results were deadly.

          +

          This cooling strategy has even influenced elephant evolution. The African elephant has the largest ears of any species because it’s exposed to hotter, open landscapes, while Asian elephants have comparatively smaller ears because they live in shaded forests.  

          -

          Runes found in Canadian wilderness baffle archaeologists

          +

          But as the planet warms due to climate change, elephants and their impressive ears may face new challenges. “The ears of elephants are a really important adaptive mechanism,” says George Wittemyer, a professor of fish, wildlife, and conservation biology at Colorado State University. “But they’re getting exposed to heat in new and different ways with the planet warming. What’s going to be beyond their capacity to manage?” 

          -

          Archaeologists remain baffled by a surprising, seemingly ahistorical find located deep in the Canadian wilderness. But after years of research, analysis, and historical corroboration, an interdisciplinary team has finally made their findings available to the public. Tucked away in a forest approximately 465 miles northwest of Ottawa, a massive slab of bedrock features a hand-etched rendition of the full Lord’s Prayer. But the religious text isn’t inscribed in French or English—it’s composed of over 250 symbols from the oldest known runic alphabet.

          +

          How elephants communicate using their ears

          -

          Prepping isn’t just for preppers anymore—it’s time to get a go-bag

          +

          Elephants also use their ears to talk to one another. “They hold their ears in a variety of different positions to signal their emotional state or behavioral intent,” says Michael A. Pardo, a senior scientist at the non-profit organization Elephant Voices. When facing a threat they often spread their ears out 90 degrees from their body to make themselves look even bigger. This is often used as a warning for others to back off. 

          -
          go-bag supplies
          Everything you need for a go-bag. Image: Used with permission
          +
          An adult elephant spreads ears wide as a baby elephant stands behind her. They're in the African savannah and it's muddy and green. A small white bird is on the right.
          A mother elephant spreads her ears wide to ward off an unseen enemy and protect her baby. Image: Contributor / Getty Images / Mondadori Portfolio
          -

          For most folks, the word “prepper” evokes an image of someone who’s got way too much time on their hands at best, and who spends way too much time following conspiracies on the Internet at worst. But while you might not want to fill a backyard bunker with canned food (or, frankly, need to), the truth is that you’re almost certainly overdue for a little prepping.

          +

          In social situations, an elephant’s ear movement can signal joy, agitation, dominance, and coordinate group behavior. “When elephants are highly emotionally aroused, such as when greeting family members after a period of separation, they often flap their ears rapidly,” says Pardo. It’s their way of saying, “Hey, I’ve missed you! Where have you been?”

          -

          Man from uncontacted tribe emerges from rainforest, signals to villagers

          +

          Elephants are amazing listeners

          -

          Brazil’s Fundação Nacional dos Povos Indígenas (National Foundation of Indigenous Peoples, or Funai) estimates around 100 uncontacted Indigenous groups still live deep in the Amazon rainforest. But on February 12, a man from one of those communities decided to meet his neighbors.

          +

          Elephants’ ears also help them hear a wide range of sounds, particularly in the low frequency range. While elephants certainly make many sounds humans can hear, most of their communication is at frequencies so low we can’t. These low frequency sounds have long wavelengths that trees and vegetation are less likely to interfere with. This allows these sounds to travel much farther through dense forests or wide savannas, making elephants impressive listeners. Some elephants can even hear sounds from more than 6 miles (10 kilometers) away.  

          -

          14 outstanding images from the 2025 World Nature Photographer Awards

          +

          Elephants’ ears also help them locate where a noise is coming from more precisely. “Their large ears help channel sound waves into their eardrums,” says Wittemyer. “Elephants are using that. You can see that when they’re listening, they’ll stand up and their ears will be out.” This can help them pinpoint threats and improve their chances of survival for tomorrow.

          -

          A playful polar bear. A helpless robber fly. And two hippos battling in golden light.

          +

          Although they don’t give elephants the power to fly like Dumbo, elephants’ massive ears are a kind of superpower. They help them communicate across long distances, cool down in the heat of the savanna, defend themselves, and even show how much they miss each other. 

          -

          Robot bunnies deployed in Florida to fight invasive pythons

          +

          In Ask Us Anything, Popular Science answers your most outlandish, mind-burning questions, from the everyday things you’ve always wondered to the bizarre things you never thought to ask. Have something you’ve always wanted to know? Ask us.

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          robot rabbits
          The robot bunnies hope to lure the Burmese pythons out of hiding. Image: sfwmd
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          How squirrels actually find all their buried nuts

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          Which animals can and can’t fart?

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          The post Why do elephants have such big ears? There’s not one answer. appeared first on Popular Science.

          +]]>          en-US          <![CDATA[Amazon is clearing out Stanley tumblers, water bottles, food containers and more during this limited sale]]>Stay hydrated and keep all of your drinks cold all year with these drinkware deals from Stanley.

          +

          The post Amazon is clearing out Stanley tumblers, water bottles, food containers and more during this limited sale appeared first on Popular Science.

          +]]>          https://www.popsci.com/gear/stanley-water-bottle-tumbler-amazon-deals-winter/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730168Thu, 01 Jan 2026 21:49:46 -0500GearFitness GearIf your 2026 resolutions include staying hydrated, now is a great time to grab some new Stanley tumblers, jugs, water bottles, coolers, and more during Amazon’s flash sale. These are huge discounts and they stretch across just about everything Stanley makes. They’re extremely tough, well-insulated, and come in a ton of cool colors. Grab the color you want now.

          -

          Researchers found a creative new solution to track down the snakes.

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          Editor’s picks

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          You’re actually not allowed to keep bird feathers you find on hikes—and it’s all thanks to two women who got really mad about hats

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          STANLEY Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle and Straw 40 oz $30 (was $45)

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          + Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler in blue +
          + + The large tumblers leave plenty of room for ice. + +

          Stanley

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          In 1886, ornithologist Frank Chapman went birdwatching in an uptown New York shopping district—but he wasn’t looking to spot living birds. He wanted to see how many different avians he could find on people’s hats. 

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          He counted 542 hats adorned with parts from 174 different bird species. This wasn’t unusual: 19th-century women were obsessed with elaborate feathered hats featuring everything from woodpeckers and blue jays to egret plumes, vulture wings, and entire stuffed birds. Egret feathers were especially prized at $32 per ounce (twice the price of gold) because they only grow during nesting season. Hunters would massacre entire colonies during this vulnerable period, wiping out two generations at once.

          +

          The Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle and Straw 40 oz (Ponderosa Star) is the one that started the whole frenzy—40 ounces, a handle, and a rotating lid that lets you sip, chug, or seal it up. It also plays nicely with most cupholders, which is why it ends up in your car, on your desk, and in your gym bag (which you should probably wash, FYI).

          -

          Enter Harriet Hemenway and her cousin Minna Hall, two Boston socialites who read about the egret slaughter and decided enough was enough. 

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          + +

          Stanley IceFlow 2.0 Flip Straw Tumbler with Handle 40 oz (Black 2.0) $34 (was $45)

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          + Stanley IceFlow 2.0 Flip Straw tumbler -

          The Great Pacific Garbage Patch isn’t just a floating trash pile

          +
          + + The integrated straw in the lid is extremely leak-resistant. + +

          Stanley

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          Azure waves lapping against huge piles of built-up junk. Garbage mountains rising above the sea. A thick crust of filth coating the ocean’s surface. It’s easy to find striking images of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP). The problem is that these pictures of the GPGP are misleading and obscure the truth about the content of the GPGP, its origins, and the threat it poses to our ocean life.

          +

          The Stanley IceFlow 2.0 Flip Straw Tumbler with Handle 40 oz (Black 2.0) uses a flip-straw lid that’s quick to drink from and easy to close when you’re moving. The big handle makes it a grab-and-go bottle substitute, especially if you’re bouncing between office, gym, and pretty much anywhere.

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          The U.S. tried permanent daylight saving time—and hated it

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          A colorful vintage poster illustration featuring a large Uncle Sam figure in a stars and stripes outfit, leaning down to adjust the hands of a massive clock with Roman numerals, which has a red center. Below him, a smaller man is running frantically with a small clock showing the time is one hour earlier. The text at the top reads "VICTORY! CONGRESS PASSES DAYLIGHT SAVING BILL." The style is reminiscent of early 20th-century American political or war-time posters.
          Between January and September in 1974, President Richard Nixon made daylight saving time permanent for a brief period. Image: Public Domain
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          Stanley Adventure Easy-Carry Wheeled Cooler 50qt (Twilight) $262 (was $350)

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          + +
          + Stanley Adventure Easy Carry Wheeled Cooler +
          + + The built-in handle and wheels make this cooler extremely easy to lug. + +

          Stanley

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          The consensus amongst sleep experts and researchers is that we’d be best served just dropping the whole idea of DST and returning to plain old standard time (“ST”) throughout the year. But there’s another possibility: What if it was daylight savings time all year round?

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          Well, that actually happened in the mid 1970s. 

          +

          If your idea of a good time involves cold drinks that stay cold, the Stanley Adventure Easy-Carry Wheeled Cooler 50qt (Twilight) is the move. Wheels matter when you’re hauling 50 quarts of snacks and beverages, and a hard-sided cooler is still the simplest way to keep the setup easy and the ice situation under control.

          +

          Here’s the complete deal list with pricing from the PDF:
          +Featured Deals
          +Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler 30 oz Rose Quartz – The IceFlow series delivers reliable temperature retention with vacuum insulation that keeps drinks cold for 12 hours or iced for 2 days. The 30 oz capacity means you can fill it up twice and have enough hydration for a full workday without constant refills. The flip straw lid makes one-handed drinking simple while you’re juggling a laptop or groceries, and the integrated handle fits most car cup holders despite the generous size.
          +Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler 30 oz Cranberry Gloss – The ProTour series upgrades the popular Quencher design with a truly leakproof lid, solving the main complaint about earlier models. The built-in flip straw means no more lost straws rattling around in your bag, and the stainless steel construction keeps your cold brew legitimately cold through a full morning of meetings. At 30 oz, it holds enough coffee or water to reduce refill trips while still fitting in standard cup holders.
          +Stanley Classic Legendary Vacuum Bottle 20 oz Black 2.0 – This thermos represents Stanley’s heritage design updated for modern use. The 40% discount makes it an exceptional value for vacuum insulation technology that genuinely works—keeping coffee hot for hours on a job site or during outdoor activities. The 20 oz size is substantial enough for a full morning’s worth of coffee but compact enough to toss in a work bag, and the leakproof cup lid doubles as a drinking vessel.

          -

          How do airplane toilets work?

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          Quencher ProTour Tumblers

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          The engineering is surprisingly simple and remarkably clever.

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          Nature is cruel, majestic, and fascinating. Sometimes, it’s also a bit silly.

          +

          Quencher H2.0 Tumblers

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          The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards has released 17 previously unseen submissions to its 2024 competition that celebrate the lighter side of the animal kingdom. From an orangutan mother unfazed by her child’s antics to a brown bear cub face palming, these photos will make you say “relatable.”

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          hats in front of a truck
          A small sample of the hats collected by the Yellowstone National Park Geology Program from sensitive thermal areas throughout the park in 2025. CREDIT: National Park Service photo by Margery Price, September 3, 2025.
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          IceFlow 2.0 Flip Straw Tumblers

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          It’s a bird! No, it’s a plane! No, it’s your hat, ripped off your head by a gust of wind, spiraling off into the unknown. It’s happened to the best of us. The only thing left to do is purchase another one before your face gets sunburnt. Soon, the destiny of your former hat, along with everyone else’s, is far from mind—except for one special team at Yellowstone National Park. 

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          At Popular Science, we’ve published our prestigious Best of What’s New list since 1988. Our enthusiasm for ground-breaking innovations dates back even further than that—all the way to May 1872. For 153 years, we’ve celebrated the science and technology that shapes our everyday lives and launches humanity forward.

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          IceFlow Original Flip Straw Tumblers

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          NOAA needs help identifying car found in WWII shipwreck

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          air force one flying in the sky
          Illustration of the VC-25B color scheme announced March 2023. Image: U.S. Air Force
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          IceFlow 2.0 Fast Flow Tumblers

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          From the outside, the president’s plane doesn’t look all that different from a commercial 747 jet, save the large “United States of America” text stretching along its side. The real differences are under the hood.

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          Over a dozen vintage planes are currently scattered across an aircraft boneyard in northern Wyoming. If you can travel about 85 miles east of Yellowstone National Park to Big Horn County, relics such as a Lockheed P-2 Neptune could be yours for as low as $25—just don’t expect to fly away in any of your new purchases.

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          The post 26 Popular Science stories you loved in 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

          -]]>          en-US          <![CDATA[January stargazing: A supermoon, asteroid, and one very large planet]]>The Wolf Moon rises on January 3.

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          The post January stargazing: A supermoon, asteroid, and one very large planet appeared first on Popular Science.

          -]]>          https://www.popsci.com/science/stargazing-guide-january-2026/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729041Wed, 31 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500ScienceMoonsSolar SystemSpace -
          January 2Asteroid 40 Harmonia in Full Opposition
          January 3Full Wolf Supermoon
          January 3–4Quadrantids Meteor Shower Predicted peak
          January 10Jupiter in Full Opposition
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          IceFlow 2.0 Flip Straw Water Bottles

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          The stargazing calendar for 2026 gets off to a bit of a contrary start. January is all about opposition, which is the astronomical term for a configuration where a celestial object is directly opposite the sun in the sky. These configurations generally provide great opportunities for viewing the object in question, because from our perspective, it will be both fully illuminated and also far removed from the sun’s glare. Here’s what’s on tap for the first month of the new year. 

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          Anyone with a small telescope (or even some decent binoculars) should also be able to see Jupiter’s four Galilean moons—Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto. If you’re wondering, they’re called the Galilean moons because they were first identified as moons of Jupiter by Galileo Galilei in early 1610.

          +

          IceFlow 2.0 Flip Straw Jugs

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          Anyway, remember that you’ll get the best experience if you get away from any sources of light pollution,let your eyes acclimatize to the darkness,and check out our stargazing tips before heading off into the night.

          + -

          Porous cork wood, native to the western Mediterranean, works well as a stopper for wine because it is naturally elastic and permeable. It conforms tightly to the shape of the vessel and allows only a minuscule amount of air in (in a standard modern wine bottle, about one milligram per year). The ancient Romans recognized the potential of cork for sealing their clay wine vessels. But it wasn’t until the early modern era that glassblowing became advanced enough for wine to be corked in glass.

          +

          Quick Flip GO Water Bottles

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          Four large, ancient ceramic amphorae with tapered bases and dual handles are displayed against a rugged, dimly lit stone wall. The terracotta jugs vary in texture and weathering, with some showing calcified buildup and others appearing smoother. Metal brackets secure them to the uneven rock face, highlighting their rounded bodies and narrow necks in a museum-style exhibit.
          Ancient Romans used two-handled jugs known as amphorae to store wine and olive oil. Image: DepositPhotos
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          • Stanley Quick Flip GO Water Bottle 24 oz Black 2.0 $18.75 (was $25.00)
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            The origins of the wine bottle

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          • Stanley Quick Flip GO Water Bottle 24 oz Frost $18.75 (was $25.00)
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            Before the modern practice of tightly corking wine bottles, the first corkscrews were likely used only in emergencies. By the 1600s, wooden barrels, borrowed from the cider and beer brewing traditions of northern Europe, had replaced ancient clay amphorae for aging and selling wine. Also borrowed from cider making was the use of glass bottles to bring wine conveniently from barrel to table, stoppered with a chunk of cork. But “since these bottles were employed just for service, the stoppers never needed to be all that secure,” wine writer Paul Lukacs explained in his book, Inventing Wine. “They did, however, sometimes get stuck.”

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          • Stanley Quick Flip GO Water Bottle 24 oz Rose Quartz $18.75 (was $25.00)
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            According to journalist George M. Taber, “for many decades, there were only two ways to remove the cork [from a bottle], and both of them were bad.” One was to leave the cork sticking out, which made the bottle more difficult to store and the seal less effective. Pushing the cork all the way in made for a better seal, but the only way to get it out was to cut the glass neck of the bottle. This required special heated metal pincers and rendered the bottle unusable. The solution to this design flaw would arrive from an unlikely place.

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          • Stanley Quick Flip GO Water Bottle 36 oz Black $21.00 (was $28.00)
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            Enter the corkscrew

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          • Stanley Quick Flip GO Water Bottle 36 oz Rose Quartz $21.00 (was $28.00)
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          Since the 1630s, European soldiers and hunters had employed a small metal spiral for twisting unspent charges out of the barrels of their muskets. This tool was known by various names, including “wad hook,” “steel worm,” and “gun worm.” It turned out that the gun worm was also ideal for removing stuck corks from bottles. Even today, the spiral part of a corkscrew is called its “worm.” 

          +

          IceFlow Fast Flow Water Bottles

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          We don’t know exactly who first applied the gun worm to corked bottles or when, causing Johnson to label the origins of the corkscrew “a teasing mystery.” An English source from 1681 features the first-known written reference to a “bottlescrew” being used on corks. Just like the glass bottle, the corkscrew or bottlescrew spread from English cidermaking into winemaking. By the mid-1700s, the corkscrew had become commonplace throughout Europe, helping to usher in a new chapter in the history of wine. Wine could now be aged and stored for much longer than before, and sold in glass bottles with an easy means of opening.

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          • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Water Bottle 24 oz Dried Pine $26.25 (was $35.00)
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            A row of five ornate vintage corkscrews displayed on clear acrylic stands against a plain white background. The handles are crafted from brass and silver metal into various figures, including: -A golfer mid-swing. -A stylized cat or gargoyle head. +<li><a href=Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Water Bottle 24 oz Rose Quartz $22.50 (was $30.00) -A galleon ship labeled "A. Galleon 1588." -A mermaid labeled "Torquay Mermaid." -A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-729189" />
            Various early corkscrews housed at the Corkscrew Museum in southern France. Image: Getty Images / Contributor / DEA / ALBERT CEOLAN
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          • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Water Bottle 24 oz Ash $26.25 (was $35.00)
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            Technological advances

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          • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Water Bottle 16 oz Rose Quartz $26.25 (was $35.00)
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            As the glass bottle became integral to the production of wine, inventors continued tinkering to improve its complement, the corkscrew. In 1795, English Reverend Samuel Henshall received the first patent for a corkscrew design. Like some modern models, Henshall’s corkscrew featured a horizontal disk (today known as the “Henshall button”), to prevent the worm from going too deep into the cork. 

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          • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Water Bottle 36 oz Black 2.0 $33.75 (was $45.00)
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            In 1882, German inventor Carl Wienke made another major breakthrough in corkscrew design. Wienke patented the first folding corkscrew, which used a fulcrum to provide leverage for pulling the cork out of the bottle with less force. The descendant of this device remains in today’s bars and restaurants, often with the addition of a blade for cutting the foil off the tops of bottles. Today, it’s known as the “waiter’s friend,” but another popular name for it is the “wine key.” This is not just because it’s the “key” that unlocks the bottle, but from a mispronunciation of “Wienke.”

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          • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Water Bottle 36 oz Frost $33.75 (was $45.00)
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            In recent years, product designers have adjusted the length of the worm and fulcrum to try and improve the classic waiter’s friend. Others have created entirely new designs, like electric versions that pull corks out with the press of a button. In 2025, food publication Serious Eats compared different wine opener models and found that each had its benefits and drawbacks. A two-pronged model called the “cork puller” was recommended for delicate vintage bottles, but required some finesse to operate. Electric models required little physical effort, but were more expensive. Serious Eats chose the tried-and-true waiter’s friend as its overall recommendation, as did Wirecutter in their own 2025 corkscrew comparison. 

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          • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Water Bottle 36 oz Ash $26.25 (was $35.00)
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            A vintage folding waiter's corkscrew (a Carl Wienke design) is shown against a neutral grey background. The handle is made of embossed gold-toned metal featuring the decorative text "Fassati Passito del Santo" and an illustration of a wine bottle. Folded out from the handle are a dark, metal spiral worm and a notched silver-toned lever arm, showing the early mechanical design of the portable wine opener.
            German inventor Carl Wienke patented the first folding corkscrew in 1882. Image: Getty Images / Contributor / DEA / A. DAGLI ORTI
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          • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Water Bottle 50 oz Rose Quartz $41.25 (was $55.00)
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            The corkscrew’s future

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          • Stanley Varsity IceFlow Aerolight Fast Flow Water Bottle 24 oz Mist Mesh $26.25 (was $35.00)
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          In 2022, a consumer report by UK household goods retailer Lakeland found a striking generational difference in corkscrew ownership. While 81 percent of people aged 65 or older reported that they owned a corkscrew, for 18- to 24-year olds, that figure was just 27 percent. Lakeland’s study identified a combination of reasons for this difference, including shifts in generational drinking habits. Another possible factor is the growing popularity, and convenience, of another innovation: the screw cap wine bottle. 

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          IceFlow Fast Flow Jugs

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          A 2018 survey found that the global market share of screw cap wines had increased by over 13% since 2012. Besides ease of opening, winemakers cite quality control as a reason for using screw cap bottle closures. The natural wine cork is “well known in the wine industry to be a less than perfect product,” according to a 2002 paper on wine closure technology. Natural corks can crack, increasing oxidation, or introduce a mold known as TCA, further damaging the wine’s flavor. When sommeliers offer you a taste of the wine before they fill your glass, it’s to make sure the cork hasn’t spoiled the individual bottle. 

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          • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Jug 64 oz Black $45.00 (was $60.00)
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            The same paper noted that “consumers naturally blame the wine and not the cork” for off wine flavors because they can’t physically see the cause. This means that a few tainted bottles could lead to loss of business and a damaged reputation for the winemaker. Screwcap bottle closures make it easier to ensure that every bottle will taste the same. 

            +
          • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Jug 64 oz Frost 2.0 $45.00 (was $60.00)
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            However, there might be reasons not to discard the corkscrew just yet. A 2025 study found that corked wines were superior to screw cap wines in preventing the migration of microplastics. And the classic pairing of corkscrew and cork still has a powerful psychological impact on consumers. In a 2018 study published in the International Journal of Hospitality Management, researchers noted that “findings confirmed the positive halo effect of natural corks when compared with screw cap and synthetic cork closures.” The halo effect is a form of cognitive bias where observing one feature causes people to infer the presence of other, positive features. In the case of wine, drinkers tend to assume that a natural cork closure indicates better quality and flavor.

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          • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Jug 64 oz Rose Quartz 2.0 $45.00 (was $60.00)
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            As long as wine has been around, winemakers have attempted to improve how the beverage is stored, aged, and sold. But the corkscrew, once borrowed from rifleman’s equipment, has gone hand in hand with the cork for so long that it might be hard for wine drinkers to let go of it entirely. Only time will tell whether new technology will replace this centuries-old pairing.

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          • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Jug 96 oz Black 2.0 $67.50 (was $90.00)
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            In The History of Every Thing, Popular Science uncovers the hidden stories and surprising origins behind the things we use (or eat) every day.

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          • Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Jug 96 oz Frost 2.0 $67.50 (was $90.00)
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          - Related Stories from 'The History of Every Thing'

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          Ketchup was once a diarrhea cure

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          Pilates started in a WWI internment camp

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          How WWII made Hershey and Mars Halloween candy kings

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          Lip balm’s surprising history from earwax to Lip Smackers

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          How scarecrows went from ancient magic to fall horror fodder

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          How WWI and WWII revolutionized period products

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          The spooky (and sweet) history of fake blood

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          The post The corkscrew began as a tool for muskets, not merlot appeared first on Popular Science.

          -]]>en-US<![CDATA[The 5 coolest entertainment innovations of 2025]]>From a TV that creates color in a totally different way to room-aware surround sound.

          -

          The post The 5 coolest entertainment innovations of 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

          -]]>          https://www.popsci.com/technology/entertainment-innovations-2025/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729625Tue, 30 Dec 2025 14:00:00 -0500TechnologyAudioBest of What's NewGearHome TheaterTelevisionsThe smartphone era has brought about an era of convergence when it comes to consumer electronics. Tons of devices we used to rely on—small cameras, calculators, flashlights, music players, etc.—have rolled up into our phones. Entertainment has experienced a similar move toward a small-screen singularity. In 2025, users collectively watched more than 4 billion minutes of TikTok content on their phones every single day. Still, big screens persist. This year’s list includes a pair of new TV technologies built to be enjoyed from feet away, not inches from your face. A pair of clever earbuds use magnetic fluid to let you hear familiar music with a fresh sound. And, while it’s already perhaps too easy to start a podcast, the industry standard microphone has gotten a very useful upgrade that makes high-quality content creation even more accessible.

          +

          All Day Slim Bottles

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          (Editor’s Note: This is a section from Popular Science’s 38th annual Best of What’s New awards. Be sure to read the full list of the 50 greatest innovations of 2025.)

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          • Stanley All Day Slim Bottle 20 oz Cream $22.50 (was $30.00)
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            Grand Award Winner, Entertainment

            +
          • Stanley All Day Slim Bottle 20 oz Twilight Gloss $22.50 (was $30.00)
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            Micro RGB TV by Samsung: A TV that creates color in a totally different way

            +
          • Stanley All Day Slim Bottle 20 oz Rose Quartz $22.50 (was $30.00)
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            Pictures of Samsung’s Micro RGB TV don’t do it justice. When I saw it in person earlier this year, I was shocked by the vibrant colors and brightness it offers. Even compared to typical OLEDs (which are renowned for their color reproduction), it created a tangibly more vivid viewing experience. Each sub-100-micron RGB emitter sits directly behind the panel and is driven on its own, which lets the set hit unusually wide color gamuts while maintaining extremely high brightness and contrast at a 115-inch, 4K size. True Micro LED tech remains exclusive to commercial installations, but Micro RGB provides an extremely similar experience without the need for complex professional installation. A screen this large that can still show deep blacks and highly saturated color in a bright room reshapes what home theater looks like—if you can afford it—and sets expectations for what premium displays should do over the next decade.

            +
          • Stanley All Day Slim Bottle 34 oz Rose Quartz $30.00 (was $40.00)
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          Magnetic Fluid Driver by Technics: Earbuds that tune the driver with liquid, not just magnets

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          Classic Legendary Vacuum Bottles

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          Adventure Vacuum Bottles

          -

          If you watch podcast content, streamers, or pretty much any kind of interview content online, you’ve seen the Shure MV7 microphone. It’s the industry standard, and now it works as its own stand-alone podcast studio. Plug it into a computer via USB-C and you get the mic plus a combo XLR/ ¼-inch input on the back for a second microphone or instrument, with both channels appearing separately in Shure’s MOTIV Mix software or your digital audio workstation. That lets a solo creator record a host and guest, or voice and guitar, without hauling around an extra interface box, power supply, and cabling. Dual-channel recording directly from a single desktop mic lowers the barrier to making more polished shows and music from small spaces, and it shows how much traditional studio hardware can collapse into a single device.

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          Adventure Fast Flow Water Jugs

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            LG’s G5 Evo OLED overcomes one of the biggest limitations of this particular type of digital display: overall brightness. A new tandem RGB OLED stack, revised light-emitting structure, and brightness booster drive peak HDR highlights above 2,000 nits while still keeping the near-perfect black levels that made OLED appealing in the first place. Paired with the α11 AI Gen2 processor and support for 4K at up to 165 Hz, the panel can handle both bright daytime viewing and high-frame-rate gaming without falling back to washed-out LCD tricks. It’s a reminder that OLED is still evolving as a technology—and that the next few years of

            -

            The post The 5 coolest entertainment innovations of 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

            -]]>en-US<![CDATA[The best travel headphones for 2026, tested and reviewed]]>Turn on and take off with the best noise-cancelling headphones for airplanes, trains, and every terminal in between.

            -

            The post The best travel headphones for 2026, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

            -]]>            https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-noise-cancelling-headphones-for-airplane-travel/https://www.popsci.com/?p=704450Tue, 30 Dec 2025 13:35:29 -0500GearAudioHeadphonesWhile many of us love to travel, the time in transit getting to our destination isn’t always pleasant. A great pair of headphones, however, can elevate that experience and transform it from grating to tolerable, maybe even tranquil. There are hundreds of pairs to choose from, though, and finding a pair that meets your needs and fits your budget can be difficult. We’re here to help. We’ve done the research and testing for you so you can focus on the important things, like enjoying the sights while getting around safely, all while enjoying some sweet solitude on demand from some premium travel partners—like our best overall pick, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3. Read on to find out about the best travel headphones to take on planes and trains throughout 2026.

            +
          • Stanley Adventure Fast Flow Water Jug 2 Gallon Twilight $41.25 (was $55.00)
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          Cafe To Go Travel Mugs

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        1. Best splurge: Focal Bathys MG
          2. +

          Everyday Camp Mugs

          -
        2. Best for airplanes: JBL Tour One M3 
          3. + -
        3. Best budget: JLab JBuds Lux ANC
          4. +

          Stay-Hot Stacking Camp Cups

          -
        4. Best true wireless earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen.)
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        5. Best IEM: Sennheiser IE600
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          Everyday Tumblers

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        6. Best accessory: Twelve South AirFly Pro 2
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          How we selected the best headphones for travel

          +

          The Reserve Wine Tumblers

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          Finding the best headphones for travel involved a significant selection process. Thankfully, I’ve been an audio enthusiast for many years and have tested everything from budget cans to audiophile headphones costing multiple thousands of dollars. I’ve written a number of different audio guides for Popular Science, all based on testing and experience. So, when tasked with this challenge, I knew that, working together with our talented team of fellow audio enthusiasts, I could find the best picks for every kind of listener. 

          + -

          Best overall: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3

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          Food Jars

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          • Stanley Adventure To-Go Food Jar $22.50 (was $30.00)
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          • Stanley Adventure To-Go Food Jar $28.50 (was $38.00)
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            The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 is the latest iteration in the company’s flagship headphone lineup, and its balance of expressive audio and more effective active noise cancellation makes it the perfect pair of travel headphones for most listeners. These are headphones that are stylish both visually and audibly—one of the best-sounding and best-looking pairs of wireless headphones you can buy today.

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          • Stanley Classic Legendary Large Food Jar 24 oz Hammertone Green $29.25 (was $39.00)
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            This pair of premium cans is available in three finishes (Anthracite Black, Indigo Blue, Canvas White) to match your unique sense of style. The chassis blends multiple upscale materials—including metal, leatherette, and fabric—from the textured buttons to the acoustic chamber. This creates a pair of headphones that look as luxurious as they sound. And they’re surprisingly low profile despite generous padding. It’s a set you certainly won’t be embarrassed to wear in public. 

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          • Stanley Classic Legendary Large Food Jar 24 oz Black 2.0 $29.25 (was $39.00)
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            Of course, B&W didn’t make its name on style alone, no matter how good these may look. No, they are a company known for their outstanding sound quality, from recording studios to car cabins, and the Px7 S3 definitely delivers in this department. Inside the architecture sit 40mm bio-cellulose drivers with all-new voice coil and magnet assemblies to deliver their richest sound signature yet. These things breathe with clarity, sparkle without sibilance, but they aren’t afraid to give a little grunt when called for. Still, low-end underlines rather than overwhelms. They’re proof that dimensional grace doesn’t have to mean tame and timid.

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          • Stanley Adventure Fresh-to-Table Crock 3 qt Black 2.0 $56.25 (was $75.00)
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          If the out-of-the-box sound isn’t exactly to your taste, you can also customize it using the Bowers & Wilkins smartphone app, which includes a five-band equalizer to fine-tune its sound. Since you’ll be listening wirelessly, audio compression is a real concern, but you don’t need to worry about that here, thanks to its support for aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codecs, broadcast protocols that dramatically reduce the amount of compression and improve sound quality when broadcast from a compatible device—typically an Android smartphone. But if you have an iPhone, you can always pick up a USB-C transmitter, such as the Sennheiser BTD 700, which we’ve used to get full fidelity. 

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          Classic Lunch Boxes

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          If there’s one thing I have to pick on these headphones about, it would be their snug fit. They sound great and have noise cancellation that can effectively cut out the sound of engines and HVAC units alike, but achieving that requires a tight seal around the ear. It’s a fairly common trade-off with the best noise-canceling headphones, but definitely something to keep in mind. That said, clamping force isn’t so severe that those with glasses should be concerned. 

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          Onyx Black Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 headphones in their case amongst bright green plants.
          Tony Ware
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          All Day Lunch Boxes

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          Willing to spend a few hundred more? The $799 Px8 S2 crowns Bowers & Wilkins’ 2025 lineup by fusing the company’s loudspeaker credibility into a travel-friendly chassis. The Nappa leather-clad ear cups hide 40mm Carbon Cone drivers, angled atop a redesigned engine with bespoke 24-bit DSP for cleaner timing and lower distortion. Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC and aptX Adaptive/Lossless brings 24/96 wireless polish, while USB-C preserves full fidelity. Upgraded ANC redirects distraction without blanching tone. Less warm than its predecessor, the PX8 S2’s bass is taut, mids inviting, microdetail resolving. Thirty hours of stamina, tactile controls, and a couture build elevate routine commutes into fatigue-free performances. We were already in love with the fun-focused tuning of the Px7 S3, but this even more plush, precise edition quickly landed on our 2025 Audio Awards after some time as our suave, cabin-ready companion.

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          • Stanley All Day Mini Lunch Box 4.2 qt Rose Quartz $33.75 (was $45.00)
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            Best ANC: Sony WH-1000XM6

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          • Stanley All Day Mini Lunch Box 4.2 qt Black $33.75 (was $45.00)
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            Tony Ware

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            - Pros

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            When it comes to noise cancellation, there are few headphones as well-known and highly regarded as the Sony WH-1000XM lineup. They have been industry leaders for years, and the WH-1000XM6 continues that trend. Another one of our 2025 Audio Awards winners, these are the headphones to buy if you want the best active noise cancellation (ANC), period.

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            The XM6 offers dedicated cutting-edge processors and an inside-out system for its noise cancellation, featuring 12 total microphones. That means it’s able to monitor the sound outside the headphones as well as what’s making its way inside the ear cup to deliver the most effective cancellation possible. The QN3 processor is an improvement over the last generation, as it cuts out more of the lower-end and middle frequencies, resulting in more overall silence. And all those mics allow the XM6 to excel at a natural-sounding transparency mode if you need to engage in conversation without removing your headphones.

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            That’s not all these headphones offer, however. While most reviewers agree that the XM6 is an iteration instead of a reinvention compared to the WH-1000XM5, they offer a wider headband and a reinforced hinge system for improved comfort, durability, and transportability.

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            Sony has also made advancements in headphone sound. This line was already tuned to a consumer-friendly curve, but this latest release offers a wider soundstage and a more balanced sound profile, delivering greater detail across genres. Bass is more of a velvet glove than an iron fist, offering more groove without grain. Mids are a touch recessed, but that leaves room for the punch of pop and hip-hop. The goal, physically and sonically, is marathon comfort, so treble is polished of any edginess. It still offers app support, however, and now includes a 10-band rather than a 5-band equalizer to fully dial in more vocal intimacy and less low end if it matches your taste in tonality. Of course, to get the fullest extension, you’ll need to be able to connect your device via Sony’s LDAC codec, but you can add that with a dongle such as the FiiO BT11.

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            While the competition has been continually improving over the years—the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen.), in particular, trades blows with each update—Sony currently holds the ANC throne with the WH-1000XM6. So if you’re looking to cut out as much of the outside world as possible, this pair is an immersive hug—cozy, confident, in control.

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            Best for audiophiles: Sennheiser HDB 630

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            • ANC is excellent but not absolute like Sony or Bose
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            Released in August 2022, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Bluetooth headset is a crowd-pleaser tuned slightly warm to make the sound fuller and, yeah, more fun. And there’s nothing wrong with that … unless you’re a diehard devotee of the Sennheiser 600 Series of headphones, known for transparency you can trust and midrange that actually moves you. The HDB 630 shares a chassis with the Momentum, but it’s chasing the target of those much more refined cousins. The stock tuning is tidy. Images lock in, the center doesn’t wander, and the stage stays wide without leaning on hype. Built around a custom 42mm dynamic driver manufactured in Sennheiser’s Tullamore, Ireland, facility—the same hometown as the 600 Series, 800 Series, and legendary HE 1 headphones—the HDB 630’s acoustic system shows that wireless can be serious for those who take keeping the mix intact seriously.

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            The HDB 630 stands out first because of its baseline, not an abundance of crowd-pleasing, detail-bullying bass. The stock tuning is articulate, not exaggerated. It’s telling truth, not throwing confetti. It didn’t make our 2025 Audio Awards by accident. Put it through the stress test of 2000s-era Radiohead to immediately grasp the HDB 630’s ability to maintain shimmer and separation even as the groove thickens and skronk confronts. The ANC, effective though not a vacuum-seal noise cancellation champ, lets you drop the noise floor enough without losing the tiny transient cues that make a recording feel alive. This is the headphone for those who want neutral sound … not because it’s bland, but because it lets you add your own seasoning based on mood.

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            The second standout feature of the HDB 630 is the Sennheiser Smart Control+ app, which introduces a 5-band parametric EQ for surgical, bandwidth-aware adjustments. Open up the slightly stuffy mid-treble transition, or pull down a shouty region without dulling everything else. Add weight without dragging mud into the mix. Whereas the out-of-the-box signature is tight and textured, it’s a two-minute PEQ tweak to feel more like you’re in the club. And an A/B feature lets you adjust until you get it just right. Crossfeed is there, too, for turning hard-panned classics into more speaker-like presentations. Previously, these weren’t typical headphone features unless you packed dedicated outboard gear, and they show that Sennheiser has truly considered a target audience rarely catered to in the wireless world.

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            To keep the signal chain playing nice across devices, Sennheiser packs in the BTD 700 (a $60 value). This postage-stamp-sized USB-C Bluetooth 5.4 transmitter helps ensure aptX Adaptive/Lossless + Auracast is on the table, no matter how picky your source is, so the headphones always get a premium feed. And if this compatibility cheat code is acting up, wired USB-C is a true lossless 24-bit/96 kHz option. Your body may be squeezed when in transit, but your fidelity doesn’t have to be. Your legs may feel trapped, but your ability to sculpt the perfect frequency curve to your tastes is wide open. Your favorite recordings aren’t at the mercy of some opaque DSP just because you want some reference-sound relief at 35,000 feet (though dongle quirks and seal issues can always come into play).

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            Plush earpads and up to 60 hours of battery life ensure any aisle or window or, shudder, middle seat is a listening station where you actually want to spend time to make travel feel shorter. And unlike many travel headphones, you’ll be just as likely to reach for these at home thanks to their composure. It’s a premium over the Momentum 4, but it’s the top pick for listeners who love to tune with intent.

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            Best splurge: Focal Bathys MG

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            • - - Battery Life: - - - 30 hours (ANC on), 42 hours (USB) -
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            For those with a discerning taste, the Focal Bathys MG is the ideal choice. Focal is known for its audiophile headphones, studio monitors, and loudspeakers, and the original Bathys, at around $699, already impressed. In the realm of Bluetooth headphones, the Bathys was already at the top of its field when it came to sculpted serenity meets sonic swagger. But the Bathys MG—at over twice the price but living up to even more portable ambition—takes that a full step further (and into 2025 Audio Awards territory). 

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            The Bathys MG goes full-on “audiophile” in every aspect of its design. Many of us thought that was true of the original Bathys, but Focal needed to show us just how far they could go. So, rather than featuring aluminum-magnesium drivers like the original, the Bathys MG’s 40-millimeter M-shaped domes use pure magnesium, a dense, light membrane delivering performance not posturing.

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            The sound signature has been refined to fall more resolutely within the audiophile camp. The original Bathys had a warm, but still agile sound signature, yet the Bathys MG is at once more balanced and deeply detailed, delivering a higher quality, faster bass response that feels more taut, transparent, and purposefully punchy. The lifelike, layered midrange is precise without being polite, making it perfect for biting guitars and swelling synths. Treble is crisp, shimmering, but never glassy, offering up nuanced microdetails. The sinewy soundstage also feels wider without running wild, akin to a great pair of wired audiophile headphones.

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            The fit and finish have also been improved. The Bathys MG has been modeled after the Focal Clear MG headphones, featuring a chestnut finish and an intricate ear cup design. The enhancement is more than skin deep, however, as this set also comes with improved, softer, more plush ear cushions that aid in longer-term wear.

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            With a price point of around $1,500, you should rightly expect great things from this pair of headphones. In addition to offering outstanding sound and luxurious looks, you’ll also be pleased to know that it can connect to just about anything thanks to its tri-mode support for Bluetooth 5.2 (SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive), wired using its 3.5mm cable, or USB, where its integrated 24-bit/192kHz DAC can take over all of the sound processing for your computer or smartphone. The end result speaks the language of reference with an emotional accent.

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            Tony Ware
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            Looking for something with similar audio prowess but a different textural approach? A stellar option is the $1,250 DALI IO-8, which takes on the appearance of a more traditional pair of ANC headphones while still packing in neutrality with a dash of drive. The DALI house sound is natural, composed, never sacrificing soul for algorithmic sparkle. It’s an honest ethos. For the best of the best and the most 1:1 alternative, however, the DALI IO-12 comes in at $1,750 to offer that eminently premium pick … though it might be a bit excessive for economy. With larger, luxurious cushions and more dynamic headroom, the IO-12 and its Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) magnet system are truly like strapping loudspeakers to your ears. Every element gets its own lane, exhibits its full spatial weight—clean and forward, yet fatigue-free. However, the top codec supported is aptX Adaptive, so you’ll want to consider USB for lossless reproduction.

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            Just don’t expect any of these headphones to reach the levels of ANC offered by the best-in-class—they’re adequate for travel, but when it comes to mid-frequency noise, such as voices or clacky keyboards, they’re just not as effective. With the concert hall-like presentation, however, you’ll pay more attention to each kick drum’s decay than any runway delays.

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            Best for airplanes: JBL Tour One M3 

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            Let’s be real here: When you’re spending $400 on a pair of headphones, you want those headphones to work with pretty much anything. And that’s exactly what the JBL Tour One M3 delivers. These headphones check all the boxes you would hope for in a great pair of travel cans and offer extra functionality that makes them a standout pick for airplane travelers in particular. 

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            The headphones’ biggest trick is that they come with a universal audio transmitter that can connect to wired sources (analog and digital) and retransmit the audio back to the Tour One M3 and other Auracast-enabled devices, while also controlling every function … and there are many … of the JBL headset. That means you can easily connect them to an airplane sound system without being tethered directly to the seat with a wire, and you can access the Tour One M3’s settings without needing to fish out your phone. Plus, you can customize the splash screen with your favorite image, as shown in our personalized Smart Tx transmitter above. (And if you don’t care about the in-flight entertainment, you can also connect the headphones to, say, an iPhone via USB-C.)

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            The sound tuning on these headphones is also perfect for travelers who might want to mix up music with a movie mid-flight. The default sound signature from the 40mm mica domes is somewhat V-shaped, meaning it features powerful bass and soaring treble, which gives the streaming experience a forward, front row lift—something you should expect from a company with a history deeply steeped in stage monitors and loudspeakers. This isn’t just playing your music, it’s energizing it. Sometimes you want to savor crowd-pleasing sound that’s fun, not forensic. 

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            The 8-mic adaptive array on these headphones is also very good, generating inverse phase ANC in real-time so you won’t have to worry about the droning jet engines intruding as your personal soundtrack or soundstage stretches out. And both noise cancellation and EQ, as well as Spatial 360 Sound with head-tracking, are customizable within JBL’s companion app, in case the high-octane audio needs to be carved to match your mood.

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            At 278 grams, they’re lightweight enough to crown users with short or no hair comfortably. Some users report that the touch controls are a bit finicky and overly sensitive; however, like most touch controls, it’s something you can learn to adapt to. For wireless-anywhere sound that’s as kinetic as a tight connection, they’re a fine choice.

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            Best for iPhone users: AirPods Max

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            If you use an Apple iPhone or MacBook, the best choice is probably obvious: the Apple AirPods Max have been and continue to be the go-to choice for travel headphones for Apple users. They’re stylish, comfortable, have great sound quality and ANC, and most importantly, seamlessly integrate with the Apple ecosystem.

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            All of these things were already true, but the AirPods Max are an even better fit today than they were at their release in 2020. That’s because Apple has released several updates that enhance its features and capabilities. Since ditching the Lightning port. and getting an OTA firmware update, they finally support audio over USB-C, widening the potential audience with a wider array of compatible devices. And also widening the soundstage, as this allows lossless audio to reach your ears (as opposed to AAC compressed streams). That said, if you’re picking these up and you don’t have an Apple device to use them with, you’ll be missing out on their full features and capabilities, so this recommendation remains limited to the Apple faithful for now. 

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            Apple’s headphones support personalized spatial audio, which delivers an immersive listening experience with a realistic sense of space and atmosphere. The biggest benefit of tracks encoded in Dolby Atmos is the extra headroom given to each stem, allowing for more dynamic expression, more contrast without congestion. There’s even support within Apple TV+ for immersive soundtracks that seem to surround you outside the realm of marquee songs or interstitial music. It’s ambiance turned tangible.

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            These headphones also have the esteemed claim of being supported by mainstream listeners and audiophiles alike for their dynamics and balanced adaptive tuning. Whether you’re looking for deep, punchy bass hits or spacing and detail through the mids and treble, the AirPods Max are ready to deliver. 

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            But that doesn’t mean they don’t have room for improvement. One of their biggest drawbacks is battery life, which comes in at about 20 hours when using ANC. That’s not terrible and could certainly get you through multiple flights (or one very long one), but when others that are a fraction of the price double that, it leaves something to be desired. They’re also on the heavy side, so you may find yourself needing to take a break to avoid soreness on the crown of your head. And the “case,” well, isn’t what we’d call the best for shoving in a bag in a hurry. 

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            Even so, for listeners within the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Max continue to reign supreme as the standout pick for travelers and everyday listeners alike—now available in five finishes (orange shown above).

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            White Sonos Ace headphones sitting on top of a white Sonos Era 300 speaker
            Tony Ware
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            If surround sound while surrounded by people is a top consideration, the $449 Sonos Ace is also worth considering. While not as native as the AirPods Max, it still plays nicely with the Apple ecosystem and supports Dolby Atmos music with dynamic head tracking through the Sonos app (as well as lossless via USB-C). Recently updated firmware has brought the ANC nearer to the flagship echelon, and at 312g with possibly the most plush padding of all our selections, they’re undeniably comfortable. And if you have a complete Sonos surround sound system at home and often return late at night or early in the morning, the Ace can pair with an Arc Ultra soundbar to give you a private viewing party where you can decompress. Sure, that’s not in-travel use, but it is transportive.

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            Best value: Soundcore Space One

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            The Soundcore Space One occupies an interesting place in this list. Coming in at just about $100, they’re affordable enough that most frequent travelers should find them accessible. They also offer a surprising range of features for their modest cost, including active noise cancellation, app support, high-res LDAC codec support, and an exceptionally lightweight design. But even though they have a lot to offer, there’s a caveat here you’ll want to bear in mind, even while we still consider this the best pick for listeners on a budget. 

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            For their price, many listeners have found themselves impressed at the quality of the active noise cancellation—and for good reason. While they still do a great job of blocking out low, droning sounds, the Soundcore Space One extends further into the mid-range to cut out a wider range of noisemakers, like the voices of other travelers on a bus or train. These sounds are more difficult to cut out entirely (a human voice modulates much more than a growly engine), but the Space One does a good job of lowering the volume on the world—so you might want to take these into the office when you return from your trip!

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            They’re also impressively lightweight, which makes them just as comfy as the more expensive options on this list. When it comes to sound quality, these headphones punch above their class. You shouldn’t expect any budget pair of headphones to compete with much more expensive options when it comes to detail and soundstage, but these headphones have an impressive amount of rumble that injects energy into rock, pop, and hip-hop songs. If you’re a fan of classical or jazz, their warm sound may not be the best fit, but it’s also customizable within its app. 

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            So, what’s the catch? Using ANC has an immediately noticeable impact on sound quality. Turning it on lowers the bass and thins out the mids, unlike the best sets, where the change is more transparent or the tuning is actually optimized for ANC. Thankfully, you can restore these with a custom EQ (mostly) and get the headphones sounding good again, but they have the dubious honor of being the only pick that requires a separate EQ, depending on whether you’re using ANC or not.

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            For a more adaptive algorithm, with lower harmonic distortion, you can step up to the Space One Pro, but you’ll also step up to $199.

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            Best budget: JLab JBuds Lux ANC

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            • Impressive array of features for the price
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            If you’re out for the best bang for your buck, look no further than the JLab JBuds Lux. Coming in well under a C-note, these over-ear hybrid active noise cancellation headphones offer great battery life, customizable sound, and a lightweight, comfortable fit that punches above its class for their modest investment.

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            JLab has been in the headphone game for quite some time, and it has proven that it knows how to deliver a solid pair of headphones at a reasonable price. This set is highly regarded for the quality of its ANC. While it’s not going to topple Bose or Sony anytime soon, it does a good job of filtering out low-frequency hum and rumble, like that of a bus or jet engines. And with egg-shaped earcups and only 236g, plus 40 hours of battery life with ANC engaged, you’ll be able to wear these for the duration of a flight without worrying about waking up with a sore crown or dead battery.

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            Well, sound preferences are subjective. The JBuds Lux fall into the camp of overemphasizing bass for some listeners. If their low-end heavy default tuning isn’t for you, you can customize their sound using JLab’s smartphone app. One thing you might not get tired of getting more of is spatialization. These headphones support Dolby Atmos content, just like far more expensive sets.

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            Taken as a whole, for only $80, you’re definitely getting more than you would expect here. The JLab JBuds Lux ANC simply deliver when it comes to value. And if you prefer—or at least don’t mind—on-ear headphones, the JLab Go Lux is even more of a budget buy at $49.

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            Best true wireless earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen.)

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            If you’re looking for noise cancellation that’s miniturized but not diminished, a pair of ANC true wireless earbuds may be a better fit. In this case, we recommend the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen.) for their premium and powerful active noise cancellation, as well as their enjoyable sound signature. 

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            When it comes to ANC, Sony and Bose sit at the top of their field. The highest achiever will change depending on who you ask, with Sony currently taking the headphones crown (as featured above). But there can be no mistake that the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen. 2) earbuds get top marks for silencing the outside world without forcing you into a pair of bulky headphones. A pair of these and “The Disintegration Loops” by William Basinski made sleeping on international trips achievable.

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            The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds use a shorter, wider version of the bud-and-stem design popularized by the Apple AirPods. Though their appearance is quite different, they maintain a secure and comfortable fit suited for all-day wear. 

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            Compared to the previous QuietComfort Earbuds, this new set offers several improvements. Through firmware updates, it now supports multipoint audio as well as single-earbud use. The Ultras also feature immersive spatial audio, though at the cost of a couple of hours of total battery life. And though these earbuds offer a lot when it comes to noise cancellation and auditory allure (the sound is warm and inviting to please most non-audiophiles), battery life is the one area where they still lag behind the competition. With ANC on, you should only expect around six hours of listening with these at best, and less if you listen above 70 percent or so. 

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            Still, for ANC on the go, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen.) are a prime contender for their portion of your travel budget. And, if that budget is particularly tight, consider the Skullcandy Method 360, a set of $99 earbuds Tuned by Bose with a design reminiscent of the QuietComfort II given Skullcandy styling. If you can look past the inscrutable charging case, they use some of the company’s algorithms to provide quite effective ANC at entry-level pricing.

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            Best of winner Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds in black and silver with coffee on a counter CES 2025
            Technics
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            If you’re searching for something emphasizing reducing internal feedback as much as, if not more than, external, consider the $289 Technics EAH-AZ100. While the ANC is nearly on par with the Bose, and the battery life is nearly twice as long, what really stands out is the distortion-free sound, which uses free-edge diaphragms and a magnetic fluid in the assembly to dampen vibrations that disrupt hi-rez fidelity. It’s a stable, LDAC-equipped system that has wowed several of us since its unveiling in January 2025.

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            Have an iPhone and want earbuds as (at)tuned to spatial audio as they are attenuating noisy environments? The ergonomically refreshed, ANC updated, undeniably expressive AirPods Pro 3 are undeniably the best option for the Apple ecosystem. While the tuning is more aggressively V-shaped than the AirPods Pro 2, it’s vibrant in a way that really benefits Atmos content and helps you immerse yourself in isolation.

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            Best IEM: Sennheiser IE600

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            Sennheiser is a legendary name in the audio industry. It has produced some of the best and highest-regarded over-ear headphones of all time (and currently offers the most expensive and amazing headphone available for purchase). The IE600 is one of its most recent attempts at designing a low-profile pair of in-ear monitors, and it’s a wholesale success for travelers—and anyone who relishes high-quality audio, really.

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            The IE600 sits squarely in the middle of the company’s most recent IEM line-up (which extends from the $159 IE200 to the $1,499 IE900). At the time of this writing, it could be had for around $650, but it can go up or down depending on the sale. For that investment, you’re getting one of the most well-rounded, best-sounding, and durable pairs of in-ear monitors a traveler could ask for. 

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            The housings are made from a zirconium alloy, 3D printed. They’re designed to withstand the rigors of daily use and are corrosion-resistant. Hold them in your hand, and you’ll see just how much higher the level of build quality is here than your average pair of plastic IEMs. 

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            Inside, each earpiece features a 7mm True Response Dynamic Driver that has been measured and matched in Sennheiser’s factory, then tuned via custom resonator chambers in the housings. The focus here is on delivering a cohesive sound, so while there are certainly other IEMs with more drivers, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a set with a more fluid and unified sound than these offer. 

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            There are plenty of IEMs that would work well for travel, but the IE600 earns our best pick because of its small size and secure fit. One of the benefits of using a single driver in each earpiece is that the housings can be significantly smaller than those of many competing sets. While they don’t extend too far into the inner ear, they do nestle flatly into the outer ear and sit securely even as you move and navigate through challenging scenarios like dashing through an airport or wedging yourself into a crowded subway car. Unlike full-sized headphones and even some TWS earbuds, they won’t cause issues with a neck pillow or sleep mask or become uncomfortable when you try to nap with your head leaning against the airplane wall (proven IRL on a flight to Ireland).

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          If you’re an audiophile, you’ll find a lot to love here, but what struck me was how approachable their sound signature is. There’s plenty of bass for a fun and engaging listen, but also ample energy in the mids and highs. For a pair of in-ear monitors, which are typically not known for their wide soundstage, I was also impressed by the sense of space they offer. 

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          Adventure Coolers

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          The biggest downsides to this set are that its cables (standard 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced for connecting to dedicated listening gear) don’t live up to the quality of the earphones themselves. They work perfectly well, but can be a bit stiff and prone to tangling. And even though they’re detachable, they use a semi-proprietary connection, so replacing them isn’t as easy as it is with most other IEMs around this price.

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          What if you already have a pair of wireless headphones you like and just need a way to connect them to the seatback screen, etc.? The Twelve South AirFly Pro 2 is the accessory for you. Similar to the transmitter that comes with the JBL Tour One M3 discussed above, the AirFly Pro 2 can connect to analog sources and wirelessly transmit them via Bluetooth 5.3 to any pair of wireless portable audio devices. It’s tiny, portable, and game-changing if all you need is a way to listen in.

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          Wildfare Cookware Sets

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          But if you do opt for this little game-changer, you can count on even more versatility. The AirFly Pro 2 has a trick up its sleeve: This little superstar can also act as a receiver. If you have a speaker or sound system you’d like to stream to, it’s as simple as plugging the AirFly Pro 2 into a 3.5mm aux port, connecting it to your phone, and pressing play (a Deluxe version includes a two-prong airplane adapter and carrying pouch).

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          The one thing to bear in mind is that this device is best suited for music. There’s a bit of audio delay for video content. The biggest streaming services, like YouTube and Netflix, automatically compensate for this, but the most quickly moving in-flight movies may not.

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          All Day Quencher Carry All Bags

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          Overall, this is a great pick-up for anyone who spends a lot of time on flights and already has a pair of wireless headphones they’re not interested in upgrading.

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          Are you taking commuter jets or long-haul aircraft? Our recommendations can run for six to 40 hours, and you should take into account the trade-offs for pocketability and your need for quick-charge capabilities, etc.

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          A great pair of headphones can enhance multiple aspects of your life. Whether you’re a music lover, a tech enthusiast, or simply want to filter out the noise of an engine or HVAC unit, it’s worth investing in. For listeners on the go, they can be even more important and improve a traveler’s quality of life. Enjoying the journey is one of life’s great lessons. Hopefully, these picks help you along that path.

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          The post The best travel headphones for 2026, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

          -]]>en-US<![CDATA[The health benefits of Dry January]]>Weight loss, better sleep, and more can happen in one alcohol-free month.

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          The post The health benefits of Dry January appeared first on Popular Science.

          -]]>          https://www.popsci.com/health/dry-january-benefits/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729575Tue, 30 Dec 2025 11:13:00 -0500HealthBiologyDiseasesNutritionScienceHoliday hangover season is upon us, and murmurs of Dry January are back. The popular month of alcohol abstinence has become tradition for people hoping to hit “reset” with the clean slate of the new year. 

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          Founded by the charity Alcohol Change UK, the month-long challenge started in 2013 with 4,000 registrants. By 2025, that number had swelled to 200,000. And those are just the official registrants. Many people worldwide participate unofficially. In 13 years, Dry January has become a recognizable shorthand for avoiding booze at the turn of the year. And while there are numerous reasons to take a hiatus from alcohol, none seem to be more pressing than health.

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          A recent review paper published in the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism describes the positive health effects of participating in Dry January and the benefits of taking short-term breaks from drinking. 

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          Most spray-on bug repellents are a sticky cocktail of nasty chemicals. Mimikai is different. The first new EPA-registered insect repellent in 25 years, the biomimicry-based Mimikai mosquito and tick-repelling spray and mist is free of harsh chemicals. But it’s as effective as DEET. After seven years of testing, not only does it meet the highest safety standards, but it’s effective for hours, and it doesn’t feel sticky on your skin. Mimikai blends methyl nonyl ketone, aka 2-undecanone, a naturally occurring compound found in wild tomatoes, bananas, cloves, ginger, and guava, with oil of lemon eucalyptus, soybean oil, and other skin-friendly ingredients. We’ve been testing it against biting bugs and insects in Vermont all summer, and we’re impressed with this non-toxic, effective alternative to traditional pesticides. 

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          “Even with a one month pause on drinking, there were noticeable changes in several biomarkers that are associated with alcohol use,” Megan Strowger, Postdoctoral Research Associate and lead author of the paper, tells Popular Science. 

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          Fade 101 by Solk: A sneaker that’s beautiful, holds up, and won’t poison the planet

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          Strowger and her team at Brown University analyzed 16 studies, comprising more than 150,000 participants. They found that participants who sobered up for one month reported better sleep, elevated mood, and weight loss. Positive biological changes included lower blood pressure, less liver fat, better blood glucose, improved insulin resistance, and decreases in concentrations of cancer-related growth factors.

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          “Alcohol affects all aspects of the body,” Strowger says. 

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          We’ve all heard about what booze does to the liver, but according to the paper, a drinking habit leaves a mark on nearly everything.

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          Footwear is notoriously toxic, both when it’s made and when its useful life is over. Foams and leathers don’t break down once shoes and boots are discarded. Eco-friendly alternatives lack structure and durability, and most don’t look stylish or feel comfortable. Veteran footwear designers David Solk and Irmi Kreuzer started Solk to make shoes that wouldn’t cause harm to the environment. Designed and built with a combo of traditional crafting and AI, every fiber, stitch, material choice, and end-of-life consideration has one goal: to be harmless to our environment. There is no rigorous zero-impact certification, so Solk created its own stringent standard that tests for 200 toxins. Materials include a 100% compostable foam midsole—other shoes use EVA, which won’t decompose for millennia—and leathers tanned without toxic forever chemicals that can decompose in a landfill. The shoes are beautiful, durable, and compostable. 

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          Strowger says the data initially surprised her. “I didn’t think that that much could change in the body after just one month.”

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          Advanced Mountain Kit by The North Face: The most versatile high alpine clothing

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          The positive changes also last. People’s improved well-being appears to linger for some time, as does a changed relationship with alcohol in general. 

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          - Related Alcohol Stories

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          3 common alcohol myths, debunked

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          What is a hangover? And can you cure it?

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          Is drinking alcohol ever good for you? Here’s what the science says.

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          “Even six months after the challenge, participants reported sustained decreases in their overall consumption,” Strowger says. “They also had a reduced risk for developing issues with alcohol use disorder or becoming addicted to alcohol.”

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          Dry January’s mass uptake is a small push against alcohol’s omnipresence in daily life. In 2024, 66.5 percent of American adults reported drinking in the past year, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Alcohol plays a causal role in 200 known health conditions, and remains a leading cause of illness and death worldwide. The public’s burgeoning awareness of these dangers has fed into a rapidly ballooning sober-curious movement. Now well-known, Dry January comes with a sense of community. The “everyone’s doing it” effect can be motivating for people trying to stay on the wagon. The paper says many people’s Dry January success was made easier with the help of social connection, the use of abstinence apps such as the Try Dry app, and supportive emails and texts sent by the Dry January campaign.

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          High-altitude mountaineers have historically dressed in cumbersome, Gumby-like down suits for summiting 8000-meter peaks. They were sweaty on the approach, expensive, and task-specific. The North Face’s new 24-piece Advanced Mountain Apparel Collection, which is part of a 31-piece Advanced Mountain Kit–provides elite athletes with the same extreme weather protection for climbing the world’s highest peaks, in a kit that can be used comfortably for mountain missions, including 8000-meter peaks, in a variety of weather in a range of altitudes. The kit is comprised of layers purpose-built for technical alpine climbing and mountaineering in all weather, including high-altitude environments. It’s a modular system. Each layer enhances the performance of others to help elite athletes succeed, whatever their objective. Lightweight, compressible to take up minimal packed space, and tough, the kit is built with cutting-edge fabrics, construction, and design, including Spectra yarns that are stronger than steel yet lightweight, and continuous baffle Cloud Down that eliminates cold spots and optimizes packability. DotKnit fabric marries the thermal and odor benefits of wool with active moisture transfer. The shell jacket and pants use an electrospun breathable membrane, and the down layers are infused with titanium and aluminum that reflects body heat. 

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          And for anyone whose Dry January might’ve been a little less dry than they planned, there’s still good news. According to the data, people who didn’t do a perfect Dry January reported benefits as well, making a good case for “Damp January” for those who aren’t ready to go cold turkey. 

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          Daylight DC-1 by Daylight Computer: The first computer designed to be used outdoors

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          Strowger says the science behind Dry January made it all very clear for her. She even did a Dry January of her own, achieving better sleep quality and a lasting reduction on her own consumption.

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          “My anecdotal experiences do map onto what we found in the paper,” she says. 

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          While it’s a good idea for most, abstinence challenges aren’t for everyone. Anyone suffering from a true alcohol use disorder should speak with a medical professional before embarking on something like Dry January, as withdrawal is a very real danger. 

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          Staring into our phones, tablets, and computers produces a lot of stress on our eyes and brains, whereas e-readers like the Kindle offer a gentler option for screentime. However, these e-readers generally don’t have the processing power necessary to make them as useful as a regular tablet or computer. The Daylight Computer splits the difference. Its monochrome tablet uses transflective LCDs in a patented fastest e-paper display ever that unlocks full computer functionality with the glare-free reflective display, which makes it ideal for working outdoors. The tablet is low-stimulation because there are no bright and saturated colors, fast-paced flashing, or brain-agitating blue light, so it’s not addictive like other phones, tablets, and computers. It won’t disrupt your sleep or put you in a negative feedback dopamine desensitization loop. The display stack feels paper-like, and it’s fast enough to be used for anything on the internet. That makes this a great tablet for kids, who are especially susceptible to the addictive properties of other devices. 

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          Strowger says that anyone without a chronic condition who is questioning their relationship with alcohol should feel good about giving the one month challenge a try.

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          Deflectr RLS Bike Helmet by Canyon: The most effective brain-protective helmet system is on the outside

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          “From my own experiences, those of my team, and then from doing this review, it shows that there are far more positives than negatives to participating.”

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          The post The health benefits of Dry January appeared first on Popular Science.

          -]]>          en-US          <![CDATA[This is now the most valuable piece of Star Wars memorabilia ]]>Artist Tom Jung’s 1977 painting introduced the world to the look and feel of George Lucas’ blockbuster adventure.

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          The post This is now the most valuable piece of Star Wars memorabilia  appeared first on Popular Science.

          -]]>          https://www.popsci.com/science/most-expensive-star-wars-memorabilia/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729773Tue, 30 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0500ScienceScience FictionDarth Vader’s reign has ended. For a brief time, he owned the mantle of “Most Expensive Piece of Star Wars Memorabilia,” but before you could say “more wealth than you can imagine” he fell once again, with a new challenger rising to take his place. It was only this past September that a verified screen-used lightsaber hilt wielded by the Dark Lord of the Sith in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi set a sales record by fetching $3.65 million. It was a high bar, but it’s already been cleared. 

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          The family of late Star Wars producer Gary Kurtz recently put a rare and valuable piece of artwork up for auction: Tom Jung’s original halfsheet painting depicting the heroes of the Rebellion, soaring X-Wing starfighters, and the looming head of Vader himself. Heritage Auctions ended up selling the piece for a staggering $3.875 million–setting a new record.

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          Experts credit two things for the incredible value of this piece of artwork. One is its scarcity. The term “halfsheet” refers to an old movie poster format that was typically oriented horizontally rather than vertically and was printed on heavier stock meant for theater lobby displays. The original Star Wars movie poster (also painted by Jung) was in the more traditional vertical orientation and was more widely sold and collected–although you can see the iconic Luke and Leia pose from that poster used again in a slightly different variation in the bottom left corner of the halfsheet art.

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          [Related: Lifelong Star Wars fan builds the droids of his childhood dreams]

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          Most bike helmets use expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam to absorb blunt impacts, but EPS is bad at dispersing the rotational forces that cause traumatic brain injury in a crash. RLS is a pioneering safety breakthrough that diffuses the rotational forces that can cause traumatic brain injury through exterior panels that slide on ball bearings, then release in a crash, taking stress off a cyclist’s brain. The outer shell panels rotate on 1500 tiny polycarbonate bearings on a vinyl sticker shell base. In a crash, mechanical fasteners release, allowing the bearings to roll freely and the outer shell to slide away, dissipating energy with concussion-level force applied to the shell. Then the bearings can roll freely, and the outer shell can slide away. That allows the brain time to decelerate inside the skull, minimizing internal damage when the helmet contacts the ground. Eventually, the RLS technology will be available for motorcycle, industrial, equestrian, snow, American football, and other sports and activities in entry-level to advanced helmets. According to Virginia Tech testing, the gold standard for cycling helmets, the tech works. This helmet is currently rated #1 safest cycling helmet you can buy. 

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          The post 5 cool innovations in sports and outdoors in 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

          +]]>          en-US          <![CDATA[How the timber rattlesnake became a symbol of American independence]]>The very real reptile warned enemies ‘Dont tread on me,’ and urged the colonies to ‘Join, or die.'

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          The post How the timber rattlesnake became a symbol of American independence appeared first on Popular Science.

          +]]>          https://www.popsci.com/environment/timber-rattlesnake-american-symbol/https://www.popsci.com/?p=728847Thu, 01 Jan 2026 12:02:00 -0500EnvironmentAnimalsConservationLandScienceWildlife2026 marks the 250th anniversary of American colonies declaring their independence from Great Britain. One of the most enduring symbols of those “times that try men’s souls” is the bright yellow Gadsden flag. With its coiled timber rattlesnake, emblazoned with the infamous words “Dont treat on me” (without the apostrophe), the cryptic reptile slithered its way into the American imagination long before the bald eagle.

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          Star Wars, lobbycard, (aka : EPISODE IV - A NEW HOPE), US poster art, Darth Vader, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, Mark Hamill, C-3PO, R2-D2, 1977. (Photo by LMPC via Getty Images)
          Original Star Wars lobbycard US poster art featuring Darth Vader, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, Mark Hamill, C-3PO, R2-D2. Image: LMPC via Getty Images LMPC
          +

          “The next time you see a rattlesnake, or hear its warning rattle, consider it a reminder,” the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) wrote in a recent blog post. “A reminder of where we came from and a reminder that American symbols don’t always soar. Sometimes, they rattle.”

          -

          The other reason is that for many people this was the first visual introduction to the world of Star Wars for a large portion of the audience in 1977. Jung’s art was used in print newspaper ads beginning in early May of that year, several weeks before the film was released in theaters. It’s credited with laying the foundation for the movie experience–the artwork is dramatic, with competing shades of darkness and light. It establishes the look of Vader, R2-D2, C-3PO, Chewbacca (if you look closely), and the X-Wings. You see the grave face of the elder Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi juxtaposed with the eager young face of Luke Skywalker looking skyward. It even has a spoiler (not that people in 1977 would know that’s a triumphant medal ceremony Luke, Chewie, and Han Solo are marching towards). As the Heritage Auctions press release says, this is “the painting that introduced the world to Star Wars,” because it was “the first widely published image to ever promote Star Wars,” adding that it “quickly became the definitive visual identity of Star Wars, later gracing the film’s official program cover, massive 24-sheet billboards, and countless magazine and newspaper ads during its original release.”

          +

          For American colonists, the snake became a symbol to leave them alone or face consequences. Benjamin Franklin even praised the rattler because while it never strikes first, it does not back down. Even before the Gadsden flag, Franklin published a 1754 cartoon in his Pennsylvania Gazette showing a timber rattlesnake. In his now famous “Join, or Die” cartoon, the snake is cut into pieces labeled with a colony. It is considered the first political cartoon published in an American newspaper and helped cement the rattlesnake as an important early American symbol up through the Civil War.

          -

          Now that a new champion has earned the top spot on the leaderboard, here are a few of the other extremely valuable “Holy Grails” for collectors of all things Star Wars: 

          +
          Benjamin Franklin's 1754 “Join, or Die” cartoon. it features a rattlesnake with its body chopped into eight pieces, with each piece representing american colonies (new england, new york, new jersey, pennsylvania, maryland, virginia, north carolina, and south carolina +
          Benjamin Franklin’s 1754 “Join, or Die” cartoon. Image: National Archives.
          -

          DARTH VADER’S LIGHTSABER

          +

          While the reptile was an enduring historic symbol, the real timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is still a very real snake here in the United States. However, the serpent is facing increased threats. It is found throughout the eastern U.S. from the Mississippi River Valley up through the Appalachian Mountains. It is a venomous pit viper that lives in forests, rugged terrain, and rocky outcrops. However, it has disappeared from some of its range due to habitat loss and fragmentation, being run over by cars, and a decline in its food supply (small mammals).

          -

          As mentioned, the item that held the top spot for a few months was a verified screen-used lightsaber hilt, sold at auction at the Los Angeles Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction. It was the only lightsaber prop to ever come to public auction that was proven to be used on camera. Price: $3.64 million

          +

          These rattlers are slow to mature and reproduce infrequently, making them particularly vulnerable to disturbances. They are listed as endangered in New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, Virginia, New Hampshire, Indiana, and Ohio. Timber rattlesnakes are listed as threatened in New York, Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota, and Texas. They have also been extinct in Canada since 2001.

          -

          X-WING MODEL

          +
          a coiled snake in the forest
          Timber rattlesnakes are  threatened by habitat loss, automobile strikes, and a decline in food resources, particularly small mammals. Image: Grayson Smith/USFWS.
          -

          Discovered in the garage of late Star Wars modelmaker Greg Jein, this extremely rare 20-inch X-Wing model was used for the final battle sequence in the original Star Wars and was believed to have been lost forever. In 2023, Heritage Auctions put it up for sale. Price: $3.1 million

          +

          As with most snakes, timber rattlesnakes suffer from a bad reputation. As Ben Franklin appreciated, they would rather warn you than bite. They generally want nothing to do with humans unless they are threatened (or stepped on). The reptiles are not aggressive and their rattles are merely a built-in warning system that says “stay away.” Timber rattlesnakes also keep ecosystems healthy by controlling rodent populations and reducing the spread of disease and damage to crops. As a top predator in many forest ecosystems, they serve as an indicator of environmental health.

          -

          VLIX ACTION FIGURE

          +

          According to the FWS, it is worth remembering this symbol of our country’s natural history as the nation honors 250 years of American independence

          -

          Not one of the most iconic Star Wars action figures, but definitely the rarest and most valuable. Don’t worry if you have no idea who Vlix is, you’re probably not alone. He only appeared in four episodes of the 1986 animated kids show Star Wars: Droids. What makes him rare is that he was originally set to be produced by toy manufacturer Kenner (who produced all of the other figures in the Droids line as well as the movies) but the show was cancelled before they could use the expensive molds they had already made for Vlix. So Kenner sold the molds to a Brazilian toy company called Glasslite, who then made the figures. They are extremely hard to find and coveted by collectors. Price: Anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000. 

          +

          “They remind us not only of what we’ve fought for, but of what we still have to protect,” wrote the FWS. “The timber rattlesnake was there at the founding. It’s woven into our history, our flags, and our ideals. It’s not just symbolic. These snakes are real and alive and still need our care.”

          +

          The post How the timber rattlesnake became a symbol of American independence appeared first on Popular Science.

          +]]>          en-US          <![CDATA[An ode to slugs, the mascots of post-holiday laziness]]>They’ve got 500 million years of evolution on their side, after all.

          +

          The post An ode to slugs, the mascots of post-holiday laziness appeared first on Popular Science.

          +]]>          https://www.popsci.com/environment/slugs-holiday-slow/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729689Thu, 01 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0500EnvironmentAnimalsHealthWildlifeThe winter months and post-holiday slump are notorious for their ability to turn even the most prepared person into a lethargic lump until the spring thaw. But if it makes you feel any better, you aren’t alone in the sluggish lifestyle. The staff at the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, Maryland, recently extended a sympathetic hand to the slimy mollusks with a few bits of trivia on their neighborhood slug population, who they describe as the “ultimate slow movers.”

          -

          MARVEL COMICS STAR WARS #1

          +

          For one thing, slugs will absolutely retreat into their homes if the conditions aren’t to their liking. In fact, the gastropods will often hide underground to ensure they avoid some of the coldest ambient temperatures. But it’s not always a death sentence when they can’t escape the frost. Studies have also shown that some species can endure extra-cellular ice formations in their tissues for at least some period of time. Meanwhile, their eggs have likely evolved to withstand the winter through a process of “supercooling” in which they lower their typical freezing temperature.

          -

          Long before Disney owned them both, Luke Skywalker and Spider-Man shared a common home. In July 1977, Marvel Comics kicked off their Star Wars comic book line with issue #1, a retelling of the movie adapted by Roy Thomas and illustrated by Howard Chaykin. Depending on condition, it remains one of the most valuable Star Wars comics. Price: Anywhere from $2,500 to $11,500.

          +

          When it comes to slow movement, it’s hard to find a more ambling pace than the slug. At a top speed of around 6.5 inches per minute, the common banana slug (Ariolimax) is even confirmed to be the world’s slowest animal, beating out both sloths and snails. However, there’s a reason for their miniscule pace. Or—to put it more accurately—there’s no reason for them not to be so slow. Banana slugs mostly eat plants, mushrooms, and decaying matter, so they don’t need speed to catch any prey. On top of that, their slimy mucus secretions contain mouth-numbing chemicals and are extremely unpalatable to any would-be predators. 

          -

          KRAYT DRAGON BONES

          +

          So if someone tries to make you feel guilty for winter laziness over the holidays, just respond with the snail’s life motto: “What’s the rush?”

          +

          The post An ode to slugs, the mascots of post-holiday laziness appeared first on Popular Science.

          +]]>          en-US          <![CDATA[5 remarkable engineering innovations of 2025]]>From an autonomous drone system to wood that's stronger than steel and 6 times lighter.

          +

          The post 5 remarkable engineering innovations of 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

          +]]>          https://www.popsci.com/technology/engineering-innovations-2025/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730153Thu, 01 Jan 2026 08:50:46 -0500TechnologyBest of What's NewEngineering(Editor’s Note: This is a section from Popular Science’s 38th annual Best of What’s New awards. Be sure to read the full list of the 50 greatest innovations of 2025.)

          -

          In the beginning of Star Wars, C-3PO wanders through the desert of Tatooine and passes the remains of a dinosaur-like creature. Actually, it was a dinosaur–the bones were repurposed props from an old Disney movie called One of Our Dinosaurs is Missing. Later identified through lore as the bones of a “Krayt Dragon,” the prop bones were actually left behind by the crew in the desert of Tunisia where they filmed, and pieces of the bones were discovered by an actual archeologist in 1995. Fans and rabid collectors have even trekked to Tunisia to find (and sell) pieces they’re able to find in the sand. Price: Anywhere from $150 to $1,800.  

          -

          The post This is now the most valuable piece of Star Wars memorabilia  appeared first on Popular Science.

          -]]>          en-US          <![CDATA[Amazon just dropped Bluetti portable power stations and solar generators below Black Friday prices]]>Don't wait for an emergency to grab a battery backup system. Bluetti's powerful packs are as affordable as they get right now.

          -

          The post Amazon just dropped Bluetti portable power stations and solar generators below Black Friday prices appeared first on Popular Science.

          -]]>          https://www.popsci.com/gear/bluetti-portable-power-station-solar-generator-amazon-winter-deals/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730050Tue, 30 Dec 2025 09:54:28 -0500GearOutdoor GearYou never think you need emergency gear until you actually need it. That’s why this substantial Amazon sale on Bluetti portable power stations is a great time to get ready for the next power outage. Add some optional solar panels and these juice boxes will work as solar generators for when the grid truly isn’t an option.

          +

          Grand Award Winner, Engineering

          -

          Editor’s picks

          +

          Superwood by InventWood: Stronger than steel and 6 times lighter, no blast furnace required

          -

          BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 Portable Power Station — $799 (53% off)

          - +
          - Bluetti Elite 200 V2 Portable Power Station + wood -
          - - With all that extra capacity, this is a great model for areas with frequent blackouts. - -

          Bluetti

           -
          @@ -4502,37 +3258,50 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 -           - See It + + Learn More
          -

          For the person who wants one power station that can handle real-life outage chaos. This is the kind of capacity and inverter muscle that can keep essentials humming—think router, lights, device charging, and even some higher-draw appliances in short bursts—without turning your living room into a gas-generator parking lot. At 53% off, it’s the rare deal that makes the math feel less painful.

          +

          Steel is responsible for roughly 8 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, but is so reliable that builders don’t want to go without.

          + + + +

          Researcher Liangbing Hu found a new approach to this problem through serendipity. As a young researcher at UCLA and then Stanford, Hu was trying to figure out how to assemble batteries out of carbon nanotubes—but finding that constructing at the nanoscale was challenging and expensive. He had an “aha!” moment looking at wood fibers, realizing that the nanofibers within wood cells are about 100 times as strong as regular wood. And in terms of scaling up efficiently and in a way that sequesters carbon? Just grow a tree. 

          + + + +

          Hu devised a chemical bath to remove the lignin that holds the cellulose in wood together. By then heating the resulting fibers, he was able to compress the wood by roughly 80 percent of its original thickness, using his knowledge of the nanoscale. He collapsed the internal structure in a way that eliminated weaknesses and strengthened bonds. (You can think of it as getting rid of all of the space inside the wood fiber.) His process also darkens the wood, and renders the material stronger than steel, not to mention six times lighter. The result is Superwood.

          + + + +

          Experts question whether the famously risk-averse construction industry will embrace such a radical replacement for steel, and not without reason. If you’re building a $2 billion skyscraper, would you want to tell your lender that you’re rolling the dice on treated wood without a decades-long safety record?

          + + + +

          But Alex Lau, CEO of InventWood, the company that licensed Hu’s discovery, says that once the company scales up, he aims to sell Superwood at half the price of steel. But for now, he will win hearts and minds in the construction industry by first targeting the wood-friendly markets for decking and roof materials, before moving in on structural elements and Superwood-optimized buildings. And then there are the environmental benefits. Superwood can be made out of many different kinds of tree—you can even make the stuff out of the roughly 10 to 20 percent of forestry products that are discarded as the wrong species, or the 40 percent of sawmill wood deemed non-premium that would otherwise be chipped or burnt. Lau says he can displace half of US steel demand, or 50 millions tons, with just 12.5 million tons of Superwood. That sounds like a lot, but he points out we send that much waste wood to the landfill each year—and there are 14 million tons of excess capacity wood in Southern lumber mills.

          + + + +

          Sand Battery by Polar Night Energy: An industrial-scale thermal battery out of sand to avoid fires and mining pollution

          -

          BLUETTI Apex 300 Portable Power Station — $1,699 (29% off)

          - +
          - Bluetti Apex 300 Portable Power Station + silo with people -
          - - This mid-size station is one of our favorite portable power stations overall. - -

          Bluetti

           -
          @@ -4541,37 +3310,46 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 -           - See It + + Learn More
          -

          For the person building a more serious backup plan (or an RV/off-grid setup that doesn’t feel like camping). The Apex 300 is a high-capacity unit with enough output headroom to run more demanding gear—then scale up later with expansion batteries if you want longer runtimes. If you’ve ever had a power blip ruin your day, this is the kind of box you buy once and then feel smug about.

          +

          Industrial-scale batteries provide one way to keep renewable power going when the wind stops blowing or the sun stops shining. But manufacturing batteries from lithium, cobalt, or iron has a significant greenhouse gas footprint and can also lead to metal and water pollution.  

          + + + +

          A Finnish company called Polar Night Energy is tackling the intermittency problem by upcycling crushed soapstone, a byproduct from a local fireplace factory, to create the largest sand battery in the world. Instead of storing electricity, this thermal battery stores heat in a roughly 43-by-49-foot insulated steel cylinder. The system takes excess electricity from the grid to heat up the sand. Then, pipes built into the battery direct cold air in, allow heat to transfer from the sand, and then send hot air out, at temperatures between 140 and 752 degrees F. The hot air can then be used to make steam for industrial processes, or to warm up buildings or water. Unlike conventional batteries that become less efficient over time, the sand does not degrade, and the battery has an expected useful life of 30 years. And unlike lithium-ion batteries (or oil refineries), the sand will never catch on fire.

          + + + +

          Though using hot sand as a battery is an ancient idea, the tool is modern and industrially rated, storing up to 100 MWh of energy for months at a time. This is enough for a month of heat demand in the battery’s small hometown of Pornainen, and a week during the icy Finnish winter.

          + + + +

          And this is just the first industrial-scale project from Polar Night Energy; the company plans to compete with lithium-ion batteries for certain industrial applications at smaller sizes—between 2 MW and 10 MW—across Europe. The cost per stored kilowatt hour is lower too, though high upfront costs and builders who don’t like unfamiliar tech are obstacles. Nearly 40 percent of industrial applications for heat are in the sand battery’s temperature range.

          + + + +

          Willow Quantum by Google: A chip that actually makes fewer errors as the number of physical qubits increases

          -

          BLUETTI AC2A Portable Power Station — $139 (37% off)

          - +
          - Bluetti AC2A portable power station + chip -
          - - This compact box is a great backup for mobile devices. - -

          Bluetti

           -
          @@ -4580,1054 +3358,1086 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 -           - See It + + Learn More
          -

          For the person who wants the cheap, easy win: a lightweight power cube for camping, road trips, or desk-side backup. It’s ideal for keeping phones, tablets, lights, and small electronics alive when outlets are scarce (or when you just don’t feel like fighting for one). It won’t run your whole kitchen, but it will absolutely save a weekend.

          - - - -

          Big-capacity backup power (home, RV, and heavy loads)

          - - - -
            -
          • BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 Portable Power Station $799.00 (53% off)
            • - - +

            Error correction is a crucial feature in any computer chip, and it’s even more important in quantum computers. That’s because minor material glitches, changes in temperature, and even cosmic rays can alter the way the computing entities known as qubits store or transmit information. 

            -
          • BLUETTI Apex 300 Portable Power Station $1,699.00 (29% off)
            • +

            Google logged a major milestone in the road to an actually practical quantum computer with a new approach to quantum-error correction. With a new machine called Willow, Google has created a 105-qubit machine with the unprecedented ability to reduce errors even as the number of qubits in operation increases. Because qubits are inherently error-prone, traditionally, the more qubits in a chip, the greater the likelihood of a glitch. By placing qubits assigned to store data in a grid with error-correcting qubits, the Google research team was able to actually make the number of errors go down even as the number of qubits increased. That means that the 7-by-7 array had better error correction than the 3-by-3—an unprecedented achievement. Google reports that Willow completed a benchmark number test in five minutes that would have taken a conventional “classical” supercomputer 10 septillion years—that’s older than the age of the universe. And that points to the power of unleashing quantum effects on problems.

            -
          • BLUETTI Apex 300 Solar Generator Bundle (PV Cable) $1,499.00 (17% off)
            • +

            It’s not all puppies and rainbows in quantum land, however, where research computers typically start at a million dollars yet can’t solve any real problems. But they won’t be able to without robust error correction, and so Willow is a dramatic step forward.   

            -
          • BLUETTI Apex 300 + B300K Expansion Battery Bundle $2,799.00 (20% off)
            • +

            Populus Hotel by Urban Villages/Studio Gang: an Eco-Hotel That Takes Sustainability Seriously and Looks Like an Aspen Tree

            -
          • BLUETTI AC200L Portable Power Station (listing mentions Charger 1) $1,299.00 (35% off)
            • -
          -

          Solar generator kits (power station + panels)

          +
          + + + + + +
          + +
          + white hotel + + +
          +           +
          + + + + Learn More -
          -
        7. BLUETTI Elite 100 V2 Solar Generator (with 2×200W Panels) $1,199.00 (29% off)
          8. +

          With windows inspired by the black “eyes” in white Aspen trees made when branches fall off, Populus is more than just a curvilinear visual feast: The shading also helps reduce the amount of heat the building takes in the summer.

          -
        8. BLUETTI AC180 Solar Generator (with 100W Panel) $719.00 (28% off)
          9. +

          The ample use of timber in construction reduces (but doesn’t eliminate) the need for carbon-intensive concrete in construction. The builder used a special lower-carbon concrete containing the coal waste product known as fly ash, which resulted in 30 percent less emitted carbon than conventional concrete. There is an on-site digester that converts food waste into compost. Plus, there is no on-site parking, both to reduce the need for cement and reinforced steel, and to incentivize the use of transit and ride-sharing.  

          -
        9. BLUETTI AC180 Solar Generator (with 200W Panel) $749.00 (25% off)
          10. +

          The hotel has sponsored the planting of 70,000 thousand trees in Colorado to offset the carbon footprint of materials, and then purchased other carbon offset. (In part, because most of the tree seedlings died due to drought and a beetle infestation). They also buy wind energy credits from their electric company. In an online dashboard, the hotel says it has already sequestered 116 percent of the carbon that was released during construction and ongoing operations.  

          -
        10. BLUETTI AC70 Solar Generator (with 100W Solar Panel) $579.00
          11. +

          University of Colorado environmental studies professor Joel Hartter is not sure all of the claims pencil out. For example, he points out that offsets are like paying someone else to eat vegetables so that you can keep eating fast food. After all, the lowest-footprint solution would be to not build a beautiful wintry destination heated with methane to have people fly in to visit. But he doesn’t want to make the perfect the enemy of the good. He says the Populus Hotel helps show the tourism industry, which is badly in need of improvement, of what a commitment to sustainability requires. In comparison with a typical luxury hotel, it’s like looking at apples and oranges.

          -
        11. BLUETTI AC70 Solar Generator (with 200W Solar Panel) $749.00
          12. - +

          Delivery Zip by Zipline: An autonomous drone system safely winching burritos down into the front of Dallas homes

          -

          Mid-size and compact power stations (camping, desk backup, and grab-and-go)

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          + + + + + +
          + +
          + drone + + +
          +           +
          -
          -
        12. BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC180 $499.00
          13. +

          Drone-based delivery in a crowded urban area has long seemed too complicated and dangerous to undertake—but now it’s real, and starting to feel, well, normal. Beginning in April, Zipline began a service in which a 5-propeller drone copter collects a burrito or a smartwatch from retailers like Chipotle or Walmart by reeling up a robotic rectangular cargo vehicle called a “Delivery Zip.” The copter then flies autonomously to the customer location and winches down the Delivery Zip for delivery. Sounds like sci-fi, but Dallas-area senior citizens and single parents in particular love the new service. (The company reports serving “tens of thousands” of DFW customers). Around the world, Zipline has made over 1.85 million drone deliveries, and flown more than 120 million miles without a single serious injury. Those delivery numbers leave deep-pocketed competitors funded by Google and Amazon in the dust.

          -
        13. BLUETTI AC180 Portable Power Station $519.00 (35% off)
          14. +

          Zipline began delivering blood transfusions and then other medication in Rwanda in 2016, from the capital of Kigali to far-flung rural regions where roads were inaccessible. Among the results was 51 percent fewer deaths from postpartum hemorrhaging in facilities served by Zipline. Today, after expanding service to the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, and with medical trials in the UK and the US, the company has delivered more than 25 million doses of vaccines. Zipline is rolling out retail and food delivery to various sub-regions of the Dallas-Fort Worth area—there are 20 and counting as of press time. The first-generation Zipline platform used a fixed wing drone that dropped medical supplies by parachute; the team invented the second-generation P2 platform with the Delivery Zip given the more precise landing requirements of a crowded city.

          +

          The post 5 remarkable engineering innovations of 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

          +]]>          en-US          <![CDATA[Cremation or casket? Here’s the most eco-friendly burial option.]]>The greenest choice turns out to be the simplest one.

          +

          The post Cremation or casket? Here’s the most eco-friendly burial option. appeared first on Popular Science.

          +]]>          https://www.popsci.com/technology/cremation-burial-most-eco-friendly/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729586Wed, 31 Dec 2025 21:01:00 -0500TechnologyAsk Us AnythingScienceMost of us try to be responsible global citizens while we’re alive. We sort recyclables. We avoid fast fashion. We try to be good sports as we sip from soggy paper straws. After a lifetime of trying to put things in the right bin, we eventually arrive at the ultimate recycling dilemma: what to do with our bodies after we die. And with several new “eco-friendly” body disposition methods now available, it’s almost enough to cause decision fatigue.

          -
        14. BLUETTI AC50B Portable Power Station $279.00 (30% off)
          15. +

          So what is the most environmentally friendly option for handling human remains? Despite all the new technology, experts say there’s one clear answer, and it’s surprisingly old-school.

          -
        15. BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 Portable Power Station $239.00 (20% off)
          16. +

          “If what you’re looking for is to leave the planet as responsibly as you can, natural burial is your only option,” says Lee Webster, a speaker, author, educator, and former president of Green Burial Council International. “Everybody wants something shiny, new and exciting, but the simplest solution is usually the best.”

          -
        16. BLUETTI AC2A Portable Power Station $139.00 (37% off)
          17. +

          Breaking down the most common funeral options

          -
        17. BLUETTI Elite 10 Mini Portable Power Station $118.99 (40% off)
          18. - +

          In the United States, there are currently five main options for handling remains, and each has distinct environmental and legal implications.

          -

          Expansion batteries and add-ons

          +

          1. Conventional burial

          - +
            -

            CPAP and medical-device backup

            +

            The most familiar is still conventional burial, which relies on embalming chemicals, hardwood or metal caskets, and concrete or fiberglass vaults. According to Webster, the environmental costs add up quickly due to energy and materials for manufacturing, mined metals and concrete, land disruption, and ongoing grounds maintenance. She also cites what she calls the “warehousing of funeral furniture”—the permanent underground storage of vaults, metal caskets, and polyester bedding—as a surreal-sounding yet very real burden.

            - -

            The post Amazon just dropped Bluetti portable power stations and solar generators below Black Friday prices appeared first on Popular Science.

            -]]>            en-US            <![CDATA[2025 proved humanoid robots are here to stay. And fall down.]]>Their creators say it’s the getting back up part that matters.

            -

            The post 2025 proved humanoid robots are here to stay. And fall down. appeared first on Popular Science.

            -]]>            https://www.popsci.com/technology/humanoid-robots-falling-down-2025/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729650Tue, 30 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500TechnologyAIEngineeringRobotsScienceTech companies are collectively spending billions to turn the age old sci-fi trope of humanoid, general-purpose robots into reality. So far, that momentous effort has mostly produced staged performances, underwhelming demos, and lots of falling. If humanoid robots ever become genuinely useful for everyday people, 2025 may be remembered as the year they tried—and failed—to learn how to crawl.

            +

            “It’s just all of it,” says Webster. “Natural resources squandered, carbon-intensive production, and chemical preservatives that don’t return anything to the ecosystem.”

            -

            In some ways, robots falling down isn’t entirely new. Videos of robotics engineers punching, tripping, and otherwise tormenting early upright robots with muted exuberance have gone viral for years. But now, the shinier successors to those machines are making their way out of labs and into the real world, surrounded by actual people. The resulting face-plants and crashes are irresistible fodder for a public that is both skeptical of—and somewhat terrified by—the future these awkward robots seem to foretell. Meanwhile, engineers remain steadfast in their belief that all these tumbles are simply part of the process of collecting useful, real-world data.

            +
            +
            + +

            + Related 'Ask Us Anything' Stories

            +
            + +
            +

            What happens when you donate your body to science?

            +

            How human composting turns bodies into soil

            +

            What happens to your body when you die in space?

            +

            Is the universe really infinite? Astrophysicists explain.

            +

            Why we forget our childhoods

            +

            Where does tattoo ink go in your body? There’s one particular spot.

            +
            +
            -

            In the meantime, that living science experiment is creating some undeniably funny moments. Here are a few of the times humanoid fell in public this year. 

            +

            2. Cremation

            -

            Russia’ s premier robot meets its match: gravity

            +
              +

              Cremation, currently the most popular choice in the U.S., is often considered simpler or “cleaner.” But the process requires extreme heat, typically 1,400 to 1,900 degrees Fahrenheit, fueled by natural gas or oil. Cremation also releases carbon dioxide and mercury vapor from dental fillings. (Webster notes that about 14 percent of mercury in U.S. waterways is attributable to flame cremation.)

              -
              -

              Russia unveiled its new humanoid robot, AIdol, in Moscow and it immediately collapsed👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/4ymFUaiYEg

              — Saint Javelin (@saintjavelin) November 12, 2025
              -
              +

              “The question we all have to answer is whether the convenience and price of flame cremation outweigh the environmental ramifications of mercury and carbon emissions, fossil fuel use, and wildcat scattering [spreading cremated remains around the world] in fields and streams worldwide,” Webster says.

              -

              Most people are familiar with the sensation of stage fright, but this humanoid robot from Russia tech firm AIDOL manifested some of those worst fears into reality. In November, the robot (also called AIDOL) walked, well really staggered, its way across a runway stage in Moscow. Almost immediately, its face clenched and it was clear something was wrong. AIDOL managed to get out a brief wave to the crowd of around 50 reporters before its knees buckled and it crumbled to the floor. A pair of human minders that were standing behind AIDOL quickly leapt onstage and dragged the disgraced machine out.

              +

              Even in cultures where cremation is a central religious rite, such as in Hindu practice, researchers have identified a need for more eco-friendly options. According to a study conducted at Nirma University in Ahmedabad, India, traditional Hindu cremation practices, which occur on open-air funeral pyres, consume roughly 880 to 1100 pounds (400 to 500 kilograms) of wood per body, causing deforestation and releasing 500 to 600 kilograms of carbon dioxide into the air.

              -

              In a statement following, an AIDOL spokesperson told The New York Times the company was, “puzzled by the surprise around this situation in the media.” Organizers claimed the tingle was due to problems with the robot’s calibrations and unexpected “lighting issues.” 

              +

              “Traditional rituals need not be abandoned or ignored, but they can be thoughtfully adapted with innovations of green burials,” the researchers note. “These alternatives are not only technologically convenient, but also, they are cultural responses to the urgent ethical call of our time.”

              -

              “Despite our size, we believe our work is currently among the most advanced in Russia in this area and is quite comparable to leading international efforts,” the company said in a statement sent to The New York Times. 

              +

              3. Aquamation

              -

              Tesla’s Optimus takes a shady tumble

              +
                +

                Aquamation, or alkaline hydrolysis (AH), is legally defined as a type of cremation because it breaks down the body’s soft tissue, leaving bones behind. It is currently legal in 30 states and available in 19. 

                -
                -

                This is suspicious as hell. It was reportedly recorded at Tesla's 'Autonomy Visualized' in Miami this weekend and posted to Reddit.

                Optimus is seen falling backward after smacking some bottles to the ground. But the weird part is that just before falling backward, both of its… https://t.co/Xw7njSopsn pic.twitter.com/7tsHpenUQk

                — Fred Lambert (@FredLambert) December 8, 2025
                -
                +

                Unlike flame cremation, AH uses heated water and alkali to break down soft tissue over the course of 12 hours. 

                -

                Tesla has had its fair share of failed or questionable public demos (we’re looking at you, busted Cybertruck window), but this one might take the cake. Earlier this month, the company showed off its Optimus bipedal robots at a pop-up event tied to Art Basel Miami in Florida. Just four years ago, Optimus was literally a man in a suit.It has since been upgraded to fondle eggs, but has a clumsy moment at the December pop-up. Optimus was caught on video knocking over several plastic water bottles before raising its arms above its head and falling backward. People near the person recording can be heard letting out a somber “oooh” before Optimus’s back slapped against the ground.

                +

                “Alkaline hydrolysis components are either potassium or sodium hydroxide, essentially lye,” Webster says. “It’s mined as potash [a key component of fertilizer], then heavily processed chemically.”

                -

                But there may be more to the story than an unfortunate misstep. Journalists and commenters analyzing the video noted that the movement, aside from being hilarious, also seemed to match that of a person removing a VR headset. That’s notable, because some humanoid robot makers use humans wearing VR headsets to remotely control robots, making them appear capable of feats they cannot yet perform autonomously. Tesla has admitted to teleoperating Optimus during past events.

                +
                Three alkaline hydrolysis machines for pet remains at the Bio-Response manufacturing facility.
                Based in Danville, Indiana, Bio-Response Solutions builds alkaline hydrolysis (AH) machines that fit small pets (seen here) to adult humans. Image: Bio-Response Solutions
                -

                Tesla did not respond to Popular Science’s request for comment. 

                +

                The carbon emissions appear to be about 20 percent lower than those resulting from flame cremation, but the environmental story doesn’t end there.

                +

                The process produces 100 to 300 gallons of liquid waste that’s routed into municipal wastewater systems or septic tanks, raising infrastructure concerns. And because AH relies on an industrial chemical process rather than soil-based decomposition, it may be less appealing to those seeking an ���earthy” or nature-focused approach.

                -
                -

                If there was any question that Optimus uses teleop for their robots. Here one clearly has a guy take the headset off and it falls over.

                Absolutely hilarious though. pic.twitter.com/4gYVohjY00

                — CIX 🦾 (@cixliv) December 8, 2025
                -
                +

                “AH is lukewarm for many,” Webster says. “People are looking for authentic, organic solutions that further environmental goals like land conservation, not industrial and chemical processes that contribute to climate issues,” like aquamation.

                -

                China’s Humanoid Robotic Games was a shaky mess 

                +

                4. Human composting

                +

                Human composting, or natural organic reduction (NOR), has generated quite a bit of recent buzz as it has become legal in more states. Webster says NOR is often mistaken for green burial, but it doesn’t involve burial at all. It’s an above-ground process that relies on natural decomposition inside a controlled environment. Webster considers NOR “industrial reduction technology,” closer to cremation than direct-to-earth burial. (State statutes do not define NOR as cremation.)

                -

                Chinese government officials have not been shy about their desire to boost the country’s robotics program. As part of that initiative, the nation’s top companies and universities organized a number of high-profile public events this year intended to showcase their humanoid capabilities. None generated more hype than the so-called Humanoid Robotic Games, in August. In this Olympics-style competition in which 500 robots competed in events ranging from kickboxing and soccer to racing.

                +

                During the NOR process, a body is placed in a vessel with a mixture of organic materials such as straw, wood chips and alfalfa, and microbial activity breaks down soft tissue over approximately 60 days. Because the biological processes do not fully reduce skeletal remains during that time, the NOR process involves briefly removing and refining bone fragments before adding them back to the mix to ensure a uniform consistency.

                -

                What actually happened was a whole lot of stumbling, falling, and failing to even get moving . One of the racing robots reportedly had to retire after his head flopped off. Not long after, another robot walking across a runway-style stage in a fashionable hat waved to a crowd then immediately face planted into a glowing orb. During the competition, human children also danced alongside the robots showing far superior balance and tact. 

                +
                An overhead shot of a human composting vessel, which resembles a long, rectangular planter box with a light wooden frame. The interior contains a layer of straw, wood chips, and organic material, with colorful pink and purple flowers scattered throughout. A white cloth-wrapped form rests in the center.
                During human composting, the body is placed in a specialized polycarbonate vessel that’s eight feet long, three and a half feet wide, and three and a half feet tall. Image: Return Home
                -

                Boastful robot face plants during first humanoid boxing match

                +

                “What this method has in common with cremation and AH,” she says, “is that there is a secondary disposal process that is necessary.”

                -
                +

                The NOR process produces roughly a cubic yard to a yard and a half of material per person. Webster notes that the material that results from the NOR process more closely resembles wood chips than soil, and must be managed after the process is complete. 

                -

                Soccer is so yesterday. Robot MMA it is. pic.twitter.com/BKr3TXHh49

                — Chubby♨ (@kimmonismus) May 25, 2025
                -
                +

                “Specifically, there is a cubic yard to cubic yard and a half of leftover unfinished wood chips that get trucked over an hour out of the city and spread over the ground,” she says. “That’s about three quarters of a ton per person.”

                -

                The Humanoid Games were, for all intents and purposes, a failure. But they were not even the first high-profile case of Chinese-made humanoid robots flopping in public. Months earlier in May, robot maker Unitree streamed what it dubbed the world’s first boxing match between humanoid robots. The event pitted four 4.3-foot-tall Unitree humanoids, outfitted with boxing gloves, against one another in tournament-style fights. Unlike some of the robots featured in the Humanoid Games, these bots were all remotely controlled by engineers.

                +

                Webster adds that the materials used in NOR have their own environmental costs: much of the alfalfa used for NOR is grown in the water-stressed Four Corners region—where the borders of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet—and is often transported over long distances.

                -

                One thing engineers couldn’t control, however, was the robots’ unsteady footing. In one of the event’s more memorable moments, a pink-helmeted robot known as Silk Artisan fell to the floor, splits-style, after failing to land a side kick against its opponent, AI Strategist. As the cameras rolled, AI Strategist shuffled forward, stepped over Silk Artisan’s collapsed body, and tauntingly waved its arms—only to suddenly trip over its fallen opponent.

                +

                Webster encourages eco-friendly consumers to do their homework when searching for the greenest final resting place.

                -
                +

                “When making an environmentally conscious decision about body disposition, people need to know the details around these options,” she says. “It’s like the food at your grocery store. It’s not enough to just say, ‘Oh, it says organic on the package.’”

                -

                Soccer is so yesterday. Robot MMA it is. pic.twitter.com/BKr3TXHh49

                — Chubby♨ (@kimmonismus) May 25, 2025
                -
                -

                ‘WTF was that?’

                +

                5. Green burial

                -
                - +

                Green burial is an eco-friendly method where the body is placed directly into the earth, allowing it to naturally decompose. Unlike traditional burial, green burial avoids embalming and non-biodegradable materials, such as metal caskets and concrete vaults. Instead, biodegradable materials like plain wooden boxes or shrouds are used. The body is allowed to decompose naturally, enriching the soil and providing nutrients back into the ecosystem.

                -
                +

                Webster says this approach is aligned with Jewish, Muslim, and Quaker burial practices, adding that before the advent of embalming, this was the method used by “everyone in the entire world since we began burying in caves.”

                -

                The next example doesn’t quite meet the definition of falling down, but it certainly shows a humanoid not performing as intended. Unless that is if the intended action was to recreate something out of The Exorcist. 

                +

                “The simplest description of it is body-to-earth burial, with no impediments to decomposition,” she says.

                -

                A robot  made by US-based humanoid robot boxing company REK can be seen violently flailing around. Observers on social media interpreted these movements as  a fervid effort to break free of its harness. The video immediately got picked up by wider media, including Real Time With Bill Maher, as an example of some of the sci-fi’s worst warning coming true. It seemed that the  robot was trying to break free. But was it? Probably not.

                +

                In natural burial, “there are no vaults, no chemicals,” and the body goes directly into the soil at about 3.5 to 4 feet, where microbial communities and “little coffin beetles” do their work, Webster says. Natural burial also leaves no leftover materials, no chemical effluent, and no machinery-driven emissions.

                -

                In a follow up post Cix Liv, a VR developer and member of REK’s team blamed the incident on “human error” caused by some

                +

                This high level of ecological efficiency is corroborated by a 2017 life cycle assessment (LCA), which is a study that calculates the total “environmental price tag” of a process. It found that natural burial consistently has the lowest “environmental shadow price” because it avoids the high energy demands of cremation and the manufacturing of industrial funeral materials.

                -

                Agro robot lunges towards old lady at a lantern festival

                +

                The cautionary tale of mushroom burial suits

                -
                -
                +

                As the green funeral industry continues to grow, the challenge will lie in separating true ecological innovation from viral trends. The rise and fall of “mushroom burial suits,” which captured social media attention but, according to Webster, lacked “scientific legs,” serves as a cautionary tale.

                -

                In  February, Chinese company Unitree was showcasing its H1 robot during a lantern festival in Taishan, Guangdong Province. The robot approached a large outdoor crowd and then appeared to aggressively lunge toward an older person standing directly behind a barricade. The abrupt movement almost resembled an angry man puffing out his chest at someone in a bar, if that same aggressive guy then clumsily tripped over their own feet.

                +

                “The company is now defunct, and the only academic study was abandoned halfway through,” she says.

                -

                Security guards quickly restrained the robot, seemingly before it could cause any physical damage. Clips of the incident went viral and immediately sparked speculation online, with some insinuating that the robot had intentionally singled out a person in the crowd as a threat. However, a far more likely explanation is that the robot  failed to recognize part of the barrier, tripped over it, and then flailed forward while trying to regain its balance.

                +

                While Webster views the mushroom “suit” as a failed experiment, she notes that mushroom coffins are a “different animal,” functioning more as a simple, carbon-neutral alternative to traditional wood or metal coffins. 

                -

                Butterfingers: Flashy robot heading for car factories struggles to pick up dropped laundry

                +

                “The purpose with those is to use organic material to make the container,” she says. “There is no expectation that any fungal growth will occur.”

                +

                The transition to a greener afterlife doesn’t necessarily require a brand-new, dedicated facility. Instead, the funeral industry has adapted to provide “hybrid” cemetery models. The Green Burial Council now certifies these hybrid facilities, which are essentially conventional cemeteries with a designated area for eco-friendly funerals.

                -
                -

                Here's a F.02 in my home, using Helix to do my laundry pic.twitter.com/MXFf1o81EG

                — Brett Adcock (@adcock_brett) July 30, 2025
                -
                +

                Looking ahead at how we handle human remains

                -

                Maybe the most hyped of all the humanoid robots making headlines is the one being designed by Figure AI, a startup backed by tech heavyweights like Jeff Bezos, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Intel. The company claims its machines will eventually perform home and industrial tasks with human-level precision. Unlike other humanoids, its robot doesn’t quite look like it’s rushing to find a toilet when it walks. One thing it still really seems to struggle with: basic laundry.

                +

                So, will future generations face even more choices on how to make an eco-friendly exit? It seems likely, guesses Webster. 

                -

                As Time reported in a recent profile, a Figure robot ( performing in a highly controlled demo) twice dropped a piece of clothing and failed to pick it back up. Less than a month after that report, a whistleblower sued Figure, alleging he was terminated after warning that these same robots were, “powerful enough to fracture a human skull: It is worth noting that Figure denies these claims, telling CNBC the worker was fired for “poor performance.”

                +

                She cites one promising new approach, which is designed to break down both soft tissue and bone into nutrient-rich material. Developed by innovator Bob Jenkins, the method uses a proprietary mixture to transform remains to nutrient-rich material in an “accelerated” manner. 

                -

                But don’t count the robots out just yet 

                +

                “This isn’t out there yet, but it could be a game-changer,” she says.

                -

                Often, a simple push or one miscalculated response to an obstacle is enough to send a bipedal robot crashing down. Such a fall can result in costly damage to sensitive components like LIDAR sensors or high-resolution cameras. Worse still, it could potentially endanger any humans or animals that happen to be in its path. 

                +

                In the meantime, Webster says natural burial is legal in all states, relatively inexpensive, and, in her opinion, the most straightforward path for those looking to minimize their final footprint. 

                -

                Part of the problem lies in the fact that robots are primarily trained in labs and virtual simulation, and simply lack the real-world data needed to adjust for unpredictable environments. In this respect, boring old meat-based humans still have a leg-up. Meta chief AI scientist Yann LeCun estimates that a four-year-old child stumbling around today has likely seen “50 times more data than the biggest LLMs.”

                +

                Additionally, many natural burial grounds operate on conserved land, Webster says, making this method a potential means of long-term preservation rather than resource depletion.

                +

                “What that means in the long term is that grave space, in deep time, could be reused,” she says. “This has been done for centuries and centuries, all over the world. This is true sustainability.”

                -
                -

                "A 4-year-old child has seen 50x more information than the biggest LLMs that we have." – @ylecun

                20mb per second through the optical nerve for 16k wake hours 🤯

                LLMs may have consumed all available text, but when it comes to other sensory inputs…they haven't even started. pic.twitter.com/BHlav3nWeT

                — Tom Osman 🐦‍⬛ (@tomosman) January 25, 2024
                -
                +

                In Ask Us Anything, Popular Science answers your most outlandish, mind-burning questions, from the everyday things you’ve always wondered to the bizarre things you never thought to ask. Have something you’ve always wanted to know? Ask us.

                +

                The post Cremation or casket? Here’s the most eco-friendly burial option. appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                en-US                <![CDATA[26 Popular Science stories you loved in 2025]]>From radioactive water to $25 vintage airplanes to a WWII shipwreck mystery.

                +

                The post 26 Popular Science stories you loved in 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                https://www.popsci.com/environment/best-popular-science-stories-2025/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729100Wed, 31 Dec 2025 10:15:00 -0500EnvironmentHealthScienceTechnologyIn 2025, Popular Science continued our mission to demystify our weird world for millions of readers. We debunked myths about baby birds and garbage patches. We answered your wildest questions—from how airplane toilets work to why you don’t remember all your dreams. And hopefully, we delivered stories that informed and entertained. Using a secret formula of traffic data, social activity, and curatorial instinct, we selected 26 stories that delighted you, dear reader, this year.

                -

                Despite these mishaps, roboticists are already working on solutionsUsing a reinforcement learning model, researchers at Disney Research in Zurich developed a new system that trained a test robot to fall in ways that minimize damage. This involved placing the robot in a virtual simulation where it fell thousands of times in every conceivable position. The AI was rewarded every time it landed in a way that minimized the resulting crash impact. Eventually, the robot internalized a new, safer protocol for hitting the ground. They put that to the test in the real world by intentionally tripping the robot with a stick to force falls from multiple angles. After a long day of tumbles, the robot showed no signs of noticeable damage and kept functioning as intended. The study’s results were published in an arXiv preprint server. 

                +

                The radioactive ‘miracle water’ that killed its believers

                +

                In the 1920s, Radithor promised to cure everything from wrinkles to leukemia, but its unintended results were deadly.

                -
                -
                +

                Runes found in Canadian wilderness baffle archaeologists

                -

                Solutions like these will almost certainly become more common in the coming years. If humanoid robots are ever to succeed in the physical world, they must know not only how to avoid falling, but also how to do so safely when a face-plant becomes inevitable. For that to happen, these machines, much like human toddlers learning to walk, will need ample space to fail, fall, and collect essential real-world data.

                +

                Archaeologists remain baffled by a surprising, seemingly ahistorical find located deep in the Canadian wilderness. But after years of research, analysis, and historical corroboration, an interdisciplinary team has finally made their findings available to the public. Tucked away in a forest approximately 465 miles northwest of Ottawa, a massive slab of bedrock features a hand-etched rendition of the full Lord’s Prayer. But the religious text isn’t inscribed in French or English—it’s composed of over 250 symbols from the oldest known runic alphabet.

                -

                To put it another way: expect to see many more instances of robots falling down in public in the near future. Whether this clumsiness will ultimately lead to more capable machines remains to be seen. One thing is certain: it will almost certainly provide plenty of viral clips for the rest of us to chuckle at.

                -

                The post 2025 proved humanoid robots are here to stay. And fall down. appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>                en-US                <![CDATA[Start your 2026 Resolutions with a lifetime membership to Rosetta Stone’s language learning program for just $149]]>Grab a lifetime membership and learn up to 25 languages instead of scrolling your life away in 2026.

                -

                The post Start your 2026 Resolutions with a lifetime membership to Rosetta Stone’s language learning program for just $149 appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>                https://www.popsci.com/gear/rosetta-stone-new-years-deal-2026/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730060Mon, 29 Dec 2025 22:52:31 -0500GearLearning a new language is a very common resolution. It’s useful, stimulating, and can even be fun if you choose the right method. Right now, Rosetta Stone has discounted its lifetime memberships, which means you can pay once and learn forever. You don’t have to wait for the ball to drop to get started, either. These deals are live right now.

                +

                Prepping isn’t just for preppers anymore—it’s time to get a go-bag

                -
                - - - - - -
                - -
                - Rosetta Stone App on a phone +
                go-bag supplies
                Everything you need for a go-bag. Image: Used with permission
                -
                - - Stop scrolling and learn something. - -

                Rosetta Stone

                 -
                - - -
                -                 -
                - - - - See It - -
                +

                For most folks, the word “prepper” evokes an image of someone who’s got way too much time on their hands at best, and who spends way too much time following conspiracies on the Internet at worst. But while you might not want to fill a backyard bunker with canned food (or, frankly, need to), the truth is that you’re almost certainly overdue for a little prepping.

                -

                What is on sale and how the plans differ

                +

                Man from uncontacted tribe emerges from rainforest, signals to villagers

                -

                On the deal page, Rosetta Stone is highlighting three main options for individual learners. Here is the plain-English breakdown.

                +

                Brazil’s Fundação Nacional dos Povos Indígenas (National Foundation of Indigenous Peoples, or Funai) estimates around 100 uncontacted Indigenous groups still live deep in the Amazon rainforest. But on February 12, a man from one of those communities decided to meet his neighbors.

                -
                -
                PlanBest forWhat you get
                12-month subscription (single language)Learning for an upcoming trip, a school requirement, or a realistic year-long goalFull access for one language for 12 months, across web and mobile
                Lifetime access (single language)You know your target language and want to go at your own pace without renewal remindersOne-time purchase for lifetime access to one language
                Lifetime Unlimited Languages (all 25 languages)Households, language dabblers, frequent travelers, and anyone who cannot pick just oneOne-time purchase for lifetime access to all 25 languages on one account
                -
                +

                14 outstanding images from the 2025 World Nature Photographer Awards

                -

                How Rosetta Stone actually teaches

                +

                A playful polar bear. A helpless robber fly. And two hippos battling in golden light.

                -

                Rosetta Stone is at its best when you want strong fundamentals: recognizing what you are hearing, building vocabulary that sticks, and getting your mouth used to producing unfamiliar sounds. The platform’s Dynamic Immersion lessons are designed to keep you thinking in the language instead of constantly translating back to English.

                +

                Robot bunnies deployed in Florida to fight invasive pythons

                -

                It also leans hard into pronunciation. TruAccent, Rosetta Stone’s speech-recognition tool, listens to how you say words and phrases and gives immediate feedback so you can correct your accent early—before you accidentally train yourself into saying everything wrong with confidence.

                +
                robot rabbits
                The robot bunnies hope to lure the Burmese pythons out of hiding. Image: sfwmd
                -

                What is included inside the app

                +

                Researchers found a creative new solution to track down the snakes.

                -
                  -
                • Dynamic Immersion lessons that build comprehension through context and repetition, not translation-first memorization.
                  • +

                  You’re actually not allowed to keep bird feathers you find on hikes—and it’s all thanks to two women who got really mad about hats

                  -
                • TruAccent pronunciation feedback that scores your speech and nudges you toward clearer, more native-sounding delivery.
                  • +

                  In 1886, ornithologist Frank Chapman went birdwatching in an uptown New York shopping district—but he wasn’t looking to spot living birds. He wanted to see how many different avians he could find on people’s hats. 

                  -
                • Stories read by native speakers, so you can practice listening comprehension in a more real-world format.
                  • +

                  He counted 542 hats adorned with parts from 174 different bird species. This wasn’t unusual: 19th-century women were obsessed with elaborate feathered hats featuring everything from woodpeckers and blue jays to egret plumes, vulture wings, and entire stuffed birds. Egret feathers were especially prized at $32 per ounce (twice the price of gold) because they only grow during nesting season. Hunters would massacre entire colonies during this vulnerable period, wiping out two generations at once.

                  -
                • Phrasebook for practical travel and everyday situations (ordering food, asking directions, basic small talk).
                  • +

                  Enter Harriet Hemenway and her cousin Minna Hall, two Boston socialites who read about the egret slaughter and decided enough was enough. 

                  -
                • Cross-device access on web and mobile so you can do a quick lesson on your phone and pick up later on a laptop.
                  • -
                +

                The Great Pacific Garbage Patch isn’t just a floating trash pile

                -

                If you want live instruction, Rosetta Stone also offers Live Lessons taught by native speakers, but availability varies by language and it is not the core of every plan—think of it as conversation practice you can add when you are ready to use what you have learned out loud.

                +

                Azure waves lapping against huge piles of built-up junk. Garbage mountains rising above the sea. A thick crust of filth coating the ocean’s surface. It’s easy to find striking images of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP). The problem is that these pictures of the GPGP are misleading and obscure the truth about the content of the GPGP, its origins, and the threat it poses to our ocean life.

                -

                All 25 languages included with Unlimited Languages

                +

                The U.S. tried permanent daylight saving time—and hated it

                -
                  -
                • Arabic
                  • +
                  A colorful vintage poster illustration featuring a large Uncle Sam figure in a stars and stripes outfit, leaning down to adjust the hands of a massive clock with Roman numerals, which has a red center. Below him, a smaller man is running frantically with a small clock showing the time is one hour earlier. The text at the top reads "VICTORY! CONGRESS PASSES DAYLIGHT SAVING BILL." The style is reminiscent of early 20th-century American political or war-time posters.
                  Between January and September in 1974, President Richard Nixon made daylight saving time permanent for a brief period. Image: Public Domain
                  -
                • Chinese (Mandarin)
                  • +

                  The consensus amongst sleep experts and researchers is that we’d be best served just dropping the whole idea of DST and returning to plain old standard time (“ST”) throughout the year. But there’s another possibility: What if it was daylight savings time all year round?

                  -
                • Dutch
                  • +

                  Well, that actually happened in the mid 1970s. 

                  -
                • English (American)
                  • +

                  How do airplane toilets work?

                  -
                • English (British)
                  • +

                  The engineering is surprisingly simple and remarkably clever.

                  -
                • Farsi (Persian)
                  • +

                  Know how to read cursive? The National Archives wants you.

                  -
                • French
                  • +

                  The National Archives needs help from people with a special set of skills–reading cursive. The archival bureau is seeking volunteer citizen archivists to help them classify and/or transcribe more than 200 years worth of hand-written historical documents. Most of these are from the Revolutionary War-era, known for looped and flowing penmanship.

                  -
                • German
                  • +

                  Fungus-infected zombie spiders discovered in Northern Ireland

                  -
                • Greek
                  • +
                  spider with fungus
                  The new fungus Gibellula attenboroughii on the orb-weaving cave spider. CABI/Evans et. al 2025
                  -
                • Hebrew
                  • +

                  While filming a documentary in Northern Ireland, a team of scientists discovered a new fungus that appears to manipulate spiders’ behavior–and turn them into “zombies.”

                  -
                • Hindi
                  • +

                  17 delightful Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards outtakes

                  -
                • Irish
                  • +

                  Nature is cruel, majestic, and fascinating. Sometimes, it’s also a bit silly.

                  -
                • Italian
                  • +

                  The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards has released 17 previously unseen submissions to its 2024 competition that celebrate the lighter side of the animal kingdom. From an orangutan mother unfazed by her child’s antics to a brown bear cub face palming, these photos will make you say “relatable.”

                  -
                • Japanese
                  • +

                  130-year-old butter bacteria discovered in Danish basement

                  -
                • Korean
                  • +

                  For over a century, simple lactic acid bacteria has been one of the most reliable additives to keep food and drinks safe. It goes in butter, cheese, and other dairy products to help extend their shelf life. Now, a team in Denmark has uncovered some of the preservation aid’s earliest examples. Their findings only come after a chance discovery hidden away in the bowels of a university basement.

                  -
                • Latin
                  • +

                  Yellowstone employees recover over 300 hats from hydrothermal areas

                  -
                • Polish
                  • +
                  hats in front of a truck
                  A small sample of the hats collected by the Yellowstone National Park Geology Program from sensitive thermal areas throughout the park in 2025. CREDIT: National Park Service photo by Margery Price, September 3, 2025.
                  -
                • Portuguese (Brazil)
                  • +

                  It’s a bird! No, it’s a plane! No, it’s your hat, ripped off your head by a gust of wind, spiraling off into the unknown. It’s happened to the best of us. The only thing left to do is purchase another one before your face gets sunburnt. Soon, the destiny of your former hat, along with everyone else’s, is far from mind—except for one special team at Yellowstone National Park. 

                  -
                • Russian
                  • +

                  So far this year, the National Park Service geologists at Yellowstone have recovered over 300 lost hats from hydrothermal areas. 

                  -
                • Spanish (Latin America)
                  • +

                  Could the Carrington Event happen again?

                  -
                • Spanish (Spain)
                  • +

                  It happened in 1859. Today, it would be catastrophic.

                  -
                • Swedish
                  • +

                  Why 60 degrees in fall feels different than in the spring

                  -
                • Tagalog (Filipino)
                  • +

                  Picking out what to wear during the fall or spring can be tough. It might be sweater weather in the morning, only to feel more like summer heat by lunchtime. Or temperatures may start out in winter’s biting chill and suddenly warm up. It can be difficult to see 60 or 65 degrees Fahrenheit during a morning forecast and accurately anticipate what that will even feel like. There is actually a meteorological and a biological reason why the same temperature can feel different depending on the season.

                  -
                • Turkish
                  • +

                  The 50 greatest innovations of 2025

                  -
                • Vietnamese
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                +

                At Popular Science, we’ve published our prestigious Best of What’s New list since 1988. Our enthusiasm for ground-breaking innovations dates back even further than that—all the way to May 1872. For 153 years, we’ve celebrated the science and technology that shapes our everyday lives and launches humanity forward.

                -

                Which plan should you choose

                +

                NOAA needs help identifying car found in WWII shipwreck

                -

                Pick 12 months if you are testing whether Rosetta Stone fits your routine, or you have a deadline (a trip, a relocation, an exam, a new set of in-laws). It is the lowest-commitment way to get full access and see if you will actually keep showing up.

                +
                car underwater
                There is no immediate explanation for the car’s inclusion aboard the aircraft carrier. Credit: NOAA
                -

                Pick lifetime for one language if you know exactly what you want to learn and you hate subscriptions. This is the set-it-and-forget-it option for Spanish, French, German, and the other big ones you will realistically practice for years.

                +

                A World War II aircraft carrier sunk by Japanese forces contains an unexpected piece of cargo at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean: a mystery car. Now, NOAA researchers want the public’s help to identify the vehicle inside the remains of the USS Yorktown. The discovery was made on April 19 during a remotely operated deep water survey at the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

                -

                Pick lifetime Unlimited Languages if you want maximum flexibility. It is the best fit for households (multiple people, multiple goals), travelers who bounce between destinations, or anyone who wants to stack skills over time—learn the basics of one language now, start another later, then circle back when you are ready to level up.

                +

                Do infrared saunas work? What the science says.

                -

                If you want the deal, you can find the discounted plans here: Rosetta Stone language learning deals.

                +

                If you wake up hungry and achy every morning, one man might have all the answers you need: Dr. John Harvey Kellogg. At the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, Kellogg, who is famous for creating Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, introduced the so-called Incandescent Electric-Light Bath. That innovation, which used electric bulbs as light therapy to apply heat to the body, laid the groundwork for the modern infrared sauna. The purported benefits of an infrared sauna offer plenty of promise—from limbering up our limbs to detoxifying our bodies—and the market is surging these days with expanding options inside wellness clinics and for the home. But can infrared saunas relax muscles, reduce stress, and detoxify?

                -

                -

                The post Start your 2026 Resolutions with a lifetime membership to Rosetta Stone’s language learning program for just $149 appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>                en-US                <![CDATA[Amazon is blowing out Greenworks battery-powered yard tools and snow blowers during its winter clearance sale]]>Greenworks makes a wide variety of powerful electric yard tools and they're just about all on sale during this limited event.

                -

                The post Amazon is blowing out Greenworks battery-powered yard tools and snow blowers during its winter clearance sale appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>                https://www.popsci.com/gear/greenworks-battery-powered-yard-tool-deals-amazon/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730051Mon, 29 Dec 2025 22:18:26 -0500GearHomeI recently replaced my old gas-powered snow blower with an electric model. I kept the combustion engine running as long as I could, but it finally gave up the ghost. it’s a huge upgrade. Battery-powered yard tools can be as powerful or even more powerful than some gas-powered models. And if Greenworks makes it, Amazon probably has it on sale right now. These are some of the lowest prices we have seen this year, so even if your grass is covered with snow and ice at the moment, grab a new mower for the spring.

                +

                Why does Air Force One take so long to replace? It’s not just bureaucracy.

                -

                Editor’s picks

                +
                air force one flying in the sky
                Illustration of the VC-25B color scheme announced March 2023. Image: U.S. Air Force
                -
                - -

                Greenworks 80V 20-inch cordless snow blower $402 (was $499)

                - - - - -
                - -
                - Greenworks 80v cordless snowblower -
                - - Ditch shoveling forever. - -

                Greenworks

                 -
                - - -
                -                 -
                +

                From the outside, the president’s plane doesn’t look all that different from a commercial 747 jet, save the large “United States of America” text stretching along its side. The real differences are under the hood.

                - - - - See It - -
                +

                What to do if you find a baby bird out of its nest

                -

                If you want to clear a driveway without yanking a starter cord and smelling like gas for the rest of the day, an 80V battery snow blower is the move. A 20-inch clearing width is plenty for most sidewalks and single-car driveways, and sticking with the 80V ecosystem means you can reuse batteries across other big-yard tools later.

                +

                It’s a myth that parents will reject a lost chick because of a human scent.

                -
                - -

                Greenworks 60V 25-inch self-propelled lawn mower $599 (was $749)

                - - - - -
                - -
                - Greenworks 60v selt proptelled lawn mower +

                Why are airline seats so small? It all started in 1978.

                -
                - - The self-propelled feature makes quick work of the lawn. - -

                Greenworks

                 -
                - - -
                - -
                - - - - See It - -
                +

                Earlier this year, while boarding a flight out of Houston, Texas, I noticed my slightly overfilled, bulging backpack wouldn’t quite fit in the space between my feet. I bent down, trying to smoosh it into place—only to realize I couldn’t actually reach the cabin floor without my face slamming into the seat in front of me. For a brief, heart-racing moment, I was stuck, looking like a MythBusters crash dummy bracing for impact. Were airline seats always this cramped? Or had I just gotten that much bigger?

                -

                Self-propelled is the difference between finishing the lawn and feeling like you just did leg day. The wide 25-inch deck helps you knock out big yards faster, and the 60V system sits in the sweet spot for people who want real cutting power without stepping up to the heavier, pricier 80V lineup.

                +

                It turns out, I wasn’t alone. Nearly everyone I’ve spoken to since has had a similar thought. Plane seats, they argue, have definitely gotten smaller. Experts interviewed by Popular Science confirm that hunch: some seats are indeed shrinking, even as passengers are, on average, getting larger. Meanwhile, airlines are capitalizing on minimal seat-size regulations to pack more people into each flight. The result? Higher revenues for top carriers and supposedly cheaper tickets.

                +

                Is microwave cooking nuking all the nutrients?

                -
                - -

                Greenworks 3000 PSI electric pressure washer $399 (was $499)

                - - - - -
                - -
                - Greenworks 3000 psi pressure washer -
                - - Play pressure washer simulator in real life. - -

                Greenworks

                 -
                - - -
                -                 -
                - - - - See It +

                Originally used for radar and other technologies, the power of microwaves was first harnessed specifically for heating food in 1947. By the late 1960s, commercial microwave ovens were small and inexpensive enough to become fixtures of the modern kitchen. And by the 1970s, scientists were starting to wonder just how this form of electromagnetic radiation might be affecting the food that it heated. Microwaving food produces different textures and flavors than other cooking methods. So what, if anything, happens to the nutrition in food when it gets nuked in your microwave oven?

                - -
                +

                Why don’t you remember all your dreams?

                -

                This is the comment-section-friendly way to make a patio, driveway, or grimy siding look like you actually maintain your home. A high-PSI electric washer gives you a lot of cleaning force without the noise and tune-ups of gas models, and the included foam cannon setup is great for cars, outdoor furniture, and anything else that’s better with suds first.

                +

                Whether you recall them or not, you likely dream nightly.

                -

                Snow removal

                +

                Buy a vintage military airplane for $25

                -

                Battery-powered snow tools that skip the fumes and the cold-start drama.

                +

                Over a dozen vintage planes are currently scattered across an aircraft boneyard in northern Wyoming. If you can travel about 85 miles east of Yellowstone National Park to Big Horn County, relics such as a Lockheed P-2 Neptune could be yours for as low as $25—just don’t expect to fly away in any of your new purchases.

                +

                The post 26 Popular Science stories you loved in 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                en-US                <![CDATA[January stargazing: A supermoon, asteroid, and one very large planet]]>The Wolf Moon rises on January 3.

                +

                The post January stargazing: A supermoon, asteroid, and one very large planet appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                https://www.popsci.com/science/stargazing-guide-january-2026/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729041Wed, 31 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500ScienceMoonsSolar SystemSpace +
                January 2Asteroid 40 Harmonia in Full Opposition
                January 3Full Wolf Supermoon
                January 3–4Quadrantids Meteor Shower Predicted peak
                January 10Jupiter in Full Opposition
                +
                + - +

                Even so, you’ll need a decent telescope to get a look at it when it reaches full opposition to the sun on the evening of January 2. If you’re possessed of such a telescope, In the Sky recommends looking for the asteroid at its peak elevation above the southern horizon, just before midnight on January 2.

                -

                Lawn mowers

                +

                January 3: Full Wolf Supermoon

                -

                From compact push mowers to wide, self-propelled machines for big yards.

                +

                The first full moon of 2026 is the Wolf Moon. And it’s a supermoon—the fourth in a row! As per the Farmer’s Almanac, it will reach full illumination at 5:03 a.m. EST on January 3, so set your alarm and get howling.

                - +

                The challenge of wine storage

                -

                Leaf blowers and yard cleanup

                +

                To understand how the corkscrew became an essential tool, we have to start with understanding why we seal our wine with corks in the first place. Wine quickly oxidizes and spoils when exposed to too much air, but a small amount of air transfer causes chemical reactions that develop its flavors to the fullest. The use of a cork seal greatly increases wine’s lifespan as well as the complexity of its flavor. 

                -

                Quick cleanups, heavy leaf season, and a couple of hybrid tools for dust and debris.

                +

                Before the cork came into common use in the 17th century, winemakers had struggled for centuries with how to get their wine to “breathe” just the right amount. Ancient vintners reinforced pottery wine containers with waterproof substances like beeswax, pitch, and pine resin, and stoppered them with rags. Sometimes olive oil was poured inside containers to float atop the wine and form a barrier from the air. However, these sealants and additives changed the wine’s flavor, and could only extend its shelf-life so far.

                -
                  -
                • Greenworks 24V leaf blower (90 MPH / 320 CFM) — 2.0Ah battery + charger $71 (was $99)
                  • +

                  Porous cork wood, native to the western Mediterranean, works well as a stopper for wine because it is naturally elastic and permeable. It conforms tightly to the shape of the vessel and allows only a minuscule amount of air in (in a standard modern wine bottle, about one milligram per year). The ancient Romans recognized the potential of cork for sealing their clay wine vessels. But it wasn’t until the early modern era that glassblowing became advanced enough for wine to be corked in glass.

                  -
                • Greenworks 24V leaf blower (110 MPH / 450 CFM) — 4.0Ah battery + charger $104 (was $130)
                  • +
                  Four large, ancient ceramic amphorae with tapered bases and dual handles are displayed against a rugged, dimly lit stone wall. The terracotta jugs vary in texture and weathering, with some showing calcified buildup and others appearing smoother. Metal brackets secure them to the uneven rock face, highlighting their rounded bodies and narrow necks in a museum-style exhibit.
                  Ancient Romans used two-handled jugs known as amphorae to store wine and olive oil. Image: DepositPhotos
                  -
                • Greenworks 24V sweeper — 2.0Ah battery + charger $70 (was $85)
                  • +

                  The origins of the wine bottle

                  -
                • Greenworks 40V axial leaf blower (110 MPH / 390 CFM) — 2.5Ah battery + charger $112 (was $149)
                  • +

                  Before the modern practice of tightly corking wine bottles, the first corkscrews were likely used only in emergencies. By the 1600s, wooden barrels, borrowed from the cider and beer brewing traditions of northern Europe, had replaced ancient clay amphorae for aging and selling wine. Also borrowed from cider making was the use of glass bottles to bring wine conveniently from barrel to table, stoppered with a chunk of cork. But “since these bottles were employed just for service, the stoppers never needed to be all that secure,” wine writer Paul Lukacs explained in his book, Inventing Wine. “They did, however, sometimes get stuck.”

                  -
                • Greenworks 40V leaf blower (120 MPH / 450 CFM) — 4.0Ah battery + charger $143 (was $159)
                  • +

                  According to journalist George M. Taber, “for many decades, there were only two ways to remove the cork [from a bottle], and both of them were bad.” One was to leave the cork sticking out, which made the bottle more difficult to store and the seal less effective. Pushing the cork all the way in made for a better seal, but the only way to get it out was to cut the glass neck of the bottle. This required special heated metal pincers and rendered the bottle unusable. The solution to this design flaw would arrive from an unlikely place.

                  -
                • Greenworks 40V leaf blower (120 MPH / 450 CFM) — Tool only $68 (was $90)
                  • +

                  Enter the corkscrew

                  -
                • Greenworks 40V leaf blower/sweeper (150 MPH / 135 CFM) — 2.0Ah battery + charger $109 (was $129)
                  • +

                  Since the 1630s, European soldiers and hunters had employed a small metal spiral for twisting unspent charges out of the barrels of their muskets. This tool was known by various names, including “wad hook,” “steel worm,” and “gun worm.” It turned out that the gun worm was also ideal for removing stuck corks from bottles. Even today, the spiral part of a corkscrew is called its “worm.” 

                  -
                • Greenworks 40V string trimmer + leaf blower combo kit (390 CFM) — 2.0Ah battery + charger $125 (was $189)
                  • +

                  We don’t know exactly who first applied the gun worm to corked bottles or when, causing Johnson to label the origins of the corkscrew “a teasing mystery.” An English source from 1681 features the first-known written reference to a “bottlescrew” being used on corks. Just like the glass bottle, the corkscrew or bottlescrew spread from English cidermaking into winemaking. By the mid-1700s, the corkscrew had become commonplace throughout Europe, helping to usher in a new chapter in the history of wine. Wine could now be aged and stored for much longer than before, and sold in glass bottles with an easy means of opening.

                  -
                • Greenworks 40V backpack leaf blower (165 MPH / 660 CFM) — 8.0Ah battery + charger $267 (was $349)
                  • +
                  A row of five ornate vintage corkscrews displayed on clear acrylic stands against a plain white background. The handles are crafted from brass and silver metal into various figures, including: +A golfer mid-swing. -<li><a href=Greenworks 40V backpack leaf blower (175 MPH / 710 CFM) — 2x 8.0Ah batteries + charger $399 (was $499) +A stylized cat or gargoyle head. +A galleon ship labeled "A. Galleon 1588." +A mermaid labeled "Torquay Mermaid." -
                • Greenworks 40V leaf blower/vac (230 MPH / 505 CFM) — 5.0Ah battery + charger $215 (was $249)
                  • +A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-729189" />
                  Various early corkscrews housed at the Corkscrew Museum in southern France. Image: Getty Images / Contributor / DEA / ALBERT CEOLAN
                  -
                • Greenworks 60V leaf blower (450 CFM) — 2.0Ah battery + charger $106 (was $135)
                  • +

                  Technological advances

                  -
                • Greenworks 80V leaf blower (145 MPH / 580 CFM) — Tool only $129 (was $169)
                  • +

                  As the glass bottle became integral to the production of wine, inventors continued tinkering to improve its complement, the corkscrew. In 1795, English Reverend Samuel Henshall received the first patent for a corkscrew design. Like some modern models, Henshall’s corkscrew featured a horizontal disk (today known as the “Henshall button”), to prevent the worm from going too deep into the cork. 

                  -
                • Greenworks 80V leaf blower (170 MPH / 730 CFM) — Tool only $119 (was $169)
                  • +

                  In 1882, German inventor Carl Wienke made another major breakthrough in corkscrew design. Wienke patented the first folding corkscrew, which used a fulcrum to provide leverage for pulling the cork out of the bottle with less force. The descendant of this device remains in today’s bars and restaurants, often with the addition of a blade for cutting the foil off the tops of bottles. Today, it’s known as the “waiter’s friend,” but another popular name for it is the “wine key.” This is not just because it’s the “key” that unlocks the bottle, but from a mispronunciation of “Wienke.”

                  -
                • Greenworks 80V backpack leaf blower (180 MPH / 610 CFM) — Tool only $175 (was $199)
                  • +

                  In recent years, product designers have adjusted the length of the worm and fulcrum to try and improve the classic waiter’s friend. Others have created entirely new designs, like electric versions that pull corks out with the press of a button. In 2025, food publication Serious Eats compared different wine opener models and found that each had its benefits and drawbacks. A two-pronged model called the “cork puller” was recommended for delicate vintage bottles, but required some finesse to operate. Electric models required little physical effort, but were more expensive. Serious Eats chose the tried-and-true waiter’s friend as its overall recommendation, as did Wirecutter in their own 2025 corkscrew comparison. 

                  -
                • Greenworks 80V backpack leaf blower (180 MPH / 750 CFM) — 4.0Ah battery + charger $349 (was $399)
                  • -
                +
                A vintage folding waiter's corkscrew (a Carl Wienke design) is shown against a neutral grey background. The handle is made of embossed gold-toned metal featuring the decorative text "Fassati Passito del Santo" and an illustration of a wine bottle. Folded out from the handle are a dark, metal spiral worm and a notched silver-toned lever arm, showing the early mechanical design of the portable wine opener.
                German inventor Carl Wienke patented the first folding corkscrew in 1882. Image: Getty Images / Contributor / DEA / A. DAGLI ORTI
                -

                Trimmers, edgers, and hedge trimmers

                +

                The corkscrew’s future

                -

                Tidy up borders, tame weeds, and keep hedges from going feral.

                +

                In 2022, a consumer report by UK household goods retailer Lakeland found a striking generational difference in corkscrew ownership. While 81 percent of people aged 65 or older reported that they owned a corkscrew, for 18- to 24-year olds, that figure was just 27 percent. Lakeland’s study identified a combination of reasons for this difference, including shifts in generational drinking habits. Another possible factor is the growing popularity, and convenience, of another innovation: the screw cap wine bottle. 

                -
                  -
                • Greenworks 40V 8-inch edger — 4.0Ah battery + charger $201 (was $279)
                  • +

                  A 2018 survey found that the global market share of screw cap wines had increased by over 13% since 2012. Besides ease of opening, winemakers cite quality control as a reason for using screw cap bottle closures. The natural wine cork is “well known in the wine industry to be a less than perfect product,” according to a 2002 paper on wine closure technology. Natural corks can crack, increasing oxidation, or introduce a mold known as TCA, further damaging the wine’s flavor. When sommeliers offer you a taste of the wine before they fill your glass, it’s to make sure the cork hasn’t spoiled the individual bottle. 

                  -
                • Greenworks 60V 16-inch string trimmer — 2.5Ah battery + charger $159 (was $199)
                  • +

                  The same paper noted that “consumers naturally blame the wine and not the cork” for off wine flavors because they can’t physically see the cause. This means that a few tainted bottles could lead to loss of business and a damaged reputation for the winemaker. Screwcap bottle closures make it easier to ensure that every bottle will taste the same. 

                  -
                • Greenworks 80V 16-inch string trimmer — Tool only $109 (was $149)
                  • +

                  However, there might be reasons not to discard the corkscrew just yet. A 2025 study found that corked wines were superior to screw cap wines in preventing the migration of microplastics. And the classic pairing of corkscrew and cork still has a powerful psychological impact on consumers. In a 2018 study published in the International Journal of Hospitality Management, researchers noted that “findings confirmed the positive halo effect of natural corks when compared with screw cap and synthetic cork closures.” The halo effect is a form of cognitive bias where observing one feature causes people to infer the presence of other, positive features. In the case of wine, drinkers tend to assume that a natural cork closure indicates better quality and flavor.

                  -
                • Greenworks 80V 16-inch string trimmer — 2.0Ah battery + charger $248 (was $299)
                  • +

                  As long as wine has been around, winemakers have attempted to improve how the beverage is stored, aged, and sold. But the corkscrew, once borrowed from rifleman’s equipment, has gone hand in hand with the cork for so long that it might be hard for wine drinkers to let go of it entirely. Only time will tell whether new technology will replace this centuries-old pairing.

                  -
                • Greenworks 80V 8-inch edger — Tool only $159 (was $199)
                  • -
                +

                In The History of Every Thing, Popular Science uncovers the hidden stories and surprising origins behind the things we use (or eat) every day.

                +
                +
                + +

                + Related Stories from 'The History of Every Thing'

                +
                + +
                +

                Ketchup was once a diarrhea cure

                +

                Pilates started in a WWI internment camp

                +

                How WWII made Hershey and Mars Halloween candy kings

                +

                Lip balm’s surprising history from earwax to Lip Smackers

                +

                How scarecrows went from ancient magic to fall horror fodder

                +
                +

                How WWI and WWII revolutionized period products

                +

                The spooky (and sweet) history of fake blood

                +
                +
                +
                +

                The post The corkscrew began as a tool for muskets, not merlot appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>en-US<![CDATA[The 5 coolest entertainment innovations of 2025]]>From a TV that creates color in a totally different way to room-aware surround sound.

                +

                The post The 5 coolest entertainment innovations of 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                https://www.popsci.com/technology/entertainment-innovations-2025/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729625Tue, 30 Dec 2025 14:00:00 -0500TechnologyAudioBest of What's NewGearHome TheaterTelevisionsThe smartphone era has brought about an era of convergence when it comes to consumer electronics. Tons of devices we used to rely on—small cameras, calculators, flashlights, music players, etc.—have rolled up into our phones. Entertainment has experienced a similar move toward a small-screen singularity. In 2025, users collectively watched more than 4 billion minutes of TikTok content on their phones every single day. Still, big screens persist. This year’s list includes a pair of new TV technologies built to be enjoyed from feet away, not inches from your face. A pair of clever earbuds use magnetic fluid to let you hear familiar music with a fresh sound. And, while it’s already perhaps too easy to start a podcast, the industry standard microphone has gotten a very useful upgrade that makes high-quality content creation even more accessible.

                -

                Chainsaws and saws

                +

                (Editor’s Note: This is a section from Popular Science’s 38th annual Best of What’s New awards. Be sure to read the full list of the 50 greatest innovations of 2025.)

                -

                For branches, storm cleanup, and general yard woodworking emergencies.

                +

                Grand Award Winner, Entertainment

                - +
                + + + + + +
                + +
                + sound system illustrated -

                Pressure washers

                + + +
                +                 +
                + + + + Learn More + +
                -

                When a hose isn’t even close to enough.

                +

                Even the fanciest home audio system won’t sound good if it’s not set up correctly. Dolby Atmos FlexConnect uses the TV as a hub that listens for wireless speakers, figures out where they are in the room, and then assigns channels and levels automatically instead of forcing you to figure out symmetrical layouts and manual calibration. The system identifies each speaker’s capabilities and position, then divides Atmos height, surround, and dialogue information between the TV’s own drivers and any paired satellites. TCL’s 2025 QD-Mini LED TV sets and matching Z100 speakers are the first to ship with it, which makes Atmos-style setups closer to “plug it in and listen” than “learn to be your own installer.” It’s still a closed ecosystem for now, but it points toward surround systems that adapt to cluttered apartments and real furniture instead of demanding a perfect demo room.

                - + +
                -

                Power tools and combo kits

                +

                If you watch podcast content, streamers, or pretty much any kind of interview content online, you’ve seen the Shure MV7 microphone. It’s the industry standard, and now it works as its own stand-alone podcast studio. Plug it into a computer via USB-C and you get the mic plus a combo XLR/ ¼-inch input on the back for a second microphone or instrument, with both channels appearing separately in Shure’s MOTIV Mix software or your digital audio workstation. That lets a solo creator record a host and guest, or voice and guitar, without hauling around an extra interface box, power supply, and cabling. Dual-channel recording directly from a single desktop mic lowers the barrier to making more polished shows and music from small spaces, and it shows how much traditional studio hardware can collapse into a single device.

                -

                24V shop tools and bundles for DIY projects and around-the-house fixes.

                +

                G5 Evo by LG: An OLED TV that belongs in bright rooms

                -
                  -
                • Greenworks drill/driver bit set $24 (was $30)
                  • +
                  + + + + + +
                  + +
                  + tv and chip + + +
                  +                   +
                  -
                • Greenworks 24V drill (800 in-lbs) — 4.0Ah battery + charger $99 (was $159)
                  • + + + + Learn More + +
                  -
                • Greenworks 24V drill (400 in-lbs) — 2x 2.0Ah batteries + charger $84 (was $139)
                  • +

                  LG’s G5 Evo OLED overcomes one of the biggest limitations of this particular type of digital display: overall brightness. A new tandem RGB OLED stack, revised light-emitting structure, and brightness booster drive peak HDR highlights above 2,000 nits while still keeping the near-perfect black levels that made OLED appealing in the first place. Paired with the α11 AI Gen2 processor and support for 4K at up to 165 Hz, the panel can handle both bright daytime viewing and high-frame-rate gaming without falling back to washed-out LCD tricks. It’s a reminder that OLED is still evolving as a technology—and that the next few years of

                  +

                  The post The 5 coolest entertainment innovations of 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

                  +]]>en-US<![CDATA[The best travel headphones for 2026, tested and reviewed]]>Turn on and take off with the best noise-cancelling headphones for airplanes, trains, and every terminal in between.

                  +

                  The post The best travel headphones for 2026, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

                  +]]>                  https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-noise-cancelling-headphones-for-airplane-travel/https://www.popsci.com/?p=704450Tue, 30 Dec 2025 13:35:29 -0500GearAudioHeadphonesGreenworks 24V impact driver (1950 in-lbs) — 2.0Ah battery + charger $84 (was $139) +

                  While many of us love to travel, the time in transit getting to our destination isn’t always pleasant. A great pair of headphones, however, can elevate that experience and transform it from grating to tolerable, maybe even tranquil. There are hundreds of pairs to choose from, though, and finding a pair that meets your needs and fits your budget can be difficult. We’re here to help. We’ve done the research and testing for you so you can focus on the important things, like enjoying the sights while getting around safely, all while enjoying some sweet solitude on demand from some premium travel partners—like our best overall pick, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3. Read on to find out about the best travel headphones to take on planes and trains throughout 2026.

                  -
                • Greenworks 24V MAX drill + impact driver combo kit — 2x 2.0Ah batteries + charger $139 (was $149)
                  • + +
                • Best value: Soundcore Space One
                  • -

                  Batteries and accessories

                  +
                • Best budget: JLab JBuds Lux ANC
                  • -

                  If you already own the tool, sometimes the best deal is more runtime.

                  +
                • Best true wireless earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen.)
                  • - -

                  Garage and auto

                  +

                  How we selected the best headphones for travel

                  -

                  One useful tool for road trips and driveway maintenance.

                  +

                  Finding the best headphones for travel involved a significant selection process. Thankfully, I’ve been an audio enthusiast for many years and have tested everything from budget cans to audiophile headphones costing multiple thousands of dollars. I’ve written a number of different audio guides for Popular Science, all based on testing and experience. So, when tasked with this challenge, I knew that, working together with our talented team of fellow audio enthusiasts, I could find the best picks for every kind of listener. 

                  - -

                  The post Amazon is blowing out Greenworks battery-powered yard tools and snow blowers during its winter clearance sale appeared first on Popular Science.

                  -]]>                  en-US                  <![CDATA[5 home innovations that improved our lives in 2025]]>From dishwashers to lawnmowers to roof tiles.

                  -

                  The post 5 home innovations that improved our lives in 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

                  -]]>                  https://www.popsci.com/technology/best-home-innovations-2025/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729617Mon, 29 Dec 2025 14:00:00 -0500TechnologyBest of What's NewGearHomeWhen you live with small annoyances, frustration can build over time. You can only catch your belt loop on a drawer handle so many times before you hit your limit. Several of this year’s home innovations address those seemingly small hurdles that can make a big difference in your home life. The monthly chore of replacing an air filter and the seemingly simple task of finding a place to store the lawn mower when not in use get clever solutions. Our grand award winner adds an unprecedented level of accessibility to dishwashers without requiring an entirely new appliance. Living life as usual in your home is a privilege and these innovations help ensure that’s possible.

                  +

                  To compose this list, I put my head(phones) together with our editor, Tony Ware, who spends time in the air multiple times a month. Together, we looked at the different pairs we’ve both tested in order to create our shortlist, taking into consideration active noise cancellation to audio signatures. Following that, I conducted in-depth research on pairs that are popular both critically and among users, and categorized them into different use cases and needs. Ultimately, I was left with a Top 10 list of the best headphones for travelers (and soundtracks) of all genres. 

                  -

                  (Editor’s Note: This is a section from Popular Science’s 38th annual Best of What’s New awards. Be sure to read the full list of the 50 greatest innovations of 2025.)

                  +

                  The best headphones for travel: Reviews & Recommendations

                  -

                  Grand Award Winner, Home

                  +

                  Now that you know how we selected the best travel headphones, let’s dive into our picks so you can find the ones that work best for you and your budget, whether you’re traveling for work, for family holidaze, or on a much-needed vacation. 

                  -

                  Spin&Load rack by Whirlpool: A dishwasher lower rack that actually comes to you

                  +

                  Best overall: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3

                  @@ -5639,10 +4449,16 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72
                  - +
                  - person in wheelchair loading a dishwasher + +
                  + + + +

                  Tony Ware

                   +
                  @@ -5651,19 +4467,120 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 -                   - Learn More + + See It - + +
                  +
                  +
                  +

                  + Pros

                  + +
                    +
                  • Excellent sound across multiple genres
                    • +
                  • Powerful noise cancellation
                    • +
                  • Low-profile, stylish design
                    • +
                  +
                  +
                  +

                  + Cons

                  + +
                    +
                  • Snug fit, which is great for passive noise cancellation, may be too snug for some
                    • +
                  +
                  +
                  +
                  +

                  + Specs

                  + +
                    +
                  • + + Price: + + + $449.99 +
                    • +
                  • + + Wearing Style: + + + Over-ear +
                    • +
                  • + + Frequency Response: + + + 10 Hz – 20 kHz +
                    • +
                  • + + Noise Cancellation: + + + Active +
                    • +
                  • + + Battery Life: + + + 30 hours (ANC on) +
                    • +
                  • + + Weight: + + + 298 grams +
                    • +
                  +
                  +
                  +
                  + -

                  Whirlpool’s Spin&Load rack replaces the typical fixed lower dishwasher rack with a platform that rotates a full 360 degrees, so every plate and pot remains reachable from any side. The accessory drops into standard 24-inch built-in dishwashers across Whirlpool’s brands and spins on a central hub, which means users no longer have to lean deep into the machine or shuffle around the open door just to grab the pan in the back. The rack was developed with the United Spinal Association as well as Whirlpool’s internal advocacy group. The final product was tested with wheelchair users, aiming to make loading and unloading realistic for people with limited reach or balance, not just idealized demo kitchens. It’s also compatible with most of the brand’s standard dishwasher models manufactured after 2018, which makes a much more affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to replacing an entire appliance.

                  +

                  The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 is the latest iteration in the company’s flagship headphone lineup, and its balance of expressive audio and more effective active noise cancellation makes it the perfect pair of travel headphones for most listeners. These are headphones that are stylish both visually and audibly—one of the best-sounding and best-looking pairs of wireless headphones you can buy today.

                  -

                  RMA 448 V lawn mower by Stihl: A one-sided handle that simplifies bagging and storage

                  +

                  This pair of premium cans is available in three finishes (Anthracite Black, Indigo Blue, Canvas White) to match your unique sense of style. The chassis blends multiple upscale materials—including metal, leatherette, and fabric—from the textured buttons to the acoustic chamber. This creates a pair of headphones that look as luxurious as they sound. And they’re surprisingly low profile despite generous padding. It’s a set you certainly won’t be embarrassed to wear in public. 

                  + + + +

                  Of course, B&W didn’t make its name on style alone, no matter how good these may look. No, they are a company known for their outstanding sound quality, from recording studios to car cabins, and the Px7 S3 definitely delivers in this department. Inside the architecture sit 40mm bio-cellulose drivers with all-new voice coil and magnet assemblies to deliver their richest sound signature yet. These things breathe with clarity, sparkle without sibilance, but they aren’t afraid to give a little grunt when called for. Still, low-end underlines rather than overwhelms. They’re proof that dimensional grace doesn’t have to mean tame and timid.

                  + + + +

                  If the out-of-the-box sound isn’t exactly to your taste, you can also customize it using the Bowers & Wilkins smartphone app, which includes a five-band equalizer to fine-tune its sound. Since you’ll be listening wirelessly, audio compression is a real concern, but you don’t need to worry about that here, thanks to its support for aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codecs, broadcast protocols that dramatically reduce the amount of compression and improve sound quality when broadcast from a compatible device—typically an Android smartphone. But if you have an iPhone, you can always pick up a USB-C transmitter, such as the Sennheiser BTD 700, which we’ve used to get full fidelity. 

                  + + + +

                  If there’s one thing I have to pick on these headphones about, it would be their snug fit. They sound great and have noise cancellation that can effectively cut out the sound of engines and HVAC units alike, but achieving that requires a tight seal around the ear. It’s a fairly common trade-off with the best noise-canceling headphones, but definitely something to keep in mind. That said, clamping force isn’t so severe that those with glasses should be concerned. 

                  + + + +

                  The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 is an exceptional, articulate set that rewards attention with adrenaline.

                  + + + +
                  Onyx Black Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 headphones in their case amongst bright green plants.
                  Tony Ware
                  + + + +

                  Willing to spend a few hundred more? The $799 Px8 S2 crowns Bowers & Wilkins’ 2025 lineup by fusing the company’s loudspeaker credibility into a travel-friendly chassis. The Nappa leather-clad ear cups hide 40mm Carbon Cone drivers, angled atop a redesigned engine with bespoke 24-bit DSP for cleaner timing and lower distortion. Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC and aptX Adaptive/Lossless brings 24/96 wireless polish, while USB-C preserves full fidelity. Upgraded ANC redirects distraction without blanching tone. Less warm than its predecessor, the PX8 S2’s bass is taut, mids inviting, microdetail resolving. Thirty hours of stamina, tactile controls, and a couture build elevate routine commutes into fatigue-free performances. We were already in love with the fun-focused tuning of the Px7 S3, but this even more plush, precise edition quickly landed on our 2025 Audio Awards after some time as our suave, cabin-ready companion.

                  + + + +

                  Best ANC: Sony WH-1000XM6

                  @@ -5675,11 +4592,19 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72
                  - +
                  - lawnmower + Black Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless noise-canceling headphones leaning on this case on a round table +
                  + + + +

                  Tony Ware

                   +
                  + + ON SALE NOW
                  @@ -5687,19 +4612,109 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 - - Learn More + + See It + + + +
                  +
                  +
                  +

                  + Pros

                  + +
                    +
                  • Class-leading active noise cancellation
                    • +
                  • Lightweight and comfortable for long flights/listening sessions
                    • +
                  • Sculptable high-resolution playback
                    • +
                  • Folds into a compact carrying case
                    • +
                  +
                  +
                  +

                  + Cons

                  + +
                    +
                  • ANC microphone array protrudes in places
                    • +
                  +
                  +
                  +
                  +

                  + Specs

                  + +
                    +
                  • + + Price: + + + $449.99 +
                    • +
                  • + + Wearing Style: + + + Over-ear +
                    • +
                  • + + Frequency Response: + + + 4 Hz – 40,000 Hz +
                    • +
                  • + + Noise Cancellation: + + + Active +
                    • +
                  • + + Battery Life: + + + 30 hours (ANC on), 40 hours (ANC off) +
                    • +
                  • + + Weight: + + + 254 grams +
                    • +
                  +
                  +
                  +
                  + + + + +

                  When it comes to noise cancellation, there are few headphones as well-known and highly regarded as the Sony WH-1000XM lineup. They have been industry leaders for years, and the WH-1000XM6 continues that trend. Another one of our 2025 Audio Awards winners, these are the headphones to buy if you want the best active noise cancellation (ANC), period.

                  + + + +

                  The XM6 offers dedicated cutting-edge processors and an inside-out system for its noise cancellation, featuring 12 total microphones. That means it’s able to monitor the sound outside the headphones as well as what’s making its way inside the ear cup to deliver the most effective cancellation possible. The QN3 processor is an improvement over the last generation, as it cuts out more of the lower-end and middle frequencies, resulting in more overall silence. And all those mics allow the XM6 to excel at a natural-sounding transparency mode if you need to engage in conversation without removing your headphones.

                  + + + +

                  That’s not all these headphones offer, however. While most reviewers agree that the XM6 is an iteration instead of a reinvention compared to the WH-1000XM5, they offer a wider headband and a reinforced hinge system for improved comfort, durability, and transportability.

                  + - - +

                  Sony has also made advancements in headphone sound. This line was already tuned to a consumer-friendly curve, but this latest release offers a wider soundstage and a more balanced sound profile, delivering greater detail across genres. Bass is more of a velvet glove than an iron fist, offering more groove without grain. Mids are a touch recessed, but that leaves room for the punch of pop and hip-hop. The goal, physically and sonically, is marathon comfort, so treble is polished of any edginess. It still offers app support, however, and now includes a 10-band rather than a 5-band equalizer to fully dial in more vocal intimacy and less low end if it matches your taste in tonality. Of course, to get the fullest extension, you’ll need to be able to connect your device via Sony’s LDAC codec, but you can add that with a dongle such as the FiiO BT11.

                  -

                  Stihl’s RMA 448 V battery mower uses a unique-looking handle: instead of the usual two bars, it has a single offset post that leaves the back of the deck completely open. That small change makes it easier to lift out the 13.7-gallon grass bag, flip the integrated mulch flap, or adjust the cutting height without threading your arms around metal tubing. More importantly, the handle folds flat for storing the mower against a wall in tight storage spaces. Despite its foldable stature, It’s still a full-size, self-propelled 19-inch mower with weather-resistant construction and ECO mode to stretch runtime. But the real advantage comes in its streamlined ease of use, because accessories and features aren’t worth having if they’re too annoying to use.

                  +

                  While the competition has been continually improving over the years—the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen.), in particular, trades blows with each update—Sony currently holds the ANC throne with the WH-1000XM6. So if you’re looking to cut out as much of the outside world as possible, this pair is an immersive hug—cozy, confident, in control.

                  -

                  Dyson HushJet Purifier Compact: Jet-style airflow without the jet-engine noise

                  + +

                  Best for audiophiles: Sennheiser HDB 630

                  @@ -5711,10 +4726,16 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72
                  - +
                  - air purifier + Black and silver Sennheiser HDB 630 audiophile over-ear wireless headphones on their black case nestled between green houseplants +
                  + + + +

                  Tony Ware

                   +
                  @@ -5723,55 +4744,112 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 -                   - Learn More + + See It - - + +
                  +
                  +
                  +

                  + Pros

                  + +
                    +
                  • A neutral, details-oriented tuning that’s musical and doesn’t fall apart when EQed
                    • +
                  • Parametric EQ! And crossfeed! An app full of customization that’s not just a slider!
                    • +
                  • BTD 700 USB-C transmitter included for aptX Adaptive connection on any modern smartphone
                    • +
                  • Up to 60 hours of battery life (ANC on)
                    • +
                  +
                  +
                  +

                  + Cons

                  + +
                    +
                  • ANC is excellent but not absolute like Sony or Bose
                    • +
                  • Touch controls are finicky (but thankfully can be turned off)
                    • +
                  • Plasticky build for the price
                    • +
                  • A better wireless transmission is great, but a wireless transmitter is one more thing to fall under your seat
                    • +
                  +
                  +
                  +
                  +

                  + Specs

                  + +
                    +
                  • + + Price: + + + $499.99 +
                    • +
                  • + + Wearing Style: + + + Over-ear +
                    • +
                  • + + Frequency Response: + + + Up to 6 Hz – 40 kHz +
                    • +
                  • + + Noise Cancellation: + + + Adaptive +
                    • +
                  • + + Battery Life: + + + Up to 60 hours +
                    • +
                  • + + Weight: + + + 311g +
                    • +
                  +
                  +
                  +
                  + -

                  The HushJet Purifier Compact shrinks Dyson’s bladeless air-multiplier idea into a purifier small enough for a bedroom or home office, then reworks the nozzle to keep things extremely quiet. The uniquely shaped port pulls in room air and pushes it through an electrostatic HEPA filter plus activated carbon, capturing 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns and common gases. It’s strong suction, but, in night mode, noise drops to around 24 dBA. That’s about as loud as a typical whisper. It’s sized for roughly 200 square feet, runs off about 7 pounds of hardware, and uses a sealed filter rated for up to five years, which cuts down on replacement waste and recurring cost. It’s quiet enough and requires so little maintenance that you don’t have to think about it and that’s the way we like it.

                  +

                  Released in August 2022, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Bluetooth headset is a crowd-pleaser tuned slightly warm to make the sound fuller and, yeah, more fun. And there’s nothing wrong with that … unless you’re a diehard devotee of the Sennheiser 600 Series of headphones, known for transparency you can trust and midrange that actually moves you. The HDB 630 shares a chassis with the Momentum, but it’s chasing the target of those much more refined cousins. The stock tuning is tidy. Images lock in, the center doesn’t wander, and the stage stays wide without leaning on hype. Built around a custom 42mm dynamic driver manufactured in Sennheiser’s Tullamore, Ireland, facility—the same hometown as the 600 Series, 800 Series, and legendary HE 1 headphones—the HDB 630’s acoustic system shows that wireless can be serious for those who take keeping the mix intact seriously.

                  -

                  Solar Roof Tiles by Jackery: Curved crystalline panels that behave like actual roofing

                  +

                  The HDB 630 stands out first because of its baseline, not an abundance of crowd-pleasing, detail-bullying bass. The stock tuning is articulate, not exaggerated. It’s telling truth, not throwing confetti. It didn’t make our 2025 Audio Awards by accident. Put it through the stress test of 2000s-era Radiohead to immediately grasp the HDB 630’s ability to maintain shimmer and separation even as the groove thickens and skronk confronts. The ANC, effective though not a vacuum-seal noise cancellation champ, lets you drop the noise floor enough without losing the tiny transient cues that make a recording feel alive. This is the headphone for those who want neutral sound … not because it’s bland, but because it lets you add your own seasoning based on mood.

                  -
                  - - - - - -
                  - -
                  - a home with terra cotta roof +

                  The second standout feature of the HDB 630 is the Sennheiser Smart Control+ app, which introduces a 5-band parametric EQ for surgical, bandwidth-aware adjustments. Open up the slightly stuffy mid-treble transition, or pull down a shouty region without dulling everything else. Add weight without dragging mud into the mix. Whereas the out-of-the-box signature is tight and textured, it’s a two-minute PEQ tweak to feel more like you’re in the club. And an A/B feature lets you adjust until you get it just right. Crossfeed is there, too, for turning hard-panned classics into more speaker-like presentations. Previously, these weren’t typical headphone features unless you packed dedicated outboard gear, and they show that Sennheiser has truly considered a target audience rarely catered to in the wireless world.

                  - - -
                  -                   -
                  - - - - Learn More - -
                  +

                  To keep the signal chain playing nice across devices, Sennheiser packs in the BTD 700 (a $60 value). This postage-stamp-sized USB-C Bluetooth 5.4 transmitter helps ensure aptX Adaptive/Lossless + Auracast is on the table, no matter how picky your source is, so the headphones always get a premium feed. And if this compatibility cheat code is acting up, wired USB-C is a true lossless 24-bit/96 kHz option. Your body may be squeezed when in transit, but your fidelity doesn’t have to be. Your legs may feel trapped, but your ability to sculpt the perfect frequency curve to your tastes is wide open. Your favorite recordings aren’t at the mercy of some opaque DSP just because you want some reference-sound relief at 35,000 feet (though dongle quirks and seal issues can always come into play).

                  -

                  Jackery’s Solar Roof replaces bolt-on panels with curved tiles that function as both roofing and photovoltaics. Each XBC tile uses a 0.13 mm-thick crystalline silicon cell bent into a 150-degree “smile” shape, delivering over 25% efficiency and around 38 watts per tile—about 170 watts per square meter—while matching the profile of clay or concrete tiles in black or terracotta. The system is rated for hail, high winds, and temperatures from –40°F to 185°F, with a 30-year warranty and integration into Jackery’s home storage gear for whole-house backup. By treating solar as part of the building envelope instead of a separate rack, it aims to make the system acceptable to homeowners’ associations and aesthetics-conscious owners who would otherwise skip rooftop solar—an important barrier if residential rooftops are going to contribute meaningfully to decarbonizing the grid.

                  +

                  Plush earpads and up to 60 hours of battery life ensure any aisle or window or, shudder, middle seat is a listening station where you actually want to spend time to make travel feel shorter. And unlike many travel headphones, you’ll be just as likely to reach for these at home thanks to their composure. It’s a premium over the Momentum 4, but it’s the top pick for listeners who love to tune with intent.

                  -

                  Refillable Air Filter Kit by Filtrete: A reusable HVAC frame with collapsible refills

                  +

                  Best splurge: Focal Bathys MG

                  @@ -5783,10 +4861,16 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72
                  - +
                  - filters + +
                  + + + +

                  Tony Ware

                   +
                  @@ -5795,393 +4879,958 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 -                   - Learn More + + See It - - - - -

                  Filtrete’s Refillable Air Filter Kit replaces the usual one-piece furnace filter with a rigid frame designed to live in your HVAC system for up to 20 years and thin “refill” elements that slide in and out. Each MPR 1550 refill lasts up to 12 months, comes folded to take up 75 percent less space, and captures substantially more fine particles than basic filters while generating about 20% less waste over the frame’s life. The kit ships in curbside-recyclable packaging, and Filtrete’s app can nudge you when it’s time to swap the media, which addresses the very human tendency to forget about filters until airflow drops. Given how many homes now rely on forced-air systems for both heating and cooling, a design that cuts bulk trash and encourages longer, more consistent filtration is a small but concrete improvement in how we manage indoor air and HVAC waste.

                  -

                  The post 5 home innovations that improved our lives in 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

                  -]]>en-US<![CDATA[Baby spider monkeys rescued in Texas]]>Animal traffickers face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

                  -

                  The post Baby spider monkeys rescued in Texas appeared first on Popular Science.

                  -]]>                  https://www.popsci.com/environment/spider-monkey-rescue-texas/https://www.popsci.com/?p=728813Mon, 29 Dec 2025 13:00:00 -0500EnvironmentAnimalsConservationScienceWildlifeIt should go without saying, but please don’t smuggle spider monkeys. While responding to a human trafficking case earlier this year, United States Border Patrol agents in Laredo, Texas, found two of these tiny primates. The driver failed to yield and fled the scene, leading officers to respond. Wildlife poaching is not only illegal, but can be incredibly harmful to the animals.

                  - - - -

                  According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the male and female spider monkeys were inside of a pet carrier and were roughly two to three months old. Wildlife inspectors brought the monkeys about two and a half hours north to San Antonio, Texas, where they were transferred to a rehabilitation facility. USFWS is working with law enforcement to identify the driver who was involved in human and wildlife smuggling. 

                  - - - - - - - -

                  According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, there are seven recognized species of spider monkeys in the Ateles genus. They are known for very long arms and hook-like hands and weigh about 13 pounds on average. Spider monkeys generally live in groups called “troops,” in tropical rainforests of Central and South America, stretching from Bolivia north to Mexico.

                  - - - -

                  Spider monkeys are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and some species are also listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Wildlife trafficking is also so stressful on the animals that it can lead to death. The animals may also carry diseases that pose serious risks to human health. If you are caught smuggling wildlife, you could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. So again, please don’t smuggle illegal animals.

                  - - - -

                  To report wildlife crime, visit www.fws.gov/wildlife-crime-tips.

                  - - - -

                  -

                  The post Baby spider monkeys rescued in Texas appeared first on Popular Science.

                  -]]>                  en-US                  <![CDATA[Stop using so much sidewalk salt]]>Winter needs a low-sodium diet.

                  -

                  The post Stop using so much sidewalk salt appeared first on Popular Science.

                  -]]>                  https://www.popsci.com/environment/sidewalk-salt-environmental-impacts/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729551Mon, 29 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0500EnvironmentConservationSustainabilityEvery winter across most of the northern US, giant bags of salt materialize at grocery stores and home improvement retailers as residents and business owners prepare to combat icy sidewalks and slick driveways. But when it comes to salting walkways and parking lots, most people overdo it, which costs more than just cash; using too much salt can have surprisingly harmful effects on the local environment, water quality, and human health.

                  - - - -

                  The problem with sidewalk salt

                  - - - -

                  When salt is applied to roads and sidewalks as a deicing agent, as snow melts, salt gets washed into streams, lakes, and wetlands. Once there, there’s no practical way to remove it at scale. Fortunately, some municipalities, including the Lake George area in upstate New York, are advocating for more responsible salt usage.

                  - - - -

                  The location offers an excellent case study for how road salt can affect regional waterways and what can be done about it. Since 1980, the Lake George Association (LGA), along with partners like the Waterkeeper Alliance and Jefferson Project, have meticulously studied regional water quality via millions of data points. The Lake George Road Salt Reduction Initiative was created in 2014 after scientists discovered that chloride levels in Lake George tripled over the last 40 years—and road salt was primarily to blame.

                  - - - -

                  LGA tested water quality in not just lakes and creeks, but also in private wells across the watershed. That’s how researchers discovered that over 60 percent of private wells located downslope of state roads exceeded New York State’s drinking water guidance values for sodium thanks to salt-based groundwater contamination. In Mirror Lake and Lake Placid specifically, those concentrations were due in large part to sidewalk and parking lot over-salting.

                  - - - -
                  a snow-covered dock
                  Winter at Lake George in New York. Image: Getty Images Cavan Images
                  - - - -

                  Over 60 percent of affected wells had salty enough water to be corrosive, making it not only undrinkable but useless for watering plants, unpleasant for bathing, and detrimental to the lifespan of appliances like water heaters, dishwashers and washing machines, explains Brendan Wiltse, president of the Lake George Association.

                  - - - -

                  Homes with older lead pipes fared even worse: Corrosive water can cause the metal pipes to leech lead. In fact, that’s part of what contributed to the drinking water crisis in Flint, Michigan, in 2014, explains Wiltse. These risks are often exacerbated because many homes with wells aren’t regulated or tested like city water systems are, so residents “may not know they’re drinking contaminated water,” he continues.

                  - - - -

                  A spring 2025 report from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection even found that if salt contamination continues increasing as it has for the last 40 years, some watersheds will be above safe maximums by 2108. That means many New York residents won’t have access to potable water.

                  - - - -

                  The environment suffers, too, namely zooplankton that aren’t evolutionarily equipped to handle high salinity in waterways. These creatures act as the basis of the food web—they eat algae, keeping blooms in check, and fish eat them, and so on—so when they suffer, it can cause harmful reverberations up and down the ecosystem, Wiltse says.

                  - - - -

                  The solution to over-salting

                  - - - -

                  The Lake George Association, in partnership with a slew of other environmental organizations, is tackling the problem head on, as are other municipalities around the country. The city is investing in more effective plow blades, high-tech digital data collection, and studies that show using less salt is just as effective, but with less environmental risk.

                  + +
                  +
                  +
                  +

                  + Pros

                  + +
                    +
                  • True audiophile-grade sound quality on the go
                    • +
                  • Elegant design, luxurious build
                    • +
                  • Can be used wirelessly, wired, or over USB
                    • +
                  +
                  +
                  +

                  + Cons

                  + +
                    +
                  • ANC lags behind industry leaders
                    • +
                  +
                  +
                  +
                  +

                  + Specs

                  + +
                    +
                  • + + Price: + + + $1,499 +
                    • +
                  • + + Wearing Style: + + + Over-ear +
                    • +
                  • + + Frequency Response: + + + 10 Hz – 22 kHz +
                    • +
                  • + + Noise Cancellation: + + + Active +
                    • +
                  • + + Battery Life: + + + 30 hours (ANC on), 42 hours (USB) +
                    • +
                  • + + Weight: + + + 350 grams +
                    • +
                  +
                  +
                  +
                  + -

                  Brining was adopted, a process of pre-treating roads before a storm with a solution of just 23 percent salt that prevents ice build-up. The organization is also advocating for more cities to adopt their Sustainable Winter Management system (SWiM) to measure salt levels, analyze data, and optimize salt usage for maximum effectiveness without excess.

                  +

                  For those with a discerning taste, the Focal Bathys MG is the ideal choice. Focal is known for its audiophile headphones, studio monitors, and loudspeakers, and the original Bathys, at around $699, already impressed. In the realm of Bluetooth headphones, the Bathys was already at the top of its field when it came to sculpted serenity meets sonic swagger. But the Bathys MG—at over twice the price but living up to even more portable ambition—takes that a full step further (and into 2025 Audio Awards territory). 

                  -

                  In upstate New York, it seems to be working. Many municipalities around Adirondack Park are using less salt. Wiltse says Mirror Lake’s salt concentrations are plummeting, thanks to participation of residents and business owners, all while effectively keeping people safe on roads and sidewalks.

                  +

                  The Bathys MG goes full-on “audiophile” in every aspect of its design. Many of us thought that was true of the original Bathys, but Focal needed to show us just how far they could go. So, rather than featuring aluminum-magnesium drivers like the original, the Bathys MG’s 40-millimeter M-shaped domes use pure magnesium, a dense, light membrane delivering performance not posturing.

                  -

                  Fortunately, reducing salt when it comes to deicing your own sidewalk isn’t complicated. It mostly comes down to quantity.

                  +

                  The sound signature has been refined to fall more resolutely within the audiophile camp. The original Bathys had a warm, but still agile sound signature, yet the Bathys MG is at once more balanced and deeply detailed, delivering a higher quality, faster bass response that feels more taut, transparent, and purposefully punchy. The lifelike, layered midrange is precise without being polite, making it perfect for biting guitars and swelling synths. Treble is crisp, shimmering, but never glassy, offering up nuanced microdetails. The sinewy soundstage also feels wider without running wild, akin to a great pair of wired audiophile headphones.

                  -

                  When, where, and how much salt to apply

                  +

                  The fit and finish have also been improved. The Bathys MG has been modeled after the Focal Clear MG headphones, featuring a chestnut finish and an intricate ear cup design. The enhancement is more than skin deep, however, as this set also comes with improved, softer, more plush ear cushions that aid in longer-term wear.

                  -

                  How much salt you should use to make any given area safe for pedestrians varies slightly. But the general rule of thumb, according to Wiltse: “One 12-ounce coffee cup of salt is sufficient for a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares.”

                  +

                  With a price point of around $1,500, you should rightly expect great things from this pair of headphones. In addition to offering outstanding sound and luxurious looks, you’ll also be pleased to know that it can connect to just about anything thanks to its tri-mode support for Bluetooth 5.2 (SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive), wired using its 3.5mm cable, or USB, where its integrated 24-bit/192kHz DAC can take over all of the sound processing for your computer or smartphone. The end result speaks the language of reference with an emotional accent.

                  -

                  Avoid what he refers to as the “more-on approach,” which he describes as the practice of continuously sprinkling more on, and on, and on. After all, it only takes a teaspoon of salt to contaminate five gallons of water and make it harmful to aquatic life and undrinkable for humans.

                  +
                  Tony Ware
                  -

                  Apply salt to sidewalks, driveways, or parking areas that see regular use, scattering it evenly over the surface. It’s equally important to stay on top of snow removal by shoveling small amounts more frequently, instead of after it’s piled up. Don’t make up for laziness with salt, Wiltse advises. It’s not there to melt six inches of snow away: Cleanup comes first, then salt.

                  +

                  Looking for something with similar audio prowess but a different textural approach? A stellar option is the $1,250 DALI IO-8, which takes on the appearance of a more traditional pair of ANC headphones while still packing in neutrality with a dash of drive. The DALI house sound is natural, composed, never sacrificing soul for algorithmic sparkle. It’s an honest ethos. For the best of the best and the most 1:1 alternative, however, the DALI IO-12 comes in at $1,750 to offer that eminently premium pick … though it might be a bit excessive for economy. With larger, luxurious cushions and more dynamic headroom, the IO-12 and its Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) magnet system are truly like strapping loudspeakers to your ears. Every element gets its own lane, exhibits its full spatial weight—clean and forward, yet fatigue-free. However, the top codec supported is aptX Adaptive, so you’ll want to consider USB for lossless reproduction.

                  -

                  As for when to apply, while most people think of salt as a post-weather treatment, pre-treating walkways is often beneficial. “What salt is best at is preventing the bond of snow and ice onto the surface you’re trying to treat,” Wiltse states. Think of it like oil in a frying pan: You put the oil in your pan before adding your ingredients to prevent them from sticking.

                  +

                  Just don’t expect any of these headphones to reach the levels of ANC offered by the best-in-class—they’re adequate for travel, but when it comes to mid-frequency noise, such as voices or clacky keyboards, they’re just not as effective. With the concert hall-like presentation, however, you’ll pay more attention to each kick drum’s decay than any runway delays.

                  -

                  Sprinkle salt before the weather blows in so it forms a liquid brine over the surface. This will prevent snow from bonding to the cement or asphalt, especially when it’s compacted via footsteps or car tires. Doing so will make snow easier to shovel, too.

                  +

                  Best for airplanes: JBL Tour One M3 

                  -

                  Salt alternatives: What to use (and not use)

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                  + +
                  + + + +

                  Tony Ware

                   +
                  + + + ON SALE NOW + +
                  +                   +
                  -

                  In most cases, regular rock salt (sodium chloride) is more than sufficient. But you may see formulations of calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, too. The latter works more effectively in extra-cold temperatures, but you need less, so use sparsely.

                  + + + + See It + + +
                  +
                  +
                  +

                  + Pros

                  + +
                    +
                  • Smart Tx audio transmitter connects to many sources, including airplane in-flight entertainment
                    • +
                  • Wireless audio anywhere
                    • +
                  • Copious customization in the JBL app
                    • +
                  • Five minutes quick-charging gets you five hours playback
                    • +
                  +
                  +
                  +

                  + Cons

                  + +
                    +
                  • Touch controls can be overly sensitive
                    • +
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                  +
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                  + Specs

                  + +
                    +
                  • + + Price: + + + $399.99 +
                    • +
                  • + + Wearing Style: + + + Over-ear +
                    • +
                  • + + Frequency Response: + + + 10 Hz – 22 kHz +
                    • +
                  • + + Noise Cancellation: + + + Active +
                    • +
                  • + + Battery Life: + + + 40 hours (ANC on), 70 hours (ANC off) +
                    • +
                  • + + Weight: + + + 278 grams +
                    • +
                  +
                  +
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                  -

                  Cat litter or sand is a popular additive, but it’s easier to track indoors, so isn’t a perfect fix for everyone.

                  +

                  Let’s be real here: When you’re spending $400 on a pair of headphones, you want those headphones to work with pretty much anything. And that’s exactly what the JBL Tour One M3 delivers. These headphones check all the boxes you would hope for in a great pair of travel cans and offer extra functionality that makes them a standout pick for airplane travelers in particular. 

                  -

                  Some articles reference more innovative solutions a few municipalities have tried, like beet juice, pickle brine, cheese brine, or beer waste. “The problem with those is they have a lot of sugar in them,” Wiltse says. When they run off into natural bodies of water, bacteria eats the sugar too quickly; the process sucks up excess oxygen in the process, which can kill fish.

                  +

                  The headphones’ biggest trick is that they come with a universal audio transmitter that can connect to wired sources (analog and digital) and retransmit the audio back to the Tour One M3 and other Auracast-enabled devices, while also controlling every function … and there are many … of the JBL headset. That means you can easily connect them to an airplane sound system without being tethered directly to the seat with a wire, and you can access the Tour One M3’s settings without needing to fish out your phone. Plus, you can customize the splash screen with your favorite image, as shown in our personalized Smart Tx transmitter above. (And if you don’t care about the in-flight entertainment, you can also connect the headphones to, say, an iPhone via USB-C.)

                  -

                  So stick with salt, don’t use too much, and sprinkle smart this winter for your own health—and the health of the environment.

                  -

                  The post Stop using so much sidewalk salt appeared first on Popular Science.

                  -]]>                  en-US                  <![CDATA[Would my dog or cat really eat me if I died alone?]]>As grim as it sounds, it's often expected—and biology explains why.

                  -

                  The post Would my dog or cat really eat me if I died alone? appeared first on Popular Science.

                  -]]>                  https://www.popsci.com/science/would-dog-cat-eat-owner/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729167Mon, 29 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500ScienceAnimalsAsk Us AnythingCatsDogsEnvironmentPetsMost of us would say our beloved dogs and cats are part of the family. We live, sleep, and eat with them—but our domesticated companions are still animals, and sometimes, they give in to their biological instincts. 

                  +

                  The sound tuning on these headphones is also perfect for travelers who might want to mix up music with a movie mid-flight. The default sound signature from the 40mm mica domes is somewhat V-shaped, meaning it features powerful bass and soaring treble, which gives the streaming experience a forward, front row lift—something you should expect from a company with a history deeply steeped in stage monitors and loudspeakers. This isn’t just playing your music, it’s energizing it. Sometimes you want to savor crowd-pleasing sound that’s fun, not forensic. 

                  -

                  In January, authorities found the half-eaten body of a 34-year-old Romanian woman who passed away alone in her apartment. The culprit: her two pet pugs, who had started consuming their owner’s corpse after five days in isolation. 

                  +

                  The 8-mic adaptive array on these headphones is also very good, generating inverse phase ANC in real-time so you won’t have to worry about the droning jet engines intruding as your personal soundtrack or soundstage stretches out. And both noise cancellation and EQ, as well as Spatial 360 Sound with head-tracking, are customizable within JBL’s companion app, in case the high-octane audio needs to be carved to match your mood.

                  -

                  Experts say even the friendliest kitty or the most aimable pup could resort to eating their owner’s body, though the phenomenon has more to do with human behavior and animal survival instincts than a sudden, bloodthirsty urge from our furry friends. 

                  +

                  At 278 grams, they’re lightweight enough to crown users with short or no hair comfortably. Some users report that the touch controls are a bit finicky and overly sensitive; however, like most touch controls, it’s something you can learn to adapt to. For wireless-anywhere sound that’s as kinetic as a tight connection, they’re a fine choice.

                  -

                  So, if you died, would your dog or cat really eat you?

                  +

                  Best for iPhone users: AirPods Max

                  -

                  The short answer is yes, they can and they have. Most of the literature on the subject relies on individual case studies rather than long-term pattern analysis, but the behavior is common enough that forensic investigators regularly encounter pet scavenging wounds during autopsies—and often expect it when visiting homes with cats and dogs where bodies have been left alone for days or weeks. 

                  +
                  + + + + + +
                  + +
                  + -

                  There’s even forensic literature on how to pin down the cause of death—and rule out foul play—while accounting for post-mortem pet bites, scratches, and consumption. But why would pets eat their owners? 

                  +
                  + + + +

                  Tony Ware

                   +
                  + + + ON SALE NOW + +
                  + +
                  + + + + See It -
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                  - -

                  - Related 'Ask Us Anything' Stories

                  -
                  -
                  -

                  Why your dog gets so excited to see you

                  -

                  Why do cats love boxes? Evolution has an answer.

                  -

                  Why do cats hate water? An expert explains.

                  -

                  Do cats and dogs remember their past?

                  -

                  Are cats really afraid of cucumbers? We asked the experts.

                  -

                  Do dogs dream? The answer might make you appreciate your pup even more.

                  + +
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                  +

                  + Pros

                  + +
                    +
                  • Support native AAC wireless or lossless over USB-C cable
                    • +
                  • Seamless Apple ecosystem integration, with device swap
                    • +
                  • Proprietary processing for iPhones
                    • +
                  • Adaptive ANC and audio
                    • +
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                  +
                  +

                  + Cons

                  + +
                    +
                  • Battery life lags behind competitioon
                    • +
                  • Metal is heavy and susceptible to dings
                    • +
                  • That “case”
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                  +
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                  + Specs

                  + +
                    +
                  • + + Price: + + + $529.99 +
                    • +
                  • + + Wearing Style: + + + Over-ear +
                    • +
                  • + + Frequency Response: + + + Not disclosed +
                    • +
                  • + + Noise Cancellation: + + + Active +
                    • +
                  • + + Battery Life: + + + 20 hours (ANC on) +
                    • +
                  • + + Weight: + + + 385 grams +
                    • +
                  +
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                  -

                  Cats and dogs are hardwired for survival

                  +

                  If you use an Apple iPhone or MacBook, the best choice is probably obvious: the Apple AirPods Max have been and continue to be the go-to choice for travel headphones for Apple users. They’re stylish, comfortable, have great sound quality and ANC, and most importantly, seamlessly integrate with the Apple ecosystem.

                  -

                  Most commonly, pets will eat our bodies as a survival behavior when there’s no food left, said Lena DeTar, an associate clinical professor at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

                  +

                  All of these things were already true, but the AirPods Max are an even better fit today than they were at their release in 2020. That’s because Apple has released several updates that enhance its features and capabilities. Since ditching the Lightning port. and getting an OTA firmware update, they finally support audio over USB-C, widening the potential audience with a wider array of compatible devices. And also widening the soundstage, as this allows lossless audio to reach your ears (as opposed to AAC compressed streams). That said, if you’re picking these up and you don’t have an Apple device to use them with, you’ll be missing out on their full features and capabilities, so this recommendation remains limited to the Apple faithful for now. 

                  -

                  “The drive is not that all of a sudden your pet doesn’t like you anymore,” she tells Popular Science. “The drive is you’re smelling like meat, you’re no longer moving, and I’m really hungry and I need to eat.”

                  +

                  Apple’s headphones support personalized spatial audio, which delivers an immersive listening experience with a realistic sense of space and atmosphere. The biggest benefit of tracks encoded in Dolby Atmos is the extra headroom given to each stem, allowing for more dynamic expression, more contrast without congestion. There’s even support within Apple TV+ for immersive soundtracks that seem to surround you outside the realm of marquee songs or interstitial music. It’s ambiance turned tangible.

                  -

                  Dogs and cats who prey on their pet parents after death are often trapped in their homes for days or weeks before their owners are discovered, DeTar says. The humans typically live alone and are socially isolated, often with their pets as their only companions.

                  +

                  These headphones also have the esteemed claim of being supported by mainstream listeners and audiophiles alike for their dynamics and balanced adaptive tuning. Whether you’re looking for deep, punchy bass hits or spacing and detail through the mids and treble, the AirPods Max are ready to deliver. 

                  -

                  In a study examining almost 40 cases of indoor dog scavenging over 60 years, a significant number of incidents involved elderly people who lived alone and were left undiscovered for long periods.

                  +

                  But that doesn’t mean they don’t have room for improvement. One of their biggest drawbacks is battery life, which comes in at about 20 hours when using ANC. That’s not terrible and could certainly get you through multiple flights (or one very long one), but when others that are a fraction of the price double that, it leaves something to be desired. They’re also on the heavy side, so you may find yourself needing to take a break to avoid soreness on the crown of your head. And the “case,” well, isn’t what we’d call the best for shoving in a bag in a hurry. 

                  -

                  Sometimes pets don’t wait to start nibbling

                  +

                  Even so, for listeners within the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Max continue to reign supreme as the standout pick for travelers and everyday listeners alike—now available in five finishes (orange shown above).

                  -

                  In some instances, your pet could start eating you right away. Carolyn Rando, a forensic anthropologist and bioarcheologist at the University College London Institute of Archaeology, cites a case where a dog licking at their dead owner’s face for comfort was potentially triggered by the presence of blood there before it started gnawing. 

                  +
                  White Sonos Ace headphones sitting on top of a white Sonos Era 300 speaker
                  Tony Ware
                  -

                  “There’s a couple of other similar cases where somebody’s taken a fall or had a heart attack in their house and the animal will go to them again looking for reassurance,” Rando says. “And so, we see small dogs or small cats sometimes chewing at the face trying to get some sort of reaction.”

                  +

                  If surround sound while surrounded by people is a top consideration, the $449 Sonos Ace is also worth considering. While not as native as the AirPods Max, it still plays nicely with the Apple ecosystem and supports Dolby Atmos music with dynamic head tracking through the Sonos app (as well as lossless via USB-C). Recently updated firmware has brought the ANC nearer to the flagship echelon, and at 312g with possibly the most plush padding of all our selections, they’re undeniably comfortable. And if you have a complete Sonos surround sound system at home and often return late at night or early in the morning, the Ace can pair with an Arc Ultra soundbar to give you a private viewing party where you can decompress. Sure, that’s not in-travel use, but it is transportive.

                  -

                  Are dogs or cats more likely to eat your dead body?

                  +

                  Best value: Soundcore Space One

                  -

                  The age-old question of whether dogs or cats are better pets takes on a fresh perspective here. Rando says that most people assume cats would be quicker to take a nibble on us than dogs. However, man’s best friend is more likely to eat your corpse, and their methods are usually more violent than how cats scavenge. 

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                  Soundcore

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                  “Cats are going to maybe chew at the soft tissue of your nose, chew at your face, chew at your fingertips, but dogs will consume the whole corpse if given a chance and enough time,” Rando said. 

                  + + +
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                  + Pros

                  + +
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                  • Extended battery life
                    • +
                  • Powerful ANC for the price (and works well on voices)
                    • +
                  • Impressive sound with customizable EQ and LDAC support
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                  + Cons

                  + +
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                  • ANC impacts sound quality
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                  + Specs

                  + +
                    +
                  • + + Price: + + + $99.99 +
                    • +
                  • + + Wearing Style: + + + Over-ear +
                    • +
                  • + + Frequency Response: + + + Not disclosed +
                    • +
                  • + + Noise Cancellation: + + + Active +
                    • +
                  • + + Battery Life: + + + 40 hours (ANC on), 55 hours (ANC off) +
                    • +
                  • + + Weight: + + + 265 grams +
                    • +
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                  -

                  It’s not personal. It’s all about biology: dogs are more domesticated and they’re natural scavengers, while cats retain more of their wild instincts and are natural hunters. Cats, especially outdoor cats, have other ways of finding food, like hunting down small rodents and bugs. On the other hand, dogs are often completely reliant on their owners to feed them. They’ll sniff out dog food before resorting to eating their owners, but they’ll scavenge to survive like they do in the wild, says DeTar. 

                  +

                  The Soundcore Space One occupies an interesting place in this list. Coming in at just about $100, they’re affordable enough that most frequent travelers should find them accessible. They also offer a surprising range of features for their modest cost, including active noise cancellation, app support, high-res LDAC codec support, and an exceptionally lightweight design. But even though they have a lot to offer, there’s a caveat here you’ll want to bear in mind, even while we still consider this the best pick for listeners on a budget. 

                  -

                  A small house cat is also less likely to target large prey like humans, but dogs, especially larger dogs, are more able to tear at tissue and bone, adds DeTar. 

                  +

                  For their price, many listeners have found themselves impressed at the quality of the active noise cancellation—and for good reason. While they still do a great job of blocking out low, droning sounds, the Soundcore Space One extends further into the mid-range to cut out a wider range of noisemakers, like the voices of other travelers on a bus or train. These sounds are more difficult to cut out entirely (a human voice modulates much more than a growly engine), but the Space One does a good job of lowering the volume on the world—so you might want to take these into the office when you return from your trip!

                  -
                  A tabby cat with green eyes, white paws, and a white face mask has only its head and front paws up on a table where it watches a small gerbil or mouse to the left. The cat is in focus and the gerbil/mouse is out of focus. The cat is hunting the rodent.
                  Cats are less likely to consume their dead owners since they can use their hunting instincts to find other food sources. Image: DepositPhotos
                  +

                  They’re also impressively lightweight, which makes them just as comfy as the more expensive options on this list. When it comes to sound quality, these headphones punch above their class. You shouldn’t expect any budget pair of headphones to compete with much more expensive options when it comes to detail and soundstage, but these headphones have an impressive amount of rumble that injects energy into rock, pop, and hip-hop songs. If you’re a fan of classical or jazz, their warm sound may not be the best fit, but it’s also customizable within its app. 

                  -

                  If you have lots of pets, that could be an issue

                  +

                  So, what’s the catch? Using ANC has an immediately noticeable impact on sound quality. Turning it on lowers the bass and thins out the mids, unlike the best sets, where the change is more transparent or the tuning is actually optimized for ANC. Thankfully, you can restore these with a custom EQ (mostly) and get the headphones sounding good again, but they have the dubious honor of being the only pick that requires a separate EQ, depending on whether you’re using ANC or not.

                  -

                  One human behavior, known as pet hoarding, increases the risk for post-mortem pet scavenging while endangering animals. Pet hoarders collect dozens of cats or dogs and are likely to neglect them, according to experts. In some cases, humans and hoarded animals live alone in poor, unsanitary conditions where pets are often starving—a high-risk situation for pets to consume their owners if they die at home.

                  +

                  For a more adaptive algorithm, with lower harmonic distortion, you can step up to the Space One Pro, but you’ll also step up to $199.

                  -

                  In one case, a 69-year-old man died at home with almost 30 cats trapped in rooms filled with trash. The cats ultimately ate much of the man’s soft tissue, along with his heart and lungs, before he was found. 

                  +

                  Best budget: JLab JBuds Lux ANC

                  -

                  DeTar works at the intersection of veterinary medicine and social work. She often works with socially isolated and vulnerable populations, including with the elderly and pet hoarders, to help prevent pet scavenging situations through spaying and neutering, counseling, and potential rehoming animals.

                  +
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                  JLab

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                  “We call it disaster management when we have a hoarding situation,” DeTar said. “We try to get social workers involved; we try to get human healthcare involved. Often the homes get condemned.”

                  + + +
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                  + Pros

                  + +
                    +
                  • Impressive array of features for the price
                    • +
                  • Very lightweight, providing long-term comfort
                    • +
                  • Rich app support
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                  + Cons

                  + +
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                  • Default sound profile can be too bassy
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                  • Microphone quality isn’t top tier
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                  + Specs

                  + +
                    +
                  • + + Price: + + + $79.99 +
                    • +
                  • + + Wearing Style: + + + Over-ear +
                    • +
                  • + + Frequency Response: + + + Not disclosed +
                    • +
                  • + + Noise Cancellation: + + + Active +
                    • +
                  • + + Battery Life: + + + 40 hours (ANC on), 70 hours (ANC off) +
                    • +
                  • + + Weight: + + + 236 grams +
                    • +
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                  -

                  DeTar says the complicated relationships between pet hoarders and their pets are the highest hurdle. Pet hoarders tend to believe they’re rescuing these animals, or they don’t understand their pets are living in unsafe conditions: Like many people, hoarders are emotional about their pets. 

                  +

                  If you’re out for the best bang for your buck, look no further than the JLab JBuds Lux. Coming in well under a C-note, these over-ear hybrid active noise cancellation headphones offer great battery life, customizable sound, and a lightweight, comfortable fit that punches above its class for their modest investment.

                  -

                  Ultimately, it’s all about doing what’s best for the pet, and that usually means preventing the situations that lead to pet scavenging. But in an unavoidable situation, DeTar, who lives with a yodeling Husky, a 14-year-old Heeler, and a Calico cat, says she wouldn’t mind her pets eating her, given there was no other food available.

                  +

                  JLab has been in the headphone game for quite some time, and it has proven that it knows how to deliver a solid pair of headphones at a reasonable price. This set is highly regarded for the quality of its ANC. While it’s not going to topple Bose or Sony anytime soon, it does a good job of filtering out low-frequency hum and rumble, like that of a bus or jet engines. And with egg-shaped earcups and only 236g, plus 40 hours of battery life with ANC engaged, you’ll be able to wear these for the duration of a flight without worrying about waking up with a sore crown or dead battery.

                  -

                  Rando, who has a black cat named Momo, agrees.

                  +

                  Well, sound preferences are subjective. The JBuds Lux fall into the camp of overemphasizing bass for some listeners. If their low-end heavy default tuning isn’t for you, you can customize their sound using JLab’s smartphone app. One thing you might not get tired of getting more of is spatialization. These headphones support Dolby Atmos content, just like far more expensive sets.

                  -

                  “Pets are our family,” she said. “Who wouldn’t want them to be taken care of—even if it’s just briefly, by my own flesh, after my death.”

                  +

                  Taken as a whole, for only $80, you’re definitely getting more than you would expect here. The JLab JBuds Lux ANC simply deliver when it comes to value. And if you prefer—or at least don’t mind—on-ear headphones, the JLab Go Lux is even more of a budget buy at $49.

                  -

                  In Ask Us Anything, Popular Science answers your most outlandish, mind-burning questions, from the everyday things you’ve always wondered to the bizarre things you never thought to ask. Have something you’ve always wanted to know? Ask us.

                  -

                  The post Would my dog or cat really eat me if I died alone? appeared first on Popular Science.

                  -]]>en-US<![CDATA[12 ethereal images from the 2025 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year awards]]>The aurora danced across the skies of Iceland, New Zealand, Estonia, and more this year.

                  -

                  The post 12 ethereal images from the 2025 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year awards appeared first on Popular Science.

                  -]]>                  https://www.popsci.com/science/12-ethereal-images-from-the-2025-northern-lights-photographer-of-the-year-awards/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729438Sun, 28 Dec 2025 13:12:00 -0500SciencePhotographySpaceTechnologyWatching the aurora borealis (in the Northern Hemisphere) or aurora australis (in the Southern Hemisphere) is unforgettable. Photographing them is on a whole other level. Capturing these ribbons of light as they move and twist across the night sky transforms even the darkest winter night into a surreal wonderland.

                  +

                  Best true wireless earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen.)

                  -

                  In 2025, the aurora provided some most intense displays of the current solar cycle. While solar maximum has now peaked, geomagnetic activity has remained exceptionally strong.

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                  + + + + + +
                  + +
                  + Bose QC Ultra Gen. 2 earbuds sitting on grey concrete under some pink flowers +
                  + + + +

                  Tony Ware

                   +
                  + + + ON SALE NOW + +
                  +                   +
                  -

                  The eighth edition of The Northern Lights Photographer of the Year brings together 25 most extraordinary aurora images captured around the world over the past year. Twelve of this year’s stunning winners are sampled below. (Click to expand images to full screen.)

                  + + + + See It + + +
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                  + Pros

                  + +
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                  • Powerful, ultra-portable ANC
                    • +
                  • Comfortable and secure for extended wear
                    • +
                  • Spatial Audio support, w/ Cinema Mode
                    • +
                  • IPX4 rating
                    • +
                  • Personalized CustomTune EQ
                    • +
                  • Snapdragon Sound (with aptX Adaptive codec)
                    • +
                  • SpeechClarity voice isolation for calls
                    • +
                  +
                  +
                  +

                  + Cons

                  + +
                    +
                  • Battery life could be longer for long-haul flights
                    • +
                  +
                  +
                  +
                  +

                  + Specs

                  + +
                    +
                  • + + Price: + + + $299.99 +
                    • +
                  • + + Wearing Style: + + + In-ear +
                    • +
                  • + + Frequency Response: + + + Not disclosed +
                    • +
                  • + + Noise Cancellation: + + + Active +
                    • +
                  • + + Battery Life: + + + 6 hours (ANC on), 4 hours (Immersive Audio) +
                    • +
                  • + + Weight: + + + 7.7 grams (per earbud) +
                    • +
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                  -
                  a pink aurora shining through light blue ice
                  Lights and Ice by Tori Harp. Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, New Zealand.
                  “I originally found this ice cave, called a moulin, 8 months prior to setting up this shot in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Glaciers are a very dynamic environment, so I kept going back to monitor the changes of this moulin over the 8-month period. As the opening of the cave formed, I envisioned setting up a night shot with my friend abseiling down the mouth of the cave with New Zealand’s amazing starry sky in the background.One magical night, everything finally came together! To my surprise, the Aurora Australis also lit up the sky. I managed to capture my friend’s silhouette perfectly placed in the center of the cave’s opening, and I love how the pinky tones of the aurora contrast with the icy colors of the cave. This dream shot ended up coming out better than I had originally envisioned, and I had a great night with my friends exploring the glacier!” Image: Tori Harp.
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                  If you’re looking for noise cancellation that’s miniturized but not diminished, a pair of ANC true wireless earbuds may be a better fit. In this case, we recommend the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen.) for their premium and powerful active noise cancellation, as well as their enjoyable sound signature. 

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                  a yellow, red, purple, andgreen aurora shines over muntains
                  Arctic Rain by Vincent Beudez. Tromso, Norway.
                  “For me, Northern Lights photography is always about capturing unique moments; snapshots of this rare natural phenomenon. This is why I never use very long exposures. I took this photograph on October 29th, 2025, near Tromso, Norway. A few seconds before capturing this scene, there was a “wall” containing colored layers – green and red – not uncommon during a substorm. But it suddenly became unstructured when a dancing corona appeared above it. I’ve seen plenty of aurora shows in my life, but nothing like this. And it happened in a location I’ve always wanted to photograph. It’s all about perseverance! Standing beneath this auroral corona, I felt like I was standing in a natural cathedral with vibrant layers of color and light radiating toward me. I was super lucky to capture this shot, and my best advice is to be patient and do your research…the hard work pays off!” Image: Vincent Beudez.
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                  When it comes to ANC, Sony and Bose sit at the top of their field. The highest achiever will change depending on who you ask, with Sony currently taking the headphones crown (as featured above). But there can be no mistake that the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen. 2) earbuds get top marks for silencing the outside world without forcing you into a pair of bulky headphones. A pair of these and “The Disintegration Loops” by William Basinski made sleeping on international trips achievable.

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                  green and purple aurora glowing over snow covered trees
                  Frozen Silence Beneath the Lights by Nikki Born. Riisitunturi National Park, Finland.
                  “Riisitunturi National Park, Finland. This night was truly unforgettable. Capturing the famous frozen trees of Riisitunturi beneath the Northern Lights had been a dream for years. In March 2025, we set out to make it happen, but the weather challenged us with thick clouds all week. On our final night, we hiked into the park, hoping for a glimpse of the sky. The wind was biting, and we took shelter among the frozen trees, waiting in silence. After hours of nothing, we finally gave up and began the hike back to our cabin. Then, just as we were about to call it a night, a break appeared in the clouds. We grabbed our gear and hurried back up the Riisitunturi Hill. The moment we reached the top, the sky burst into vivid shades of green. It was an explosion of light and wonder. This night was the experience of a lifetime: the dream shot I had longed for and a moment that words can hardly describe. Photographing the Northern Lights demands patience and persistence, but when they finally appear, time stands still, and nature reminds you just how amazing our world can be.” Image: Nikki Born.
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                  The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds use a shorter, wider version of the bud-and-stem design popularized by the Apple AirPods. Though their appearance is quite different, they maintain a secure and comfortable fit suited for all-day wear. 

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                  green aurora over mountains and reflected over water
                  Sueños en Eystrahorn by Palo Ruiz. Eystrahorn, Iceland.
                  “Without a doubt, one of the most challenging aurora panoramas I’ve ever taken was this one at one of Iceland’s most spectacular locations. Capturing a panorama with reflections and auroras that move so quickly is quite difficult. It was the photograph of my dreams, so I arrived in the afternoon to prepare the angles and options for the night. Clear skies and very little wind looked perfect for capturing reflections in the different pools. Auroras were already visible in the sky during the blue hour, so I quickly headed to the spot where I had planned the composition. The wind shifted, making it difficult to capture the reflections, but the moment the sky exploded, the wind stopped, and for a few brief moments, I achieved my dream photograph. It was a great joy to witness and capture such a moment.” Image: Pablo Ruiz.
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                  Compared to the previous QuietComfort Earbuds, this new set offers several improvements. Through firmware updates, it now supports multipoint audio as well as single-earbud use. The Ultras also feature immersive spatial audio, though at the cost of a couple of hours of total battery life. And though these earbuds offer a lot when it comes to noise cancellation and auditory allure (the sound is warm and inviting to please most non-audiophiles), battery life is the one area where they still lag behind the competition. With ANC on, you should only expect around six hours of listening with these at best, and less if you listen above 70 percent or so. 

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                  a comet whizzing by a green aurora
                  Aurora Comet Lemmon by Petr Horálek. Skaulo, Sweden.
                  “The night of 24 October, 2025, was incredible. I had just moved to Sweden, where I organized an astrophotography workshop. We headed to Skaulo, where we found an incredible viewpoint over Suotojärvi Lake. This night coincided with the C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) Comet, which was only discovered back in January 2025. The comet was so bright that we could see it with our naked eyes, even when it was very low on the horizon. Fortunately, I had my camera with me! I photographed the comet darting through the sky beside the bright Aurora Borealis. Capturing two stunning natural phenomena in one shot was an exhilarating experience. The comet and the aurora appeared to be in a sort of dance, giving us an amazing show that I’ll remember forever.” Image: Petr Horálek.

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                  Still, for ANC on the go, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen.) are a prime contender for their portion of your travel budget. And, if that budget is particularly tight, consider the Skullcandy Method 360, a set of $99 earbuds Tuned by Bose with a design reminiscent of the QuietComfort II given Skullcandy styling. If you can look past the inscrutable charging case, they use some of the company’s algorithms to provide quite effective ANC at entry-level pricing.

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                  a green aurora circling around trees
                  The Northern Crown by Mari Jääskeläinen. Pyhäjärvi, Finland.
                  “I step outside and take a look at the sky above my house. It’s time. I feel the adrenaline rush in as I gather my gear and put on more warm clothes. Just a quick drive to the lake nearby and I’m all set up for the night! During active nights, I always follow the real-time solar wind data to predict what’s yet to come. On this night, there were no significant CMEs as far as I remember. And I was perfectly fine with that, as this could be the night when I finally get the shot I’ve dreamed about for a long time. In my mind, I imagine the Northern Lights creating a clear, bright green spiral to the northern sky, just above the trees, so the foreground would fit perfectly into the frame. I couldn’t believe my eyes when the auroral arc started taking the exact shape I had only dreamed about for so long! Perfect reminder of how beautiful these subtle auroras can be!” Image: Mari Jääskeläinen.

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                  Best of winner Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds in black and silver with coffee on a counter CES 2025
                  Technics
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                  a pink and green aurora over a bitch with three rocks reflecting the glow
                  Neon Nightfall by Andres Papp. Türisalu, Estonia.
                  “I shot this image on a quiet, rocky beach as a strong aurora storm rolled in from the north. At first, it was just a low green arc, but it quickly erupted into vertical curtains of lime and rare magenta. To connect the sky with the foreground, I illuminated the shoreline rocks with a strong 365 nm UV light torch, which made the minerals pop and added the surreal glow you see in the image. The challenge was balancing everything—an exposure of about 5 seconds to keep the aurora structure sharp and managing the UV spill so it didn’t look artificial. What keeps me coming back to Northern Lights photography is this mix of science and magic: you study forecasts and KP indices, but the real reward is when the sky does something unexpected, and you’re prepared to capture it in a single, colorful frame.” Image: Andres Papp.

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                  If you’re searching for something emphasizing reducing internal feedback as much as, if not more than, external, consider the $289 Technics EAH-AZ100. While the ANC is nearly on par with the Bose, and the battery life is nearly twice as long, what really stands out is the distortion-free sound, which uses free-edge diaphragms and a magnetic fluid in the assembly to dampen vibrations that disrupt hi-rez fidelity. It’s a stable, LDAC-equipped system that has wowed several of us since its unveiling in January 2025.

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                  a man stands under an arch while a red and green aurora dances in the night sky
                  Nightscape by Sadeq Hayati. Raufarhöfn, Iceland.
                  “These days, a mobile phone isn’t just a communication device – it’s a window to the universe! In addition to accessing the online encyclopedia of humanity, today, it can also introduce us to the world beyond our planet! This photo is a single-shot capture from Iceland, taken with my Samsung mobile phone in Pro mode, with an 8-second long exposure. It shows the “Arctic Henge” (Heimskautsgerðið) in Raufarhöfn, Iceland. The triangular stone gateway is a prime spot for viewing the aurora, and I photographed it just as a colorful display of red and green lit up the sky. I stood underneath the arch to provide a sense of just how small I felt in this moment…all this natural beauty unfurling before my eyes was an experience I’ll treasure forever.” Image: Sadeq Hayati.
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                  Have an iPhone and want earbuds as (at)tuned to spatial audio as they are attenuating noisy environments? The ergonomically refreshed, ANC updated, undeniably expressive AirPods Pro 3 are undeniably the best option for the Apple ecosystem. While the tuning is more aggressively V-shaped than the AirPods Pro 2, it’s vibrant in a way that really benefits Atmos content and helps you immerse yourself in isolation.

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                  a pink and yellow aurora glows over a beach with large standing stones
                  Guardians of the Aurora by Daniel Mickleson. Taranaki, New Zealand.
                  “A rare aurora event lit the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island in vivid curtains of pink and green. In the foreground, the rock formations known as the Three Sisters stand as guardians of the shoreline, while the sacred Taranaki Maunga rises in the distance. Within Te ao Māori (the Māori worldview), such natural features are not just landscapes but ancestral presences, carrying the role of guardianship. Beneath the aurora, earth, sky, and ancestry converge in a moment both fleeting and timeless. After capturing my first aurora during the May 2024 storm, I was hooked. Travelling several hours from my home to this special location, I hoped the forecasts would be correct. Even with a near–full moon, the powerful display shone across the sky. I could see the beams dancing overhead — a truly spectacular sight.” Image: Daniel Mickleson.

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                  Best IEM: Sennheiser IE600

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                  a green and pink aurora glows over mountains with some orange and yellow autumn leaves underneath
                  One Autumn Night by Jesús Garrido. Abisko, Sweden.
                  “The 1st of October 2025. That night, at the very moment I stepped outside my home, I somehow knew it was going to be a great one. The solar activity was looking really good, and I kept thinking that I had to find some open water to catch those reflections. Soon, the lakes would be completely frozen and covered in snow, so this felt like the right time to look for reflections before winter settled in. I drove to a little bay of Lake Torneträsk in Abisko, a place I like because it’s usually quiet and protected from the wind. A few moments after arriving, the Northern Lights started to move slowly across the sky, and then suddenly they began to dance. Red tones rose on the southern horizon while the lake remained perfectly still, reflecting every single thing that was happening above me.” Image: Jesús Garrido.

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                  a green and red aurora over a waterfall
                  Aurora Bouquet Above Godafoss by Martin Giraud. Godafoss, Iceland.
                  “During my trip to Iceland, I traveled from the south to the north. The landscapes changed, and snow covered almost everything. Godafoss is a must-see in northern Iceland, literally meaning “the waterfall of the gods.” In the year 1000, Iceland adopted Christianity, and the idols of the old pagan gods were thrown into the falls. This waterfall is one of the most impressive in the country, making us feel incredibly small in its presence. We visited the site in the afternoon while there was still daylight to scout the area. Despite promising aurora forecasts, the day was cloudy, and after sunset, the clouds didn’t seem to clear. We took a short break in the van to warm up and wait. Once night fell, a miracle happened: the sky completely cleared up. We moved as close as possible to the falls, set up our cameras, and almost instantly, the auroras appeared. The colors were different that night, shifting from pink to purple to green.” Image: Martin Giraud.



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                  Sennheiser

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                  + Pros

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                  • Ultra low-profile, secure fit (with the right eartip)
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                  • Excellent passive isolation
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                  • Detailed sound that’s full-bodied and fun
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                  • Robustly made, perfect for travel if you don’t mind a cord
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                  + Cons

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                  • Included cable tangles easily and has memory
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                  + Specs

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                  • + + Price: + + + $799.99 +
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                  • + + Wearing Style: + + + In-ear +
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                  • + + Frequency Response: + + + 4 Hz – 46.5 kHz +
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                  • + + Noise Cancellation: + + + Passive +
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                  • + + Battery Life: + + + Not applicable +
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                  • + + Weight: + + + 6 grams (per earbud) +
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                  a bright green aurora over a waterfall and reflecting in a stony pool
                  A Cathedral of Green Light Rising Over Skógafoss by Victor Lima. Skógafoss, Iceland.
                  “On nights like this, Iceland feels otherworldly. The aurora unfolded in perfectly layered arcs, painting the entire valley with shades of emerald while the waterfall echoed under the glow. The reflection on the frozen shallows completed the symmetry, making the whole landscape look like a portal to another world. It’s impossible to stand here and not feel the power of nature. When you’re standing before this waterfall, your first impulse is to focus on it, using focal lengths around 20mm. However, when I observed the scene, I noticed that the Aurora Borealis was forming arcs aligned with the mountains surrounding the waterfall, so I opted to take a panoramic image using a 12mm fisheye lens to reduce the number of images needed to cover the entire scene. I also chose to take advantage of the stream formed by the waterfall to capture the reflection of the landscape and the sky, thus adding more complexity to the composition. Wearing waterproof boots, or at least what should have been, I entered the watercourse, set up my tripod very low, and took the sequence of images to assemble the panorama later.” Image: Victor Lima.

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                  The post 12 ethereal images from the 2025 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year awards appeared first on Popular Science.

                  -]]>                  en-US                  <![CDATA[Tour the International Space Station in new NASA walkthrough]]>The new video highlights the (cramped) life aboard the ISS.

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                  The post Tour the International Space Station in new NASA walkthrough appeared first on Popular Science.

                  -]]>                  https://www.popsci.com/science/iss-nasa-walkthrough-video/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729431Sun, 28 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0500ScienceInternational Space StationNASASpaceTechnologyThere is nearly 16,700 cubic feet of habitable area aboard the International Space Station (ISS). That makes it larger than a six-bedroom, two-bathroom house,but still small enough for a grand tour that takes less than 15 minutes. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing worth seeing. Far from it, actually.

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                  Sennheiser is a legendary name in the audio industry. It has produced some of the best and highest-regarded over-ear headphones of all time (and currently offers the most expensive and amazing headphone available for purchase). The IE600 is one of its most recent attempts at designing a low-profile pair of in-ear monitors, and it’s a wholesale success for travelers—and anyone who relishes high-quality audio, really.

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                  Earlier this month, NASA released a high-definition video showcase of the ISS, its facilities, and its crew recorded during the Crew-4 and Crew-5 missions in October 2022. The guided tour begins in the Columbus Laboratory Module—the European Space Agency’s (ESA) contribution to the station that includes equipment for studying fluid physics, materials sciences, and the effects of microgravity. From there, Commander Nicole Mann moves into Kibo, Japan’s experiment module focused on tasks like satellite deployments and features an external robotic arm.

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                  The IE600 sits squarely in the middle of the company’s most recent IEM line-up (which extends from the $159 IE200 to the $1,499 IE900). At the time of this writing, it could be had for around $650, but it can go up or down depending on the sale. For that investment, you’re getting one of the most well-rounded, best-sounding, and durable pairs of in-ear monitors a traveler could ask for. 

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                  The housings are made from a zirconium alloy, 3D printed. They’re designed to withstand the rigors of daily use and are corrosion-resistant. Hold them in your hand, and you’ll see just how much higher the level of build quality is here than your average pair of plastic IEMs. 

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                  Along the way, viewers get fascinating looks at life in space, including what it’s like to eat in zero gravity and how difficult it is to navigate through all the controlled chaos. Orbiting around 250 miles above Earth puts supply runs at a premium, so nearly every inch of the ISS is relegated for storage, research station, wiring, or many other vital components.

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                  Inside, each earpiece features a 7mm True Response Dynamic Driver that has been measured and matched in Sennheiser’s factory, then tuned via custom resonator chambers in the housings. The focus here is on delivering a cohesive sound, so while there are certainly other IEMs with more drivers, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a set with a more fluid and unified sound than these offer. 

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                  Humans have lived continuously aboard the ISS for over 25 years, but the historic endeavor is fast approaching its retirement. According to the current schedule, NASA will initiate its deorbital procedures in 2031. After that, the station will fall back towards Earth and burn up safely during atmospheric re-entry.

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                  The post Tour the International Space Station in new NASA walkthrough appeared first on Popular Science.

                  -]]>                  en-US                  <![CDATA[5 breakthrough health innovations in 2025]]>The post 5 breakthrough health innovations in 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

                  -]]>                  https://www.popsci.com/health/health-breakthroughs-2025/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729819Sun, 28 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0500HealthBest of What's NewMedicineTechnologyFor years, needing reading glasses to correct farsightedness seemed like an inevitable part of aging. This year, the visual accessories might officially be a thing of the past. VIZZ eyedrops by LENZ Therapeutics offer a new tool against age-related farsightedness. The newly approved drops are powerful enough to improve vision by three or more lines on an eye chart within only 30 minutes. 

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                  There are plenty of IEMs that would work well for travel, but the IE600 earns our best pick because of its small size and secure fit. One of the benefits of using a single driver in each earpiece is that the housings can be significantly smaller than those of many competing sets. While they don’t extend too far into the inner ear, they do nestle flatly into the outer ear and sit securely even as you move and navigate through challenging scenarios like dashing through an airport or wedging yourself into a crowded subway car. Unlike full-sized headphones and even some TWS earbuds, they won’t cause issues with a neck pillow or sleep mask or become uncomfortable when you try to nap with your head leaning against the airplane wall (proven IRL on a flight to Ireland).

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                  That wide-ranging impact is why Popular Science chose the drops as the 2025 Health category winner. This year’s list also includes ground-breaking improvements to pediatric heart transplants, a potential cure for a deadly blood cancer, and a minimally invasive way to treat prostate cancer.

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                  If you’re an audiophile, you’ll find a lot to love here, but what struck me was how approachable their sound signature is. There’s plenty of bass for a fun and engaging listen, but also ample energy in the mids and highs. For a pair of in-ear monitors, which are typically not known for their wide soundstage, I was also impressed by the sense of space they offer. 

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                  (Editor’s Note: This is a section from Popular Science’s 38th annual Best of What’s New awards. Be sure to read the full list of the 50 greatest innovations of 2025.)

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                  The biggest downsides to this set are that its cables (standard 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced for connecting to dedicated listening gear) don’t live up to the quality of the earphones themselves. They work perfectly well, but can be a bit stiff and prone to tangling. And even though they’re detachable, they use a semi-proprietary connection, so replacing them isn’t as easy as it is with most other IEMs around this price.

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                  Grand Award Winner, Health

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                  Cable matters aside, this is an excellent pair of IEMs that will reliably stick in your ears and help you get lost in blissful sound until you’re found at your destination.

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                  Best accessory: Twelve South AirFly Pro 2

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                  Twelve South

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                  Presbyopia, age-related farsightedness that makes people need reading glasses, affects 128 million people in the US, and close to 2 billion people worldwide. It’s one of the few conditions that is basically guaranteed if you live long enough. Now, an eye drop called VIZZ, developed by LENZ Therapeutics, offers presbyopic patients vision correction for 10 hours at a time.

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                  The aceclidine eye solution got FDA approval for treatment of presbyopia in July. Aceclidine, previously known in Europe as an unremarkable treatment for glaucoma, works on the iris by making the pupil smaller. The smaller the pupil, the greater the depth of focus. In trials that included 1,059 participants, aged 45 to 75, VIZZ improved people’s near vision by three or more lines on eye charts within 30 minutes. Investigators reported that participants could read phones and tablets without reading glasses, and had no loss to their distance vision. Results lasted up to 10 hours. 

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                  Previously, other presbyopia drops that worked on a different part of the eye—the ciliary muscle, which is behind the iris—caused brow pain for some users. For users of VIZZ, the most commonly reported adverse reactions are eye irritation, dimming of vision, redness, and headache. The company also recommends consulting an eye care professional before starting these, as miotics like VIZZ could heighten the risk of retinal tears.

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                  On-Table Reanimation of a Pediatric Heart from Donation after Circulatory Death by Duke University Medical Center: Widening the donor pool for children in need of a heart

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                  • Great battery life
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                  • Can both receive and send audio
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                  • Possible audio latency for video can be distracting
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                  • Can’t be used while charging
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                  + Specs

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                  • + + Price: + + + $59.99 +
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                  • + + Compatibility: + + + All Bluetooth headphones +
                    • +
                  • + + Battery Life: + + + 25 hours +
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                  • + + Dimensions: + + + 56.6mm x 29mm x 11.2mm +
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                  Babies are far more likely than adults to die waiting for a heart transplant. In 2022, a study from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients found that more than 1,100 children were on the waitlist, with hundreds more being added every year. Due to a small donor pool and lack of devices usable in pediatric transplants, up to 20% of those children will die while waiting. The most common type of heart donation is donation after brain death (DBD). However, a way to widen the donor pool would be to include heart donations following circulatory death (DCD), or after the donor’s heart stops beating. A known technique called normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) reanimates a DCD heart in order for it to be donated. However, NRP has raised ethical concerns surrounding the definition of death and restoring blood flow to a dead body. As a result, the technique faces bans at many institutions, and viable donor hearts—including pediatric hearts—frequently go unused. 

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                  What if you already have a pair of wireless headphones you like and just need a way to connect them to the seatback screen, etc.? The Twelve South AirFly Pro 2 is the accessory for you. Similar to the transmitter that comes with the JBL Tour One M3 discussed above, the AirFly Pro 2 can connect to analog sources and wirelessly transmit them via Bluetooth 5.3 to any pair of wireless portable audio devices. It’s tiny, portable, and game-changing if all you need is a way to listen in.

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                  In an attempt to bypass the fierce NRP debate and increase the donor pool for infants in need, a team at Duke University Medical Center developed the on-table reanimation technique, a system with a special circuit that reanimates the DCD heart outside of the body right on the surgical table. Because all of this happens outside the body, the new technique sidesteps many of NRP’s restrictions. Using the new technique, the team successfully transplanted a heart from a 1-month-old donor to a 3-month-old recipient. According to Dr. Joe Turek, a pediatric cardiac surgeon at Duke University, the recipient baby has been healthy and well ever since.

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                  But if you do opt for this little game-changer, you can count on even more versatility. The AirFly Pro 2 has a trick up its sleeve: This little superstar can also act as a receiver. If you have a speaker or sound system you’d like to stream to, it’s as simple as plugging the AirFly Pro 2 into a 3.5mm aux port, connecting it to your phone, and pressing play (a Deluxe version includes a two-prong airplane adapter and carrying pouch).

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                  The Duke team is now presenting the technique to colleagues around the country. A wide adoption of it could increase the donor pool for pediatric heart transplants by up to 20% and save countless children’s lives. According to the Duke team, this method could be applied to adult heart transplants as well, offering a less expensive way of getting donor hearts to patients in need.

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                  With 25 hours of battery life, it has enough juice to last through most trips and, outside of marathon flights, should see you through multiple listening sessions. It can’t be used while charging, so be sure to plug it in so it’s ready for action before you leave. 

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                  Carvykti by Legend Biotech and Johnson & Johnson: Possible cure for deadly blood cancer

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                  The one thing to bear in mind is that this device is best suited for music. There’s a bit of audio delay for video content. The biggest streaming services, like YouTube and Netflix, automatically compensate for this, but the most quickly moving in-flight movies may not.

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                  Overall, this is a great pick-up for anyone who spends a lot of time on flights and already has a pair of wireless headphones they’re not interested in upgrading.

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                  Things to consider when choosing the best headphones for travel 

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                  Multiple myeloma has long been considered incurable. The deadly blood cancer, a disease that 36,000 Americans develop each year, eats away at bones, creating holes that weaken the skeleton. In a milestone study published this year, Carvykti, a CAR-T immunotherapy, has yielded long-term remission and survival for multiple myeloma patients. Out of 97 treated patients, one-third had their cancer disappear. This is a striking outcome for people who were facing death after trying everything prior to the treatment. With some patients as of today going on five, or even seven, years post-treatment completely disease-free, researchers are encouraging colleagues to consider using cancer medicine’s forbidden four letter word: cure. 

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                  Active vs. passive noise cancellation

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                  Developed in China by Legend Biotech, which then teamed up with Johnson & Johnson, Carvykti works by extracting a patient’s own white blood cells, retraining them to fight against the cancer, then reinfusing them back into the body. Unsurprisingly, it can be a physically grueling process. 

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                  While most of our picks use an array of microphones and algorithms to actively monitor and cancel environmental noise, it never hurts to pick a pair that fits your ears/eyewear/hairstyle/headshape, etc., in order to avoid gaps that can impact ANC and auditory performance. Don’t underestimate the role of passive noise cancellation—aka, how well insulated and isolating the headphones are even when turned off.

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                  The FDA approved the therapy in 2022, and it’s now causing a stir as follow-up research uncovers its astounding long-term effects. Researchers say the results would likely be even better if Carvykti was used as an earlier line of treatment, and not only as a last resort.

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                  Battery life

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                  Remote Patient Monitoring program for blood pressure by UC Davis Health: A personalized, widely accessible program to resolve hypertension

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                  Are you taking commuter jets or long-haul aircraft? Our recommendations can run for six to 40 hours, and you should take into account the trade-offs for pocketability and your need for quick-charge capabilities, etc.

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                  Packability

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                  Consider your carry-on. Some headphones merely fold flat and may require more space in your bag to be allocated for them to fit, while others have hinges to allow for even more compact cases. You know how you pack, so pick accordingly.

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                  +

                  Transparency mode

                  -

                  Hypertension is a chronic disease that affects nearly half of Americans over age 20, according to the American Heart Association. High blood pressure can put someone at risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Getting high blood pressure under control can not only lengthen a person’s life, but also improve their ease and enjoyment of everyday activities. UC Davis Health recently pioneered an at-home patient monitoring program using take-home technology to help hypertension patients lower their blood pressure. 

                  +

                  If you dislike taking your headphones on and off when there’s an announcement or when you’re asked what type of beverage you’d like, consider headphones with a good transparency mode, allowing you to interact with your surroundings with the push of a button. 

                  -

                  The Remote Patient Monitoring program for blood pressure is six months long, but patients can extend their participation in the program for up to a year. The program includes education, medication, and blood pressure cuffs for at-home monitoring. Each patient is given an orientation, group classes, and individual coaching about best practices for their health, all while working remotely with a full medical team. Combined, over 150 patients are either currently in or have gone through the program. 

                  +

                  IP rating

                  -

                  Now, over a year in, UC Davis Health is declaring triumph, citing an average drop in people’s blood pressure from 150/80 mmHg to 125/74 mmHg in only a matter of months, significantly reducing patients’ risk of heart disease. And participants are maintaining their progress even after graduating from the program.

                  +

                  Although we didn’t specifically address it, as we’re focusing on the experience in airports and during transit, you may want to consider the water resistance of your headphones if you frequently travel to rainy cities. An IP Rating is a number provided by a manufacturer that tells you how much water electronics can withstand.

                  -

                  UC Davis Health currently has several remote patient monitoring programs in place and wants to use new technology to make care more accessible. For many reasons—such as distance, age, mobility, or pregnancy—a patient may not be able to easily come in to see the doctor as often as they need to. UC Davis’ model could be useful for rural and urban medical centers alike. According to the program leaders, they are working to not only continue the program, but expand it in years to come. 

                  +

                  FAQs

                  -

                  NanoKnife by AngioDynamics: A minimally invasive intervention for prostate cancer

                  +
                  +
                  Q: What are the best noise-canceling headphones for airplanes?

                  The best headphones for airplanes excel at filtering out low-frequency noise, such as that of jet engines, as well as chatter and clatter from fellow passengers. For this purpose, I recommend looking at the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones. If you’re an Apple user, the Apple AirPods Max are another great option. All three pairs of headphones can effectively minimize droning engine noise, providing a much more peaceful plane ride.

                  Q: Can you use Bluetooth headphones on airplanes?

                  Yes! Bluetooth headphones are very common on airplanes and can be enjoyed throughout most of your flight. There are certain points where you may be requested to turn them off and stow them away, however, and you should always follow these recommendations when given by a pilot or flight attendant.

                  Q: How do you connect wireless headphones to an airplane seat? 

                  Unfortunately, outside of the newest planes supporting Bluetooth pairing (possibly only in upper-class cabins), most airplane seatback screens only offer 3.5mm jacks for wired headphones and don’t natively support wireless listening. (And some still have the two-prong setup in the armrest that may require an adapter.) There are products that can help with this, however, such as the Twelve South AirFly Pro 2, recommended above, or the JBL Tour One M3, which includes a similar transmitter of its own. These devices connect to the system physically and then rebroadcast that audio over Bluetooth directly to your headphones.

                  +
                  +

                  Final thoughts on the best headphones for travel

                  -
                  - - - - - -
                  - -
                  - nano knife - - -
                  -                   -
                  - - - - Learn More +
                  +
                • Also worth considering: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
                  • -

                  One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetimes, according to the American Cancer Society. Treatment can include surgery or radiation, but these interventions can damage the nerves surrounding the tumor, leading to complications like erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. 

                  +
                • Best ANC: Sony WH-1000XM6
                  • -

                  Developed by AngioDynamics and cleared by the FDA in December 2024, NanoKnife sends localized electrical pulses directly to the cancerous tissue with a precision that avoids damage to neighboring tissues. Just like some breast cancer patients are given the option of a more targeted lumpectomy instead of treating the entire breast, eligible prostate cancer patients now have a more focused, radiation-free alternative that doesn’t require treating the entire gland. 

                  +
                • Best for audiophiles who love to EQ: Sennheiser HDB 630
                  • -

                  The NanoKnife System offers men with prostate cancer that hasn’t yet spread a minimally invasive solution with limited quality-of-life side effects before doctors turn to other, more aggressive treatments. It is now being used in hospitals around the country. 

                  -

                  The post 5 breakthrough health innovations in 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

                  -]]>en-US<![CDATA[​​Why you should still print photos]]>A tangible reminder of your life's big (and little) moments.

                  -

                  The post ​​Why you should still print photos appeared first on Popular Science.

                  -]]>                  https://www.popsci.com/diy/why-you-should-still-print-photos/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729570Sun, 28 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0500DIYPhotographyProjectsTechnologyWhen’s the last time you printed a photo, or got a bunch of photos professionally printed? Unless you’re a diehard analogue camera fan, chances are it’s been a while. 

                  +
                • Best splurge: Focal Bathys MG
                  • -

                  The age of smartphones means most of us carry thousands of photos with us at all times, usually storing many more than that somewhere in the cloud. And that’s great in many ways, but digital hoarding is also kind of a drag. 

                  +
                • Also worth considering: DALI IO-8 | DALI IO-12
                  • -

                  There are so many photos it can be hard to find the ones you’re looking for, and it can also be annoying to show off particular collections during an in-person conversation. This is why it’s a good idea to curate a physical collection of photos after something like a trip or important event. This could mean ordering a book or just printing a few highlights—just get some kind of physical collection. Here are a few reasons. 

                  +
                • Best for airplanes: JBL Tour One M3 
                  • -

                  You don’t have to hand anyone your phone

                  +
                • Best for iPhone users: AirPods Max 
                  • -

                  We’ve all done it: handed our phone to someone to show them a photo. It works, but there are downsides. 

                  +
                • Also worth considering for spatial audio: Sonos Ace
                  • -

                  For one thing, there’s probably all sorts of things on your phone you don’t want to share with everyone in your life. Maybe they’ll scroll through your photos, looking for similar pictures but instead finding something you’d rather keep private. Maybe a notification pops up that you’d rather your family not see. Or, in the worst-case scenario, maybe someone goes snooping on your device on purpose.

                  +
                • Best value: Soundcore Space One
                  • -

                  All of these situations can be avoided if you hand them a photo album instead of your phone. And yes, you could also avoid this by using something like AirPlay or Google Cast to show the photos on your TV, but that only works consistently if you’re at home—otherwise, you’re fighting to connect to someone else’s television. It’s a lot easier to just hand someone a photo album. 

                  +
                • Best budget: JLab JBuds Lux ANC
                  • -

                  Curation is its own reward

                  +
                • Best true wireless earbuds for sleeping in silence: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen.)
                  • -

                  It is so easy, in this day of cheap cloud storage, to take dozens of photos every day and never think about them. You can always search or scroll when you need something specific, right?

                  +
                • Also worth considering: Technics EAH-AZ100 | AirPods Pro 3
                  • -

                  But all of that assumes the art of going through your photos and choosing the best ones is a burden, and not a delight. And I’m here to tell you that there is real joy to be found in going through old photos, choosing the best ones, and deciding to get those—and only those—printed. 

                  +
                • Best IEM: Sennheiser IE600
                  • -

                  It’s also fun arranging these physical photos so that they flow from one to the other. (There’s a reason people used to scrapbook as a hobby!) There’s an art to it, which is satisfying. Yes, you could create digital albums in something like Google or Apple Photos, which is a very worthwhile activity. But that feels like work. Carefully arranging your photos in a way that recreates a fond memory or juxtaposing them artistically is a creative exercise in and of itself. Making things with your own hands is satisfying and good for your brain. 

                  +
                • Best accessory: Twelve South AirFly Pro 2
                  • +
                -

                The cloud won’t last forever

                +

                A great pair of headphones can enhance multiple aspects of your life. Whether you’re a music lover, a tech enthusiast, or simply want to filter out the noise of an engine or HVAC unit, it’s worth investing in. For listeners on the go, they can be even more important and improve a traveler’s quality of life. Enjoying the journey is one of life’s great lessons. Hopefully, these picks help you along that path.

                +

                The post The best travel headphones for 2026, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                en-US                <![CDATA[The health benefits of Dry January]]>Weight loss, better sleep, and more can happen in one alcohol-free month.

                +

                The post The health benefits of Dry January appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                https://www.popsci.com/health/dry-january-benefits/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729575Tue, 30 Dec 2025 11:13:00 -0500HealthBiologyDiseasesNutritionScienceHoliday hangover season is upon us, and murmurs of Dry January are back. The popular month of alcohol abstinence has become tradition for people hoping to hit “reset” with the clean slate of the new year. 

                -

                Sprawling tech conglomerates like Google and Apple seem like they’ll be around forever, but that just isn’t the case. The history of technology is one where impossibly large companies all eventually disappear, often taking their data with them.

                +

                Founded by the charity Alcohol Change UK, the month-long challenge started in 2013 with 4,000 registrants. By 2025, that number had swelled to 200,000. And those are just the official registrants. Many people worldwide participate unofficially. In 13 years, Dry January has become a recognizable shorthand for avoiding booze at the turn of the year. And while there are numerous reasons to take a hiatus from alcohol, none seem to be more pressing than health.

                -

                I am not predicting the imminent collapse of any software giants, only pointing out that if something like that happened, there’s a good chance the services where your photos live right now will stop existing. It would be up to you—or the people who come after you—to move the photos off the dying cloud service and onto one that’s still running. Yes, there’s generally a warning, but sometimes life gets in the way and you miss a deadline. 

                +

                A recent review paper published in the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism describes the positive health effects of participating in Dry January and the benefits of taking short-term breaks from drinking. 

                -

                That’s just one scenario. There could be a computer glitch that randomly deletes photos, or you could forget to pay a cloud subscription bill at some future point in your life. Your photos could disappear forever. Physical photos aren’t like that. They’re in your home. Sure, they could be destroyed in an accident or a fire, which is a good reason to keep the digital photos around and backed up. But physical photos are yours in a way anything stored on the cloud is not. That alone makes having some old-fashioned, paper photos around worthwhile. 

                +

                “Even with a one month pause on drinking, there were noticeable changes in several biomarkers that are associated with alcohol use,” Megan Strowger, Postdoctoral Research Associate and lead author of the paper, tells Popular Science. 

                -

                They’re a tangible reminder of something great

                +

                Strowger and her team at Brown University analyzed 16 studies, comprising more than 150,000 participants. They found that participants who sobered up for one month reported better sleep, elevated mood, and weight loss. Positive biological changes included lower blood pressure, less liver fat, better blood glucose, improved insulin resistance, and decreases in concentrations of cancer-related growth factors.

                -

                Whether it’s a special event, an epic trip, or a new addition to your family, some things deserve to be commemorated. Printing photos and compiling them is a great way to do that. You are going to value an actual physical object more in 20 years than any Instagram post (assuming Instagram even exists in 20 years). 

                +

                “Alcohol affects all aspects of the body,” Strowger says. 

                -

                You can pull the book out during conversations. You can page through it yourself, anytime. 

                +

                We’ve all heard about what booze does to the liver, but according to the paper, a drinking habit leaves a mark on nearly everything.

                -

                There’s another side to this: your own mortality. I hate to break it to you, but you are going to die someday (sorry). When you do, it will be up to someone you love to sort through your belongings and decide what to keep. A well-curated collection of physical photos is far more likely to be valued than an endless scroll of digital photos. Plus, who wants to end up a ghostbot?

                -

                The post ​​Why you should still print photos appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>                en-US                <![CDATA[Squirrels can find 85% of the nuts they hide]]>Our furry neighbors use a whole toolkit to locate their caches during the winter.

                -

                The post Squirrels can find 85% of the nuts they hide appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>                https://www.popsci.com/science/squirrels-find-nuts-ask-us-anything-podcast/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729749Sat, 27 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0500ScienceAnimalsAsk Us AnythingEnvironmentWildlifeEvery fall, squirrels stash thousands of nuts and other snacks in preparation for winter. For our fluffy-tailed friends, survival depends on being able to locate these food stores months later. So, how do they do it? In this episode of Ask Us Anything, we talk about the skills squirrels use to find their food and debunk a common misconception about how many nuts they lose.

                +

                Strowger says the data initially surprised her. “I didn’t think that that much could change in the body after just one month.”

                +

                The positive changes also last. People’s improved well-being appears to linger for some time, as does a changed relationship with alcohol in general. 

                -

                Ask Us Anything answers your most outlandish, mind-burning questions—from the everyday things you’ve always wondered to the bizarre things you never thought to ask. So, yes, there’s a reason we have two nostrils instead of one big nose hole and no, snakes don’t just slither. If you have a question for us, send us a note. Nothing is too silly or simple.

                +
                +
                + +

                + Related Alcohol Stories

                +
                + +
                +

                3 common alcohol myths, debunked

                +

                What is a hangover? And can you cure it?

                +

                Is drinking alcohol ever good for you? Here’s what the science says.

                +
                +
                -

                This episode is based on the Popular Science article “How squirrels actually find all their buried nuts.” You can also read about Tommy Tucker, a dress-wearing squirrel that sold war bonds during World War II.

                +

                “Even six months after the challenge, participants reported sustained decreases in their overall consumption,” Strowger says. “They also had a reduced risk for developing issues with alcohol use disorder or becoming addicted to alcohol.”

                -

                Subscribe to Ask Us Anything

                +

                Dry January’s mass uptake is a small push against alcohol’s omnipresence in daily life. In 2024, 66.5 percent of American adults reported drinking in the past year, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Alcohol plays a causal role in 200 known health conditions, and remains a leading cause of illness and death worldwide. The public’s burgeoning awareness of these dangers has fed into a rapidly ballooning sober-curious movement. Now well-known, Dry January comes with a sense of community. The “everyone’s doing it” effect can be motivating for people trying to stay on the wagon. The paper says many people’s Dry January success was made easier with the help of social connection, the use of abstinence apps such as the Try Dry app, and supportive emails and texts sent by the Dry January campaign.

                -

                Listen and follow Ask Us Anything on your favorite podcast platform:

                +

                And for anyone whose Dry January might’ve been a little less dry than they planned, there’s still good news. According to the data, people who didn’t do a perfect Dry January reported benefits as well, making a good case for “Damp January” for those who aren’t ready to go cold turkey. 

                -

                Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Or wherever you get your podcasts.

                +

                Strowger says the science behind Dry January made it all very clear for her. She even did a Dry January of her own, achieving better sleep quality and a lasting reduction on her own consumption.

                -
                +

                “My anecdotal experiences do map onto what we found in the paper,” she says. 

                -

                Full Episode Transcript

                +

                While it’s a good idea for most, abstinence challenges aren’t for everyone. Anyone suffering from a true alcohol use disorder should speak with a medical professional before embarking on something like Dry January, as withdrawal is a very real danger. 

                -

                Sarah Durn: Well, we’re fully in December, so we all know what that means. It’s Nutcracker time.

                +

                Strowger says that anyone without a chronic condition who is questioning their relationship with alcohol should feel good about giving the one month challenge a try.

                -

                [“Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” plays]

                +

                “From my own experiences, those of my team, and then from doing this review, it shows that there are far more positives than negatives to participating.”

                +

                The post The health benefits of Dry January appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                en-US                <![CDATA[This is now the most valuable piece of Star Wars memorabilia ]]>Artist Tom Jung’s 1977 painting introduced the world to the look and feel of George Lucas’ blockbuster adventure.

                +

                The post This is now the most valuable piece of Star Wars memorabilia  appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                https://www.popsci.com/science/most-expensive-star-wars-memorabilia/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729773Tue, 30 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0500ScienceScience FictionDarth Vader’s reign has ended. For a brief time, he owned the mantle of “Most Expensive Piece of Star Wars Memorabilia,” but before you could say “more wealth than you can imagine” he fell once again, with a new challenger rising to take his place. It was only this past September that a verified screen-used lightsaber hilt wielded by the Dark Lord of the Sith in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi set a sales record by fetching $3.65 million. It was a high bar, but it’s already been cleared. 

                -

                No, I’m not talking about that kind of nutcracker. I’m talking about our delightful, furry neighbors: squirrels.

                +

                The family of late Star Wars producer Gary Kurtz recently put a rare and valuable piece of artwork up for auction: Tom Jung’s original halfsheet painting depicting the heroes of the Rebellion, soaring X-Wing starfighters, and the looming head of Vader himself. Heritage Auctions ended up selling the piece for a staggering $3.875 million–setting a new record.

                -

                [Squirrel chattering]

                +

                Experts credit two things for the incredible value of this piece of artwork. One is its scarcity. The term “halfsheet” refers to an old movie poster format that was typically oriented horizontally rather than vertically and was printed on heavier stock meant for theater lobby displays. The original Star Wars movie poster (also painted by Jung) was in the more traditional vertical orientation and was more widely sold and collected–although you can see the iconic Luke and Leia pose from that poster used again in a slightly different variation in the bottom left corner of the halfsheet art.

                -

                That’s right, every year as the weather starts to turn, squirrels get busy collecting and stealing as many nuts as they can for winter. But how are these adorable creatures able to find all their buried loot?

                +

                [Related: Lifelong Star Wars fan builds the droids of his childhood dreams]

                -

                Welcome to Ask Us Anything from the editors of Popular Science, where we answer your questions about our weird world. From “are cats really afraid of cucumbers?” to “why are most people right-handed?” No question is too outlandish or mundane. I’m Sarah Durn, an editor at Popular Science.

                +
                Star Wars, lobbycard, (aka : EPISODE IV - A NEW HOPE), US poster art, Darth Vader, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, Mark Hamill, C-3PO, R2-D2, 1977. (Photo by LMPC via Getty Images)
                Original Star Wars lobbycard US poster art featuring Darth Vader, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, Mark Hamill, C-3PO, R2-D2. Image: LMPC via Getty Images LMPC
                -

                Annie Colbert: And I’m Annie Colbert, editor-in-chief at Popular Science.

                +

                The other reason is that for many people this was the first visual introduction to the world of Star Wars for a large portion of the audience in 1977. Jung’s art was used in print newspaper ads beginning in early May of that year, several weeks before the film was released in theaters. It’s credited with laying the foundation for the movie experience–the artwork is dramatic, with competing shades of darkness and light. It establishes the look of Vader, R2-D2, C-3PO, Chewbacca (if you look closely), and the X-Wings. You see the grave face of the elder Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi juxtaposed with the eager young face of Luke Skywalker looking skyward. It even has a spoiler (not that people in 1977 would know that’s a triumphant medal ceremony Luke, Chewie, and Han Solo are marching towards). As the Heritage Auctions press release says, this is “the painting that introduced the world to Star Wars,” because it was “the first widely published image to ever promote Star Wars,” adding that it “quickly became the definitive visual identity of Star Wars, later gracing the film’s official program cover, massive 24-sheet billboards, and countless magazine and newspaper ads during its original release.”

                -

                SD: Here at Popular Science, we’re always pondering oddball questions. Curiosity is basically our office air supply. 

                +

                Now that a new champion has earned the top spot on the leaderboard, here are a few of the other extremely valuable “Holy Grails” for collectors of all things Star Wars: 

                -

                AC: And this week our curiosity has led us to how squirrels find all their buried nuts in winter, something Sarah just edited a piece on. So, Sarah, how are squirrels able to find all these nuts?

                +

                DARTH VADER’S LIGHTSABER

                -

                SD: Yeah, well, the short answer is that they rely on a long list of special squirrel skills. Squirrels use a whole toolkit: smell, sight, memory, and they’ll even steal from one another to recover food stores. Spatial memory does a lot of the heavy lifting here, and field studies find they recover a surprisingly high fraction of what they cache.

                +

                As mentioned, the item that held the top spot for a few months was a verified screen-used lightsaber hilt, sold at auction at the Los Angeles Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction. It was the only lightsaber prop to ever come to public auction that was proven to be used on camera. Price: $3.64 million

                -

                In other words, despite the jokes, these bushy tailed hoarders are really good at finding their buried loot. 

                +

                X-WING MODEL

                -

                AC: I love that. So right away we are correcting that very famous Sarah Silverman joke.

                +

                Discovered in the garage of late Star Wars modelmaker Greg Jein, this extremely rare 20-inch X-Wing model was used for the final battle sequence in the original Star Wars and was believed to have been lost forever. In 2023, Heritage Auctions put it up for sale. Price: $3.1 million

                -

                SD: Oh yeah. The one about how squirrels forget where they put their nuts and how that’s how trees are planted. 

                +

                VLIX ACTION FIGURE

                -

                AC: Yes, exactly. I’ve seen it on TikTok many times. 

                +

                Not one of the most iconic Star Wars action figures, but definitely the rarest and most valuable. Don’t worry if you have no idea who Vlix is, you’re probably not alone. He only appeared in four episodes of the 1986 animated kids show Star Wars: Droids. What makes him rare is that he was originally set to be produced by toy manufacturer Kenner (who produced all of the other figures in the Droids line as well as the movies) but the show was cancelled before they could use the expensive molds they had already made for Vlix. So Kenner sold the molds to a Brazilian toy company called Glasslite, who then made the figures. They are extremely hard to find and coveted by collectors. Price: Anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000. 

                -

                SD: Yeah. No shade to Silverman, but squirrels aren’t planting trees.

                +

                MARVEL COMICS STAR WARS #1

                -

                AC: I mean, I never really thought comedians were a good source for squirrel facts. And of course, I never doubted our squirrel friends and their abilities to hide nuts.

                +

                Long before Disney owned them both, Luke Skywalker and Spider-Man shared a common home. In July 1977, Marvel Comics kicked off their Star Wars comic book line with issue #1, a retelling of the movie adapted by Roy Thomas and illustrated by Howard Chaykin. Depending on condition, it remains one of the most valuable Star Wars comics. Price: Anywhere from $2,500 to $11,500.

                -

                SD: I know they’re too adorable not to be very good at their jobs.

                +

                KRAYT DRAGON BONES

                -

                AC: Exactly. Now, before we dive deep into the nut hoard, we wanna know what questions are keeping you curious. If there’s something you’ve always wanted to know, submit your questions through popsci.com/ask. Again, that’s popsci.com/ask. 

                +

                In the beginning of Star Wars, C-3PO wanders through the desert of Tatooine and passes the remains of a dinosaur-like creature. Actually, it was a dinosaur–the bones were repurposed props from an old Disney movie called One of Our Dinosaurs is Missing. Later identified through lore as the bones of a “Krayt Dragon,” the prop bones were actually left behind by the crew in the desert of Tunisia where they filmed, and pieces of the bones were discovered by an actual archeologist in 1995. Fans and rabid collectors have even trekked to Tunisia to find (and sell) pieces they’re able to find in the sand. Price: Anywhere from $150 to $1,800.  

                +

                The post This is now the most valuable piece of Star Wars memorabilia  appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                en-US                <![CDATA[Amazon just dropped Bluetti portable power stations and solar generators below Black Friday prices]]>Don't wait for an emergency to grab a battery backup system. Bluetti's powerful packs are as affordable as they get right now.

                +

                The post Amazon just dropped Bluetti portable power stations and solar generators below Black Friday prices appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                https://www.popsci.com/gear/bluetti-portable-power-station-solar-generator-amazon-winter-deals/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730050Tue, 30 Dec 2025 09:54:28 -0500GearOutdoor GearYou never think you need emergency gear until you actually need it. That’s why this substantial Amazon sale on Bluetti portable power stations is a great time to get ready for the next power outage. Add some optional solar panels and these juice boxes will work as solar generators for when the grid truly isn’t an option.

                -

                SD: We can’t wait to hear your questions.

                +

                Editor’s picks

                -

                AC: We’ll be back with all of the nutty details of how squirrels are able to find their winter food stores after this short break.

                +
                + +

                BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 Portable Power Station — $799 (53% off)

                + + + + +
                + +
                + Bluetti Elite 200 V2 Portable Power Station +
                + + With all that extra capacity, this is a great model for areas with frequent blackouts. + +

                Bluetti

                 +
                + + +
                +                 +
                -

                Welcome back. So let’s get into it. 

                + + + + See It + +
                -

                SD: Let’s do it.

                +

                For the person who wants one power station that can handle real-life outage chaos. This is the kind of capacity and inverter muscle that can keep essentials humming—think router, lights, device charging, and even some higher-draw appliances in short bursts—without turning your living room into a gas-generator parking lot. At 53% off, it’s the rare deal that makes the math feel less painful.

                -

                AC: Okay. For starters, I had wrongly assumed that all squirrels stashed their nuts in the same way.

                +
                + +

                BLUETTI Apex 300 Portable Power Station — $1,699 (29% off)

                + + + + +
                + +
                + Bluetti Apex 300 Portable Power Station -

                SD: Tell me more.

                +
                + + This mid-size station is one of our favorite portable power stations overall. + +

                Bluetti

                 +
                + + +
                +                 +
                + + + + See It + +
                -

                AC: So Eastern gray squirrels, which are common across the Northeast and Midwest, are what scientists call scatter hoarders. They stash hundreds of nuts across a wide area rather than keeping them all in one place.

                +

                For the person building a more serious backup plan (or an RV/off-grid setup that doesn’t feel like camping). The Apex 300 is a high-capacity unit with enough output headroom to run more demanding gear—then scale up later with expansion batteries if you want longer runtimes. If you’ve ever had a power blip ruin your day, this is the kind of box you buy once and then feel smug about.

                -

                Other species, like red squirrels, which are common in Europe and across Russia, basically stockpile their food in a single defended pantry of sorts. Scientists call this technique larder hoarding.

                -

                SD: Oh, now I’m imagining them in like little kitchens.

                +
                + +

                BLUETTI AC2A Portable Power Station — $139 (37% off)

                + + + + +
                + +
                + Bluetti AC2A portable power station +
                + + This compact box is a great backup for mobile devices. + +

                Bluetti

                 +
                + + +
                +                 +
                + + + + See It -

                AC: Oh, Food Network, but it’s all squirrels. Oh, okay, sorry, I got distracted. But an important note is that they won’t stockpile their food near their nests.

                + +
                -

                SD: Oh, really?

                +

                For the person who wants the cheap, easy win: a lightweight power cube for camping, road trips, or desk-side backup. It’s ideal for keeping phones, tablets, lights, and small electronics alive when outlets are scarce (or when you just don’t feel like fighting for one). It won’t run your whole kitchen, but it will absolutely save a weekend.

                -

                AC: Yeah. I’m not sure if scientists know exactly why. Maybe it’s safer to keep the food out of the nest so other squirrels aren’t lurking around or other animals.

                +

                Big-capacity backup power (home, RV, and heavy loads)

                -

                SD: But all squirrels do have nest, right?

                + -

                AC: Ooh, squirrel HGTV! 

                +

                Solar generator kits (power station + panels)

                -

                SD: A whole squirrel network.

                + -

                SD: Yeah. I mean, New York squirrels are so intense.

                +

                Mid-size and compact power stations (camping, desk backup, and grab-and-go)

                -

                AC: All right, Sarah, so it’s time for the all important question. How exactly are squirrels able to find all this food they’re storing? 

                + -

                SD: Yeah, so I live in New Orleans where it’s pretty warm year round and it’s probably easier for squirrels to actually bury their nuts and other food in the ground here.

                +

                Expansion batteries and add-ons

                -

                AC: Okay, so another potentially silly question. They still need to bury the nuts in warmer places, right? Like there aren’t nuts or food year-round. 

                + -

                SD: Yeah, I was actually wondering that too. But basically, yes, trees will still lose their nuts and fall even in New Orleans. So squirrels still need to stockpile food for winter. But I would think southern squirrels maybe have an easier time than squirrels in say Canada.

                +

                CPAP and medical-device backup

                -

                AC: Totally. So squirrels, regardless of climate, all get busy hiding thousands of nuts every fall.

                + +

                The post Amazon just dropped Bluetti portable power stations and solar generators below Black Friday prices appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                en-US                <![CDATA[2025 proved humanoid robots are here to stay. And fall down.]]>Their creators say it’s the getting back up part that matters.

                +

                The post 2025 proved humanoid robots are here to stay. And fall down. appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                https://www.popsci.com/technology/humanoid-robots-falling-down-2025/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729650Tue, 30 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500TechnologyAIEngineeringRobotsScienceTech companies are collectively spending billions to turn the age old sci-fi trope of humanoid, general-purpose robots into reality. So far, that momentous effort has mostly produced staged performances, underwhelming demos, and lots of falling. If humanoid robots ever become genuinely useful for everyday people, 2025 may be remembered as the year they tried—and failed—to learn how to crawl.

                -

                SD: Yeah.

                +

                In some ways, robots falling down isn’t entirely new. Videos of robotics engineers punching, tripping, and otherwise tormenting early upright robots with muted exuberance have gone viral for years. But now, the shinier successors to those machines are making their way out of labs and into the real world, surrounded by actual people. The resulting face-plants and crashes are irresistible fodder for a public that is both skeptical of—and somewhat terrified by—the future these awkward robots seem to foretell. Meanwhile, engineers remain steadfast in their belief that all these tumbles are simply part of the process of collecting useful, real-world data.

                -

                AC: Hmm. So how do they actually find these nuts months later?

                +

                In the meantime, that living science experiment is creating some undeniably funny moments. Here are a few of the times humanoid fell in public this year. 

                -

                SD: Okay, so that’s an excellent question. So let’s start with the basics. Squirrels really don’t rely on a single trick. They use smell, sight, and memory, plus social cues from other squirrels. One of the sources from this story, Dr. Noah Perlut, a professor at the University of New England, who leads gray squirrel research on campus, says they “use the whole toolkit.” Spatial memory, remembering places and how those places relate to landmarks, is especially important for when they dig their food back up. 

                +

                Russia’ s premier robot meets its match: gravity

                -

                AC: Okay, but when you say spatial memory, do you mean they remember the exact spot or more like kind of general areas? 

                +
                +

                Russia unveiled its new humanoid robot, AIdol, in Moscow and it immediately collapsed👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/4ymFUaiYEg

                — Saint Javelin (@saintjavelin) November 12, 2025
                -

                SD: Typically they’re returning to the exact spot, even months later. In one experiment, scientists tried to fool squirrels with fake stashes that looked identical to the real ones. And they even swapped the grass patches, so the imposter stashes carried the real scent of the original places, but the squirrels didn’t fall for it. They ignored the imposters and dug up their actual caches. That tells us that their memory for where they buried things is accurate enough to beat a scent trick.

                +
                -

                AC: That’s wild. So smell isn’t enough to trick them. They’re actually remembering where things are buried?

                +

                Most people are familiar with the sensation of stage fright, but this humanoid robot from Russia tech firm AIDOL manifested some of those worst fears into reality. In November, the robot (also called AIDOL) walked, well really staggered, its way across a runway stage in Moscow. Almost immediately, its face clenched and it was clear something was wrong. AIDOL managed to get out a brief wave to the crowd of around 50 reporters before its knees buckled and it crumbled to the floor. A pair of human minders that were standing behind AIDOL quickly leapt onstage and dragged the disgraced machine out.

                -

                SD: Right. Smell helps, especially under snow, but it’s not the whole story. Field work also shows squirrels use visual landmarks. Another layer to this is that many squirrels actually steal nuts from other squirrels.

                +

                In a statement following, an AIDOL spokesperson told The New York Times the company was, “puzzled by the surprise around this situation in the media.” Organizers claimed the tingle was due to problems with the robot’s calibrations and unexpected “lighting issues.” 

                -

                AC: Nice drama.

                +

                “Despite our size, we believe our work is currently among the most advanced in Russia in this area and is quite comparable to leading international efforts,” the company said in a statement sent to The New York Times. 

                -

                SD: Yeah, so they’ll watch each other hide their winter food stores and often steal from one another.

                +

                Tesla’s Optimus takes a shady tumble

                -

                So squirrels aren’t only keeping track of “where did I put my food?” But also “where did that other squirrel put theirs?” Scientists call this pilfering. 

                +
                +

                This is suspicious as hell. It was reportedly recorded at Tesla's 'Autonomy Visualized' in Miami this weekend and posted to Reddit.

                Optimus is seen falling backward after smacking some bottles to the ground. But the weird part is that just before falling backward, both of its… https://t.co/Xw7njSopsn pic.twitter.com/7tsHpenUQk

                — Fred Lambert (@FredLambert) December 8, 2025
                -

                AC: Hmm. That’s nice. I guess it’s a little less mean sounding.

                +
                -

                SD: Yeah, right. Perlut thinks that squirrels actually try to pilfer AKA steal another squirrel stash first, and then if that fails, they go for their own stashes

                +

                Tesla has had its fair share of failed or questionable public demos (we’re looking at you, busted Cybertruck window), but this one might take the cake. Earlier this month, the company showed off its Optimus bipedal robots at a pop-up event tied to Art Basel Miami in Florida. Just four years ago, Optimus was literally a man in a suit.It has since been upgraded to fondle eggs, but has a clumsy moment at the December pop-up. Optimus was caught on video knocking over several plastic water bottles before raising its arms above its head and falling backward. People near the person recording can be heard letting out a somber “oooh” before Optimus’s back slapped against the ground.

                -

                AC: Wow. It’s a real squirrel-eat-squirrel world out there. 

                +

                But there may be more to the story than an unfortunate misstep. Journalists and commenters analyzing the video noted that the movement, aside from being hilarious, also seemed to match that of a person removing a VR headset. That’s notable, because some humanoid robot makers use humans wearing VR headsets to remotely control robots, making them appear capable of feats they cannot yet perform autonomously. Tesla has admitted to teleoperating Optimus during past events.

                -

                SD: Yeah. At least when it comes to their nuts. To avoid getting pilfered, squirrels will even pretend to bury nuts in one place and then actually bury them in another place ultimately. And it’s all a way to confuse the other squirrels who may be spying on them.

                +

                Tesla did not respond to Popular Science’s request for comment. 

                -

                AC: So there’s a whole social game going on. Do we know how well they do overall? Like how many hidden nuts do squirrels actually recover? 

                +
                +

                If there was any question that Optimus uses teleop for their robots. Here one clearly has a guy take the headset off and it falls over.

                Absolutely hilarious though. pic.twitter.com/4gYVohjY00

                — CIX 🦾 (@cixliv) December 8, 2025
                -

                SD: Yeah, so one urban study estimated gray squirrels retrieve about 85 percent of their cached nuts, or, you know, whatever else they’re burying. A more recent 2023 study reported that red squirrels in an urban park quickly found the majority of the nuts they cached, even with competition.

                +
                -

                AC: Wow. They’re much better than I am when I lose my wallet or keys or everything else I lose.

                +

                China’s Humanoid Robotic Games was a shaky mess 

                -

                SD: I know. I mean, we should all have like little squirrels help us find things we lose around the house.

                +

                Chinese government officials have not been shy about their desire to boost the country’s robotics program. As part of that initiative, the nation’s top companies and universities organized a number of high-profile public events this year intended to showcase their humanoid capabilities. None generated more hype than the so-called Humanoid Robotic Games, in August. In this Olympics-style competition in which 500 robots competed in events ranging from kickboxing and soccer to racing.

                -

                AC: Honestly, that would be a dream. Welcome the squirrels to my home.

                +

                What actually happened was a whole lot of stumbling, falling, and failing to even get moving . One of the racing robots reportedly had to retire after his head flopped off. Not long after, another robot walking across a runway-style stage in a fashionable hat waved to a crowd then immediately face planted into a glowing orb. During the competition, human children also danced alongside the robots showing far superior balance and tact. 

                -

                SD: I know, that would be amazing. Perlut also notes that squirrels can remember things for up to two months.

                +

                Boastful robot face plants during first humanoid boxing match

                -

                AC: Wow.

                -

                SD: And they’re really, really smart about the timing of how they eat things too. They’ll eat certain nuts sooner, for example. So acorns from a white oak sprout quickly, so squirrels often eat those first, while red oak acorns germinate more slowly, and they can be stored for longer.

                +
                +

                Soccer is so yesterday. Robot MMA it is. pic.twitter.com/BKr3TXHh49

                — Chubby♨ (@kimmonismus) May 25, 2025
                +
                -

                AC: So wise, our little friends.

                +

                The Humanoid Games were, for all intents and purposes, a failure. But they were not even the first high-profile case of Chinese-made humanoid robots flopping in public. Months earlier in May, robot maker Unitree streamed what it dubbed the world’s first boxing match between humanoid robots. The event pitted four 4.3-foot-tall Unitree humanoids, outfitted with boxing gloves, against one another in tournament-style fights. Unlike some of the robots featured in the Humanoid Games, these bots were all remotely controlled by engineers.

                -

                SD: I know. One thing Perlut said really struck me. He noted that gray squirrels, for instance, spend a lot of time not foraging. They rest, watch, socialize. So that’s in a way, evidence of how effective their stashing system is. They’re not busy all day hiding nuts. I love that.

                +

                One thing engineers couldn’t control, however, was the robots’ unsteady footing. In one of the event’s more memorable moments, a pink-helmeted robot known as Silk Artisan fell to the floor, splits-style, after failing to land a side kick against its opponent, AI Strategist. As the cameras rolled, AI Strategist shuffled forward, stepped over Silk Artisan’s collapsed body, and tauntingly waved its arms—only to suddenly trip over its fallen opponent.

                -

                AC: They work smart, but not nonstop. I feel like those are icons for all of us.

                -

                SD: So to recap, squirrels use a combination of spatial memory, smell, visual landmarks, social observation, and even watching what other squirrels are up to, plus all that fake bearing drama to throw off furry thieves to protect and recover their caches. All in all squirrels are really good at finding what they hide.

                +
                +

                Soccer is so yesterday. Robot MMA it is. pic.twitter.com/BKr3TXHh49

                — Chubby♨ (@kimmonismus) May 25, 2025
                +
                -

                Different species go about it in different ways, whether that’s scatter hoarding all over the place or keeping one big pantry stash, AKA larder hoarding. 

                +

                ‘WTF was that?’

                -

                AC: And they’re really pros.

                -

                SD: They really are.

                +
                + +
                -

                AC: I’ve learned so much today. With that, we’ll be right back to wrap up this episode with the story of Tommy Tucker, a squirrel who was adopted by the Bullis family in 1944.

                +

                The next example doesn’t quite meet the definition of falling down, but it certainly shows a humanoid not performing as intended. Unless that is if the intended action was to recreate something out of The Exorcist. 

                -

                SD: A squirrel who wore little outfits to help raise money for war bonds and other philanthropic causes.

                +

                A robot  made by US-based humanoid robot boxing company REK can be seen violently flailing around. Observers on social media interpreted these movements as  a fervid effort to break free of its harness. The video immediately got picked up by wider media, including Real Time With Bill Maher, as an example of some of the sci-fi’s worst warning coming true. It seemed that the  robot was trying to break free. But was it? Probably not.

                -

                AC: A squirrel who even did radio spots with FDR!

                +

                In a follow up post Cix Liv, a VR developer and member of REK’s team blamed the incident on “human error” caused by some

                -

                SD: Clearly we’re excited.

                +

                Agro robot lunges towards old lady at a lantern festival

                -

                AC: Yes, that’s coming up next after this short break.

                -

                Okay, Sarah, as promised, let’s talk Tommy Tucker, someone we’re very excited about when we discovered this story and America’s most glamorous wartime squirrel. And I really, when we found this out, I couldn’t believe that this guy actually existed.

                +
                +
                -

                SD: I know he is iconic, so yes, Tommy Tucker was an Eastern gray squirrel, who became a full blown home front celebrity during World War II.

                +

                In  February, Chinese company Unitree was showcasing its H1 robot during a lantern festival in Taishan, Guangdong Province. The robot approached a large outdoor crowd and then appeared to aggressively lunge toward an older person standing directly behind a barricade. The abrupt movement almost resembled an angry man puffing out his chest at someone in a bar, if that same aggressive guy then clumsily tripped over their own feet.

                -

                AC: So how did he go from random baby squirrel to icon? 

                +

                Security guards quickly restrained the robot, seemingly before it could cause any physical damage. Clips of the incident went viral and immediately sparked speculation online, with some insinuating that the robot had intentionally singled out a person in the crowd as a threat. However, a far more likely explanation is that the robot  failed to recognize part of the barrier, tripped over it, and then flailed forward while trying to regain its balance.

                -

                SD: It’s an excellent question. He literally fell out of a hickory tree in Washington, DC. A little girl found him on her walk to school, fed him warm milk, and made him a tiny bed in a red wool hat. Then her family had to move and she gave Tommy Tucker to her neighbor, Zadie Bullis, and that’s when his life really took off.

                +

                Butterfingers: Flashy robot heading for car factories struggles to pick up dropped laundry

                -

                AC: I am so obsessed with this.

                +
                -

                SD: So Zadie basically turned Tommy into a tiny, furry fashion icon. He had more than a hundred handmade outfits. Everything from a silk pleated dress for company to a Red Cross nurse dress for visiting the hospital.

                +

                Here's a F.02 in my home, using Helix to do my laundry pic.twitter.com/MXFf1o81EG

                — Brett Adcock (@adcock_brett) July 30, 2025
                +
                -

                AC: Uh, and famously all dresses because pants don’t really work with a squirrel tail.

                +

                Maybe the most hyped of all the humanoid robots making headlines is the one being designed by Figure AI, a startup backed by tech heavyweights like Jeff Bezos, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Intel. The company claims its machines will eventually perform home and industrial tasks with human-level precision. Unlike other humanoids, its robot doesn’t quite look like it’s rushing to find a toilet when it walks. One thing it still really seems to struggle with: basic laundry.

                -

                SD: Exactly. Life Magazine even joked about it at the time.

                +

                As Time reported in a recent profile, a Figure robot ( performing in a highly controlled demo) twice dropped a piece of clothing and failed to pick it back up. Less than a month after that report, a whistleblower sued Figure, alleging he was terminated after warning that these same robots were, “powerful enough to fracture a human skull: It is worth noting that Figure denies these claims, telling CNBC the worker was fired for “poor performance.”

                -

                AC: Okay, so. How does a squirrel and a dress become a war hero?

                +

                But don’t count the robots out just yet 

                -

                SD: Yeah, so Bullis started taking him around DC to the bakery, the grocery store, the children’s hospital, and people really started to fall in love with him.

                +

                Often, a simple push or one miscalculated response to an obstacle is enough to send a bipedal robot crashing down. Such a fall can result in costly damage to sensitive components like LIDAR sensors or high-resolution cameras. Worse still, it could potentially endanger any humans or animals that happen to be in its path. 

                -

                AC: Of course.

                +

                Part of the problem lies in the fact that robots are primarily trained in labs and virtual simulation, and simply lack the real-world data needed to adjust for unpredictable environments. In this respect, boring old meat-based humans still have a leg-up. Meta chief AI scientist Yann LeCun estimates that a four-year-old child stumbling around today has likely seen “50 times more data than the biggest LLMs.”

                -

                SD: Eventually the US Treasury built him a custom booth so he could sell war bonds. He’d show up in red, white, and blue satin, and he even had a fan club with something like. 30,000 members.

                +
                -

                AC: Okay. That is more than a lot of influencers.

                +

                "A 4-year-old child has seen 50x more information than the biggest LLMs that we have." – @ylecun

                20mb per second through the optical nerve for 16k wake hours 🤯

                LLMs may have consumed all available text, but when it comes to other sensory inputs…they haven't even started. pic.twitter.com/BHlav3nWeT

                — Tom Osman 🐦‍⬛ (@tomosman) January 25, 2024
                +
                -

                SD: And Air Force bomber crews literally carried his picture with them on missions. Soldiers wrote to him from the front lines saying he gave them confidence. During the war he traveled the country by train, making a radio appearances with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

                +

                Despite these mishaps, roboticists are already working on solutionsUsing a reinforcement learning model, researchers at Disney Research in Zurich developed a new system that trained a test robot to fall in ways that minimize damage. This involved placing the robot in a virtual simulation where it fell thousands of times in every conceivable position. The AI was rewarded every time it landed in a way that minimized the resulting crash impact. Eventually, the robot internalized a new, safer protocol for hitting the ground. They put that to the test in the real world by intentionally tripping the robot with a stick to force falls from multiple angles. After a long day of tumbles, the robot showed no signs of noticeable damage and kept functioning as intended. The study’s results were published in an arXiv preprint server. 

                -

                AC: Ugh, what a furry hero.

                +
                -

                SD: And then after the war ended, he road tripped with the Bullis’s until he died on a sightseeing trip to the Grand Canyon in 1949.

                +
                -

                AC: Oh no, Tommy.

                +

                Solutions like these will almost certainly become more common in the coming years. If humanoid robots are ever to succeed in the physical world, they must know not only how to avoid falling, but also how to do so safely when a face-plant becomes inevitable. For that to happen, these machines, much like human toddlers learning to walk, will need ample space to fail, fall, and collect essential real-world data.

                -

                SD: I know!

                +

                To put it another way: expect to see many more instances of robots falling down in public in the near future. Whether this clumsiness will ultimately lead to more capable machines remains to be seen. One thing is certain: it will almost certainly provide plenty of viral clips for the rest of us to chuckle at.

                +

                The post 2025 proved humanoid robots are here to stay. And fall down. appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                en-US                <![CDATA[Start your 2026 Resolutions with a lifetime membership to Rosetta Stone’s language learning program for just $149]]>Grab a lifetime membership and learn up to 25 languages instead of scrolling your life away in 2026.

                +

                The post Start your 2026 Resolutions with a lifetime membership to Rosetta Stone’s language learning program for just $149 appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                https://www.popsci.com/gear/rosetta-stone-new-years-deal-2026/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730060Mon, 29 Dec 2025 22:52:31 -0500GearLearning a new language is a very common resolution. It’s useful, stimulating, and can even be fun if you choose the right method. Right now, Rosetta Stone has discounted its lifetime memberships, which means you can pay once and learn forever. You don’t have to wait for the ball to drop to get started, either. These deals are live right now.

                -

                AC: But you can still see him today, right?

                +
                + + + + + +
                + +
                + Rosetta Stone App on a phone +
                + + Stop scrolling and learn something. + +

                Rosetta Stone

                 +
                + + +
                +                 +
                -

                SD: You can. He and all his wardrobes are preserved at the Smithsonian Archives. You just have to make an appointment.

                + + + + See It + +
                -

                AC: Oh, a national treasure and a style icon.

                +

                What is on sale and how the plans differ

                -

                SD: Truly, may we all leave behind such an impeccable wardrobe.

                +

                On the deal page, Rosetta Stone is highlighting three main options for individual learners. Here is the plain-English breakdown.

                -

                AC: Absolutely a hero for all time.

                +
                +
                PlanBest forWhat you get
                12-month subscription (single language)Learning for an upcoming trip, a school requirement, or a realistic year-long goalFull access for one language for 12 months, across web and mobile
                Lifetime access (single language)You know your target language and want to go at your own pace without renewal remindersOne-time purchase for lifetime access to one language
                Lifetime Unlimited Languages (all 25 languages)Households, language dabblers, frequent travelers, and anyone who cannot pick just oneOne-time purchase for lifetime access to all 25 languages on one account
                +
                +

                How Rosetta Stone actually teaches

                -

                And that’s it for this episode, but don’t worry, we have more awesome Ask Us Anythings live in our feed right now. Follow or subscribe to Ask Us Anything by Popular Science, wherever you enjoy your podcasts. And if you like our show, please leave a rating and review.

                +

                Rosetta Stone is at its best when you want strong fundamentals: recognizing what you are hearing, building vocabulary that sticks, and getting your mouth used to producing unfamiliar sounds. The platform’s Dynamic Immersion lessons are designed to keep you thinking in the language instead of constantly translating back to English.

                -

                SD: We really care what you think. Our theme music is from Kenneth Michael Reagan, and our producer is Alan Haburchak. This week’s episode was based on our article written for Popular Science by Jennifer Byrne.

                +

                It also leans hard into pronunciation. TruAccent, Rosetta Stone’s speech-recognition tool, listens to how you say words and phrases and gives immediate feedback so you can correct your accent early—before you accidentally train yourself into saying everything wrong with confidence.

                -

                AC: Thank you team, and thanks to everyone listening.

                +

                What is included inside the app

                -

                SD: And one more time, if you wanna have something you’ve always wondered about explained on a future episode, go to popsci.com/ask. Until next time. Keep the questions coming.

                +
                  +
                • Dynamic Immersion lessons that build comprehension through context and repetition, not translation-first memorization.
                  • -

                  AC: Yeah, don’t hold your questions. Like our furry friends for their food.

                  +
                • TruAccent pronunciation feedback that scores your speech and nudges you toward clearer, more native-sounding delivery.
                  • -

                  SD: Obviously.

                  +
                • Stories read by native speakers, so you can practice listening comprehension in a more real-world format.
                  • -

                  AC: I’ve been waiting this whole episode to make a squirrel noise too, so

                  +
                • Phrasebook for practical travel and everyday situations (ordering food, asking directions, basic small talk).
                  • -

                  [Annie makes squirrel noises]

                  +
                • Cross-device access on web and mobile so you can do a quick lesson on your phone and pick up later on a laptop.
                  • +
                -

                SD: I know they have really cute little hands.

                -

                The post Squirrels can find 85% of the nuts they hide appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>                en-US                <![CDATA[Donated Christmas trees get a second life at the zoo]]>The evergreen trees give kangaroos, bison, lions, and more extra shelter and fun.

                -

                The post Donated Christmas trees get a second life at the zoo appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>                https://www.popsci.com/environment/christmas-tree-donation-zoo/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729466Sat, 27 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500EnvironmentAnimalsBiologyScienceThe presents are unwrapped, the cookies are crumbs, and that real Christmas tree will become a fire hazard soon enough. Most of us haul it out to the curb for our local sanitation departments to take care of, but some lucky trees make it into the paws of animals living in zoos. 

                +

                If you want live instruction, Rosetta Stone also offers Live Lessons taught by native speakers, but availability varies by language and it is not the core of every plan—think of it as conversation practice you can add when you are ready to use what you have learned out loud.

                -

                Since 1978, the Cape May County Park & Zoo in Middle Township, New Jersey, has solicited donations of undecorated Christmas trees from the community and unsold trees from nearby businesses. The trees are then given to the more than 550 animals that call the South Jersey zoo home. 

                +

                All 25 languages included with Unlimited Languages

                -

                “Not everyone can donate money to the zoo, and that’s totally fair. We’re a free zoo so that everybody can come here. But if you want to donate a Christmas tree, I think that makes people feel really good that they were able to help somehow,” senior animal keeper and enrichment coordinator Kim Simpkins tells Popular Science.

                +
                  +
                • Arabic
                  • -

                  Why Christmas trees?

                  +
                • Chinese (Mandarin)
                  • -

                  Fir, spruce, and pine trees provide the animals with enrichment and an important extra shelter from the cold winter air. While the Jersey Shore is mostly associated with the warm summer days, average low temperatures at the zoo can reach the low 20s in January. The donated Christmas tree can act as wind blocks to protect the animal enclosures.

                  +
                • Dutch
                  • -
                  a wallaby stands between two evergreen trees
                  A wallaby using the Christmas trees as a windbreak. Image: Zookeeper Steph.
                  +
                • English (American)
                  • -

                  “To block the doors that go into their huts, we use freezer flaps. But it’s nice to have an extra layer of protection, so we’ll use Christmas trees,” says Simpkins. “We’ll do this for the wallabies.”

                  +
                • English (British)
                  • -

                  The nearby kangaroos will often make little enclosures out of stacked Christmas trees so that they have another warm place to go. 

                  +
                • Farsi (Persian)
                  • -
                  -
                  +
                • French
                  • -

                  The Christmas trees also provide the animals with enrichment. For any animal in human care, whether it is the family dog or a lion at a zoo, enrichment gives them a creative outlet for physical activity, mental stimulation, and a way to choose how they spend their time. 

                  +
                • German
                  • -

                  “Enrichment is when we provide to the animal novel that is going to bring out some kind of natural behavior for the animal,” says Simpkins. “We have an enrichment plan for each of the animals at the zoo with their natural history, and then what kind of behaviors we feel like they need to exhibit here at the zoo that they might not need to because they’re not in the wild.”

                  +
                • Greek
                  • -

                  Since animals in the zoo do not have to work very hard for food, the team will work in enrichment activities as a way to encourage them to use their natural foraging behaviors. For the primates, the keepers will sometimes hide bits of food within the donated Christmas trees for them to find. 

                  +
                • Hebrew
                  • -

                  “Many might think of enrichment as simply providing food puzzle toys, but enrichment is much more than that,” Cornell University veterinarian Dr. Kate Anderson, tells Popular Science. “Enrichment is ensuring that all of an animal’s needs are met and providing appropriate outlets for emotional, physical, and mental stimulation. Their needs should include safety, predictability, hygiene, nutrition, and much more.”

                  +
                • Hindi
                  • -
                  a large rodent walks by evergreen trees
                  Cavy is a small rodent called a Patagonian mara. Image: Zoo Education Keeper Bridget.
                  +
                • Irish
                  • -

                  Simpkins adds that the zoo designs their enrichment, “ based on their natural history, the individual’s [animal’s] needs, and on our habitats.”

                  +
                • Italian
                  • -

                  For the zoo, the Christmas trees also provide a free way of getting their animals these important enrichment items. According to Simpkins, durable plastic balls for lions and other enrichment items can cost $300 to $500 and do not always last that long thanks to sharp teeth and claws, so the donated items allow keepers to keep the animals entertained on a budget. 

                  +
                • Japanese
                  • -

                  “There are infinite ways to provide enrichment, limited only by time, funding, and imagination,” says Dr. Anderson. “I think more than providing something ‘unique,’ it’s better to be holistic in approaching enrichment.”

                  +
                • Korean
                  • -

                  Play with your trees

                  +
                • Latin
                  • -

                  The zoo is home to over 550 animals representing 250 species. Each animal has their own way of racing to a new Christmas tree in and around their habitat.

                  +
                • Polish
                  • -

                  “The lions really like to just carry around the Christmas trees,” laughs Simpkins. “They like the smell of them.” The lions will also pee on the trees and mark their territory as they would in the wild. When they mark the tree with their urine, it is a way to make it smell like them.

                  +
                • Portuguese (Brazil)
                  • -
                  a lion growls while laying on an evergreen tree
                  Lex the lion guarding his tree. Lions particularly like the new smells a tree brings. Image: Zookeeper Jen
                  +
                • Russian
                  • -

                  According to Dr. Anderson, enrichment also helps their welfare by giving the animals agency and choice. “Enrichment for animals is akin to “self-care” for humans,” she says. “Animals that are underenriched might be more excitable, hyperactive, vocalize more, play excessively or roughly, be aggressive or not sleep well. They also might display unwanted behaviors such as scratching, destructive chewing, digging, or raiding the garbage.”

                  +
                • Spanish (Latin America)
                  • -

                  The zoo’s bison also love to smell the Christmas trees, but their reaction to a new plant in their habitat can be considered a form of play. For biologists, play is considered something that an animal does just for fun, and not to look for food, shelter, or something else for survival. The zoo’s bison will head butt the trees around their yard, and also use them as wind blocks.

                  +
                • Spanish (Spain)
                  • -

                  The monkeys and other primates will also climb on the trees and treat them a bit like a new piece of furniture. However, it is mostly all about food since the keepers are putting food in the trees for them to find. 

                  +
                • Swedish
                  • -
                  four bison headbutting evergreen trees
                  The bison are smelling the Christmas trees, snacking on them, and playing with them through their headbutts. Image: Zookeeper Pete.
                  +
                • Tagalog (Filipino)
                  • -

                  “It depends on the species, but most of ours are frugivores, so we’ll put fruit in the tree and they’ll have to dig through the Christmas tree to find it,” explains Simpkins. “This is more similar to how they get fruit in the wild compared to a bowl. It’s great when the keepers are really creative, combining different toys to make foraging more complex or more interesting, or different.”

                  +
                • Turkish
                  • -

                  According to Dr. Anderson, enrichment can even be as simple as giving animals a choice and space to rest. “It’s extremely important to be mindful of an animal’s sensory experience (all animals hear, smell, and see the world differently than people),” she says. 

                  +
                • Vietnamese
                  • +
                -

                Interested donors can contact the zoo directly with any questions and are encouraged read all of the instructions before donating. The zoo can’t take every tree, so donors are encouraged to call soon. You can also look for local mulching events, where your tree will be turned into wood chips that nourish trees and plants. Goats also love Christmas trees, so reach out to local farms and see if they are taking donations as well. If you live along the coast, check with your town about donating your tree, since they can help reinforce protective sand dunes.

                +

                Which plan should you choose

                -

                +

                Pick 12 months if you are testing whether Rosetta Stone fits your routine, or you have a deadline (a trip, a relocation, an exam, a new set of in-laws). It is the lowest-commitment way to get full access and see if you will actually keep showing up.

                -

                +

                Pick lifetime for one language if you know exactly what you want to learn and you hate subscriptions. This is the set-it-and-forget-it option for Spanish, French, German, and the other big ones you will realistically practice for years.

                -

                +

                Pick lifetime Unlimited Languages if you want maximum flexibility. It is the best fit for households (multiple people, multiple goals), travelers who bounce between destinations, or anyone who wants to stack skills over time—learn the basics of one language now, start another later, then circle back when you are ready to level up.

                -

                +

                If you want the deal, you can find the discounted plans here: Rosetta Stone language learning deals.

                -

                The post Donated Christmas trees get a second life at the zoo appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>                en-US                <![CDATA[REI is blowing out tons of Patagonia gear during this year-end clearance sale]]>Grab winter jackets, bags, swimwear, pants, shorts, and just about every other piece of clothing you could want on discount.

                -

                The post REI is blowing out tons of Patagonia gear during this year-end clearance sale appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>                https://www.popsci.com/gear/rei-patagonia-deals-winter-2025/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729994Fri, 26 Dec 2025 16:57:06 -0500GearOutdoor GearIf you’re hunting for Patagonia gear without paying full Patagonia prices, REI’s sale section is the place to be right now. This list pulls together the Patagonia items currently marked down—so you can stock up on winter layers, trail staples, and a few pieces for just lounging around.

                +

                The post Start your 2026 Resolutions with a lifetime membership to Rosetta Stone’s language learning program for just $149 appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                en-US                <![CDATA[Amazon is blowing out Greenworks battery-powered yard tools and snow blowers during its winter clearance sale]]>Greenworks makes a wide variety of powerful electric yard tools and they're just about all on sale during this limited event.

                +

                The post Amazon is blowing out Greenworks battery-powered yard tools and snow blowers during its winter clearance sale appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                https://www.popsci.com/gear/greenworks-battery-powered-yard-tool-deals-amazon/https://www.popsci.com/?p=730051Mon, 29 Dec 2025 22:18:26 -0500GearHomeI recently replaced my old gas-powered snow blower with an electric model. I kept the combustion engine running as long as I could, but it finally gave up the ghost. it’s a huge upgrade. Battery-powered yard tools can be as powerful or even more powerful than some gas-powered models. And if Greenworks makes it, Amazon probably has it on sale right now. These are some of the lowest prices we have seen this year, so even if your grass is covered with snow and ice at the moment, grab a new mower for the spring.

                -

                Editor’s pick

                +

                Editor’s picks

                -

                Patagonia Jackson Glacier Down Parka – Men's — $298.83 (50% off)

                +

                Greenworks 80V 20-inch cordless snow blower $402 (was $499)

                - +
                - REI patagonia parka deal + Greenworks 80v cordless snowblower
                - I wouldn’t mind rocking one of these right now in this snowstorm. + Ditch shoveling forever. -

                Patagoni

                 +

                Greenworks

                @@ -7171,7 +6946,7 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 -                 + See It @@ -7179,546 +6954,531 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 -

                For the person who refuses to let winter win: this parka is built to handle real cold without turning you into a waddling marshmallow. It’s windproof and waterproof, and it uses 700-fill-power recycled down to keep heat where it belongs. At 50% off, it’s the kind of “buy it once, wear it for years” layer that pays you back every time the forecast looks hostile.

                - - - -

                All Patagonia deals at REI

                - - - -

                Jackets & outerwear

                - - - - - - -

                Fleece & pullovers

                - +

                If you want to clear a driveway without yanking a starter cord and smelling like gas for the rest of the day, an 80V battery snow blower is the move. A 20-inch clearing width is plenty for most sidewalks and single-car driveways, and sticking with the 80V ecosystem means you can reuse batteries across other big-yard tools later.

                - +

                Self-propelled is the difference between finishing the lawn and feeling like you just did leg day. The wide 25-inch deck helps you knock out big yards faster, and the 60V system sits in the sweet spot for people who want real cutting power without stepping up to the heavier, pricier 80V lineup.

                -

                Sweaters & vests

                - +

                Battery-powered snow tools that skip the fumes and the cold-start drama.

                -

                Shirts & tops

                - +
              1. Greenworks 40V 12-inch brushless snow shovel with LED — 4.0Ah battery + charger $199 (was $279)
                2. -

                Pants & shorts

                +
              2. Greenworks 40V 16-inch snow blower — 5.0Ah battery + charger $309 (was $349)
                3. - -
              3. Patagonia Baggies Shorts – Men’s 5″ $32.49 (50% off)
                4. -
              4. Patagonia Maipo Tights – Kids’ $33.83 (51% off)
                5. +

                Lawn mowers

                -
              5. Patagonia Baggies Longs 7″ Shorts – Men’s $33.83 (51% off)
                6. +

                From compact push mowers to wide, self-propelled machines for big yards.

                -
              6. Patagonia Maipo Skort – Women’s $39.49 (50% off)
                7. -
              7. Patagonia Quandary Shorts – Women’s 7″ $39.49 (50% off)
                8. + -

                Swimwear & board shorts

                +

                Leaf blowers and yard cleanup

                - -

                GlobalBuildingAtlas is also unprecedented in its level of detail. An estimated 97 percent of the map’s 3D structures are classified Level of Detail 1, or LoD 1. Although high LoDs do exist, the rating still means the rough shape and height of these buildings are accurate enough to incorporate into various computer modeling projects. With a resolution of 9.8 by 9.8 feet, the atlas is also 30 times more detailed than comparable projects.

                +

                Trimmers, edgers, and hedge trimmers

                -

                GlobalBuildingAtlas was compiled using data available as of 2019. However, given its open-access format, it’s only a matter of time before it becomes even more up-to-date and helpful. Apart from anything else, it’s also just a very cool tool to explore.

                -

                The post Browse a 3D map of the world’s 2.75 billion buildings appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>en-US<![CDATA[You should start taking “Fart Walks”]]>The name may inspire snickers, but the benefits are no joke.

                -

                The post You should start taking “Fart Walks” appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>                https://www.popsci.com/health/fart-walk-health-benefits/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729754Fri, 26 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0500HealthDIYFitness & ExerciseLife SkillsScienceFounding father Benjamin Franklin secured the alliance with France that led to victory in the Revolutionary War, negotiated the Treaty of Paris ending said war, signed the Declaration of Independence and the U.S Constitution, discovered that lightning was electrical, invented bifocal glasses, wrote the famous Poor Richard’s Almanac, and ran newspapers. 

                +

                Tidy up borders, tame weeds, and keep hedges from going feral.

                -

                He also had some thoughts on farting. 

                + -

                It gets your digestive system moving

                +

                Chainsaws and saws

                -

                Getting up and moving around right after you’ve eaten starts a process called peristalsis, which is a rippled effect that helps force gas and food through your gastrointestinal tract. It essentially stirs up your bowels and alerts them that they have work to do. 

                +

                For branches, storm cleanup, and general yard woodworking emergencies.

                -

                It might help weight loss

                + -

                Ortiz (whose favorite flavor is strawberry) first began working part time in Hammond’s packaging department 24 years ago, working his way up to head cook. The 105-year-old company makes everything from traditional ribbon candy and lollipops to gourmet chocolates to their colorful candy canes. To keep up with the candy cane demand, they must work about a year ahead. 

                +

                Pressure washers

                -

                Here’s how that sweet treat takes shape.

                -
                -
                - -

                - Related Stories

                -
                - -
                -

                The best chocolate chip cookie recipe, according to science

                -

                This candy scientist says her job is pretty sweet

                -

                How WWII made Hershey and Mars Halloween candy kings

                -

                The intense flavor science behind Haribo’s gummies

                -
                -
                +

                When a hose isn’t even close to enough.

                -

                Liquid candy and gooey centers

                + -
                liquified sugar in a copper bowl
                The liquified candy is cooked in a copper bowl, just like candymakers would have done 100 years ago.  Image: Victor Ortiz / Hammond’s Candies.
                +

                Power tools and combo kits

                -

                “The candy is all liquidy on the table,” explains Ortiz. “That table is going to be where we add the color and the jacket, or the outside of the candy cane.”

                +

                24V shop tools and bundles for DIY projects and around-the-house fixes.

                -

                It is also where they add the flavored and softer center of each candy cane. To do this, the candymakers use broken pieces from the previous batch of the same flavor. The broken candy is then heated up to 325 degrees where it can become a slightly gooey center of the candy cane. 

                + -

                After that colorful striped jacket is wrapped around the softer candy cane center, it is placed on a batch roller. On the roller, more heat is added so that the candy can be more pliable again. After about 10 minutes, a huge striped cylinder of candy is ready to be cut down into sticks about a half inch in diameter 

                +

                Batteries and accessories

                -
                a large hunk of candy on a roller
                A giant hunk of root beer candy cane is placed into the batch roller. Image: Victor Ortiz / Hammond’s Candies. 
                +

                If you already own the tool, sometimes the best deal is more runtime.

                -

                “They kind of eyeball the hook and shape it by hand. We don’t have any molds or anything like that,” Ortiz explains. “We train cooks to just put their hand on the piece of candy and make the hook by grabbing one end and turning it.”

                + -
                -
                +

                Garage and auto

                -

                After they get their signature hook, the candy canes are packaged, shipped, sold, and perhaps placed in a lucky person’s stocking. 

                +

                One useful tool for road trips and driveway maintenance.

                -

                “A lot of companies are trying to move on with automation,” says Ortiz. “We’re still making the candy canes the old-fashioned way, which I think separates us. We put a lot of effort into whatever we are making.”

                -

                The post The magic of making candy canes by hand appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>                en-US                <![CDATA[Tiny wild cat spotted in Thailand for first time in 30 years]]>The flat-headed felines are the smallest wild cats in Southeast Asia.

                -

                The post Tiny wild cat spotted in Thailand for first time in 30 years appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>                https://www.popsci.com/environment/wild-cat-thailand-returns/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729532Fri, 26 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0500EnvironmentAnimalsBiologyEndangered SpeciesScienceWildlifeCamera traps in Thailand have captured adorable passersby with significant implication for the country’s conservation efforts. While these furry creatures might look like your average house cat, they’re actually wild flat-headed cats (Prionailurus planiceps). These extremely rare wild felines weigh less than half an average pet cat, and they’ve been detected in Thailand for the first time since 1995.

                + +

                The post Amazon is blowing out Greenworks battery-powered yard tools and snow blowers during its winter clearance sale appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                en-US                <![CDATA[5 home innovations that improved our lives in 2025]]>From dishwashers to lawnmowers to roof tiles.

                +

                The post 5 home innovations that improved our lives in 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                https://www.popsci.com/technology/best-home-innovations-2025/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729617Mon, 29 Dec 2025 14:00:00 -0500TechnologyBest of What's NewGearHomeWhen you live with small annoyances, frustration can build over time. You can only catch your belt loop on a drawer handle so many times before you hit your limit. Several of this year’s home innovations address those seemingly small hurdles that can make a big difference in your home life. The monthly chore of replacing an air filter and the seemingly simple task of finding a place to store the lawn mower when not in use get clever solutions. Our grand award winner adds an unprecedented level of accessibility to dishwashers without requiring an entirely new appliance. Living life as usual in your home is a privilege and these innovations help ensure that’s possible.

                -

                The happy news was confirmed by a survey from Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, and Panthera Thailand, a global wild cat conservation organization, according to a statement emailed to Popular Science. 

                +

                (Editor’s Note: This is a section from Popular Science’s 38th annual Best of What’s New awards. Be sure to read the full list of the 50 greatest innovations of 2025.)

                +

                Grand Award Winner, Home

                -
                -
                +

                Spin&Load rack by Whirlpool: A dishwasher lower rack that actually comes to you

                -

                “Even species thought to be lost can be rebuilt if we invest in protecting the habitats they depend on,” said Wai Ming Wong, Panthera Small Cat Conservation Science Director. “Flat-headed cats’ persistence in Thailand suggests that these ecosystems still hold remarkable biodiversity but also underscores how urgently we must conserve and restore them before they vanish entirely.” 

                +
                + + + + + +
                + +
                + person in wheelchair loading a dishwasher -

                Flat-headed cats are named for their particular flat forehead and extended skull. They are Southeast Asia’s smallest wild cat, and have short bodies, slim legs, webbed toes, and stubby tails. They’re also difficult to study. Besides their limited population numbers, they’re small, nocturnal, and favor hard-to-access environments—tropical rainforests, swampy and peat-swamp forests, marshes, lakes, streams, and riverine forests. 

                + + +
                + +
                + + + + Learn More + +
                -
                a small wild cat walks on leaves
                Flat-headed cats are the smallest wild cat in Southeast Asia. Image: DNP/Panthera Thailand
                +

                Whirlpool’s Spin&Load rack replaces the typical fixed lower dishwasher rack with a platform that rotates a full 360 degrees, so every plate and pot remains reachable from any side. The accessory drops into standard 24-inch built-in dishwashers across Whirlpool’s brands and spins on a central hub, which means users no longer have to lean deep into the machine or shuffle around the open door just to grab the pan in the back. The rack was developed with the United Spinal Association as well as Whirlpool’s internal advocacy group. The final product was tested with wheelchair users, aiming to make loading and unloading realistic for people with limited reach or balance, not just idealized demo kitchens. It’s also compatible with most of the brand’s standard dishwasher models manufactured after 2018, which makes a much more affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to replacing an entire appliance.

                -

                Researchers believe them to be close relatives of leopard cats and fishing cats, and estimate a total population size of 2,500 adults. Flat-headed cats are one of the most threatened wild cats—the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies them as Endangered, and “possibly extinct” within Thailand. 

                Nevertheless, remote camera trap images confirmed the wild cat’s reappearance.The traps picked up 13 detections in 2024 and 16 in southern Thailand’s Princess Sirindhorn Wildlife Sanctuary in 2025, within the context of the species’ largest survey. Notably, a mother and her cub were also spotted, verifying the species’ active reproduction in the area. It’s an important find, since flat-headed cat mothers usually have just one kitten  at a time. 

                +

                RMA 448 V lawn mower by Stihl: A one-sided handle that simplifies bagging and storage

                -
                a small wild cat in reeds
                A rare image of a Flat-headed Cat (Prionailurus planiceps) at night, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia. Image: Sebastian Kennerknecht/Panthera.
                -

                The flat-headed cat is currently threatened by human-driven habitat loss from land conversion, fishing, agricultural encroachment, hunting, waterway pollution, and domestic animals transmitting diseases. Competition for space further decreases its range, limiting the wild cat to mostly far-flung, untouched environments whose protection is thus crucial. 

                +
                + + + + + +
                + +
                + lawnmower + + +
                +                 +
                + + + + Learn More -

                “With this new finding, which we plan to submit to the IUCN Red List Committee, we hope the species’ status can be updated to something other than ‘Possibly Extinct,’” Rattapan Pattanarangsan, Conservation Program Manager for Panthera Thailand, tells Popular Science, while adding that the Committee might need more data they don’t possess yet. “Generating this level of evidence will likely require several years of further study before the species’ status can be fully reassessed.”

                + +
                -

                The announcement comes in time for National Wildlife Protection Day on December 26. The  flat-headed cat detection will lay the groundwork for DNP and Panthera Thailand’s conservation planning regarding the species. 

                -

                The post Tiny wild cat spotted in Thailand for first time in 30 years appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>                en-US                <![CDATA[These 59 post-holiday Amazon deals drop kitchen and home upgrades for clearance prices]]>Save big on robot vacuums, air fryers, air purifiers, kitchen appliances, and tons of other devices to improve your home life.

                -

                The post These 59 post-holiday Amazon deals drop kitchen and home upgrades for clearance prices appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>                https://www.popsci.com/gear/amazon-post-holiday-home-deals-kitchen-cleaning/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729961Thu, 25 Dec 2025 21:10:10 -0500GearHomeYou survived the holidays, and now you’re holding the most powerful post-season artifact: an Amazon gift card. Instead of spending it on a random pile of impulse buys, put it toward upgrades that make your home cleaner, cozier, and easier to live in. If you didn’t get what you wanted under the tree, now is the time to get it for yourself.

                +

                Stihl’s RMA 448 V battery mower uses a unique-looking handle: instead of the usual two bars, it has a single offset post that leaves the back of the deck completely open. That small change makes it easier to lift out the 13.7-gallon grass bag, flip the integrated mulch flap, or adjust the cutting height without threading your arms around metal tubing. More importantly, the handle folds flat for storing the mower against a wall in tight storage spaces. Despite its foldable stature, It’s still a full-size, self-propelled 19-inch mower with weather-resistant construction and ECO mode to stretch runtime. But the real advantage comes in its streamlined ease of use, because accessories and features aren’t worth having if they’re too annoying to use.

                -

                Editor’s picks

                +

                Dyson HushJet Purifier Compact: Jet-style airflow without the jet-engine noise

                -

                For the person who’s tired of living on a crumb-and-dust planet

                -

                Shark Robot Vacuum & Mop PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro $699.99 (42% off)

                - +
                - Shark Robot Vacuum & Mop PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro + air purifier -
                - - Skip the cleanups in 2026. - -

                Shark

                 -
                @@ -7727,38 +7487,34 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 -                 - See It + + Learn More
                -

                A vacuum-and-mop robot is the closest thing to hiring a tiny, tireless housekeeper. Set a schedule, let it do laps while you’re doing literally anything else, and enjoy the weird luxury of clean floors without the whole “I should really vacuum” guilt spiral.

                +

                The HushJet Purifier Compact shrinks Dyson’s bladeless air-multiplier idea into a purifier small enough for a bedroom or home office, then reworks the nozzle to keep things extremely quiet. The uniquely shaped port pulls in room air and pushes it through an electrostatic HEPA filter plus activated carbon, capturing 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns and common gases. It’s strong suction, but, in night mode, noise drops to around 24 dBA. That’s about as loud as a typical whisper. It’s sized for roughly 200 square feet, runs off about 7 pounds of hardware, and uses a sealed filter rated for up to five years, which cuts down on replacement waste and recurring cost. It’s quiet enough and requires so little maintenance that you don’t have to think about it and that’s the way we like it.

                + + + +

                Solar Roof Tiles by Jackery: Curved crystalline panels that behave like actual roofing

                -

                For the person who wants café drinks without the daily $8 expenditure

                -

                Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine LatteGo $397.99 (39% off)

                - +
                - Philips automatic coffee maker + a home with terra cotta roof -
                - - Reset your takeout coffee budget for 2026. - -

                Philips

                 -
                @@ -7767,38 +7523,34 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 -                 - See It + + Learn More
                -

                Fully automatic machines are built for people who want espresso-based drinks with minimal fuss. If you make lattes, cappuccinos, or other typically expensive drinks at home even a few times a week, this is the kind of upgrade that pays you back in saved time (and fewer cardboard cups).

                +

                Jackery’s Solar Roof replaces bolt-on panels with curved tiles that function as both roofing and photovoltaics. Each XBC tile uses a 0.13 mm-thick crystalline silicon cell bent into a 150-degree “smile” shape, delivering over 25% efficiency and around 38 watts per tile—about 170 watts per square meter—while matching the profile of clay or concrete tiles in black or terracotta. The system is rated for hail, high winds, and temperatures from –40°F to 185°F, with a 30-year warranty and integration into Jackery’s home storage gear for whole-house backup. By treating solar as part of the building envelope instead of a separate rack, it aims to make the system acceptable to homeowners’ associations and aesthetics-conscious owners who would otherwise skip rooftop solar—an important barrier if residential rooftops are going to contribute meaningfully to decarbonizing the grid.

                + + + +

                Refillable Air Filter Kit by Filtrete: A reusable HVAC frame with collapsible refills

                -

                For the person who’s ready to graduate from hand-mixing like it’s 1897

                -

                KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer Pistachio $349.95 (30% off)

                - +
                - Kitchen Aid stand mixer + filters -
                - - There’s a reason this has been the go-to stand mixer for decades. - -

                Kitchen Aid

                 -
                @@ -7807,356 +7559,381 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 -                 - See It + + Learn More
                -

                A stand mixer is a kitchen multiplier: bread dough, cookie dough, whipped cream, weeknight shredding chicken. It opens up entire genres of cooking you can’t do easily without one. The 5-quart size is big enough to feel serious without taking over the counter forever.

                +

                Filtrete’s Refillable Air Filter Kit replaces the usual one-piece furnace filter with a rigid frame designed to live in your HVAC system for up to 20 years and thin “refill” elements that slide in and out. Each MPR 1550 refill lasts up to 12 months, comes folded to take up 75 percent less space, and captures substantially more fine particles than basic filters while generating about 20% less waste over the frame’s life. The kit ships in curbside-recyclable packaging, and Filtrete’s app can nudge you when it’s time to swap the media, which addresses the very human tendency to forget about filters until airflow drops. Given how many homes now rely on forced-air systems for both heating and cooling, a design that cuts bulk trash and encourages longer, more consistent filtration is a small but concrete improvement in how we manage indoor air and HVAC waste.

                +

                The post 5 home innovations that improved our lives in 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                en-US                <![CDATA[Baby spider monkeys rescued in Texas]]>Animal traffickers face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

                +

                The post Baby spider monkeys rescued in Texas appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                https://www.popsci.com/environment/spider-monkey-rescue-texas/https://www.popsci.com/?p=728813Mon, 29 Dec 2025 13:00:00 -0500EnvironmentAnimalsConservationScienceWildlifeIt should go without saying, but please don’t smuggle spider monkeys. While responding to a human trafficking case earlier this year, United States Border Patrol agents in Laredo, Texas, found two of these tiny primates. The driver failed to yield and fled the scene, leading officers to respond. Wildlife poaching is not only illegal, but can be incredibly harmful to the animals.

                + + + +

                According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the male and female spider monkeys were inside of a pet carrier and were roughly two to three months old. Wildlife inspectors brought the monkeys about two and a half hours north to San Antonio, Texas, where they were transferred to a rehabilitation facility. USFWS is working with law enforcement to identify the driver who was involved in human and wildlife smuggling. 

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                Kitchen upgrades

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                If your home runs on snacks, coffee, and “I guess we’re cooking,” this is where your gift card should go first.

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                According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, there are seven recognized species of spider monkeys in the Ateles genus. They are known for very long arms and hook-like hands and weigh about 13 pounds on average. Spider monkeys generally live in groups called “troops,” in tropical rainforests of Central and South America, stretching from Bolivia north to Mexico.

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                Stand mixer & baking

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                Spider monkeys are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and some species are also listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Wildlife trafficking is also so stressful on the animals that it can lead to death. The animals may also carry diseases that pose serious risks to human health. If you are caught smuggling wildlife, you could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. So again, please don’t smuggle illegal animals.

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                The problem with sidewalk salt

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                Countertop cooking

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                When salt is applied to roads and sidewalks as a deicing agent, as snow melts, salt gets washed into streams, lakes, and wetlands. Once there, there’s no practical way to remove it at scale. Fortunately, some municipalities, including the Lake George area in upstate New York, are advocating for more responsible salt usage.

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                • Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 6-Qt $129.99 (41% off)
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                  The location offers an excellent case study for how road salt can affect regional waterways and what can be done about it. Since 1980, the Lake George Association (LGA), along with partners like the Waterkeeper Alliance and Jefferson Project, have meticulously studied regional water quality via millions of data points. The Lake George Road Salt Reduction Initiative was created in 2014 after scientists discovered that chloride levels in Lake George tripled over the last 40 years—and road salt was primarily to blame.

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                • Chefman TurboFry Touch Air Fryer XL 8-Qt $69.99 (42% off)
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                  LGA tested water quality in not just lakes and creeks, but also in private wells across the watershed. That’s how researchers discovered that over 60 percent of private wells located downslope of state roads exceeded New York State’s drinking water guidance values for sodium thanks to salt-based groundwater contamination. In Mirror Lake and Lake Placid specifically, those concentrations were due in large part to sidewalk and parking lot over-salting.

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                • Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven $169.99 (35% off)
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                  a snow-covered dock
                  Winter at Lake George in New York. Image: Getty Images Cavan Images
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                • Nuwave Bravo Air Fryer Toaster Oven 12-in-1 $119.99 (32% off)
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                  Over 60 percent of affected wells had salty enough water to be corrosive, making it not only undrinkable but useless for watering plants, unpleasant for bathing, and detrimental to the lifespan of appliances like water heaters, dishwashers and washing machines, explains Brendan Wiltse, president of the Lake George Association.

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                • Chefman Dual Basket Air Fryer 6-Qt $89.99 (30% off)
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                  Homes with older lead pipes fared even worse: Corrosive water can cause the metal pipes to leech lead. In fact, that’s part of what contributed to the drinking water crisis in Flint, Michigan, in 2014, explains Wiltse. These risks are often exacerbated because many homes with wells aren’t regulated or tested like city water systems are, so residents “may not know they’re drinking contaminated water,” he continues.

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                • Chefman TurboBlaze 6-Qt Air Fryer $89.99 (25% off)
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                A spring 2025 report from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection even found that if salt contamination continues increasing as it has for the last 40 years, some watersheds will be above safe maximums by 2108. That means many New York residents won’t have access to potable water.

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                Coffee & espresso

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                The environment suffers, too, namely zooplankton that aren’t evolutionarily equipped to handle high salinity in waterways. These creatures act as the basis of the food web—they eat algae, keeping blooms in check, and fish eat them, and so on—so when they suffer, it can cause harmful reverberations up and down the ecosystem, Wiltse says.

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                Brining was adopted, a process of pre-treating roads before a storm with a solution of just 23 percent salt that prevents ice build-up. The organization is also advocating for more cities to adopt their Sustainable Winter Management system (SWiM) to measure salt levels, analyze data, and optimize salt usage for maximum effectiveness without excess.

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                Cookware

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                In upstate New York, it seems to be working. Many municipalities around Adirondack Park are using less salt. Wiltse says Mirror Lake’s salt concentrations are plummeting, thanks to participation of residents and business owners, all while effectively keeping people safe on roads and sidewalks.

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                When, where, and how much salt to apply

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                How much salt you should use to make any given area safe for pedestrians varies slightly. But the general rule of thumb, according to Wiltse: “One 12-ounce coffee cup of salt is sufficient for a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares.”

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                Kitchen tools & prep

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                Avoid what he refers to as the “more-on approach,” which he describes as the practice of continuously sprinkling more on, and on, and on. After all, it only takes a teaspoon of salt to contaminate five gallons of water and make it harmful to aquatic life and undrinkable for humans.

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                • CHEF iQ Sense Wireless Meat Thermometer $89.99 (52% off)
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                  Apply salt to sidewalks, driveways, or parking areas that see regular use, scattering it evenly over the surface. It’s equally important to stay on top of snow removal by shoveling small amounts more frequently, instead of after it’s piled up. Don’t make up for laziness with salt, Wiltse advises. It’s not there to melt six inches of snow away: Cleanup comes first, then salt.

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                • Cutluxe 15-Piece Knife Set with Wood Block $69.99 (50% off)
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                  As for when to apply, while most people think of salt as a post-weather treatment, pre-treating walkways is often beneficial. “What salt is best at is preventing the bond of snow and ice onto the surface you’re trying to treat,” Wiltse states. Think of it like oil in a frying pan: You put the oil in your pan before adding your ingredients to prevent them from sticking.

                  + +

                  Sprinkle salt before the weather blows in so it forms a liquid brine over the surface. This will prevent snow from bonding to the cement or asphalt, especially when it’s compacted via footsteps or car tires. Doing so will make snow easier to shovel, too.

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                • ThermoPro TP16 Digital Meat Thermometer $14.99 (40% off)
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                  Salt alternatives: What to use (and not use)

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                • Home Kitchen Magnetic Knife Block Holder $39.99 (31% off)
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                  In most cases, regular rock salt (sodium chloride) is more than sufficient. But you may see formulations of calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, too. The latter works more effectively in extra-cold temperatures, but you need less, so use sparsely.

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                • MEATER Pro Wireless Meat Thermometer $79.95 (34% off)
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                  Cat litter or sand is a popular additive, but it’s easier to track indoors, so isn’t a perfect fix for everyone.

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                • KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender KHBV53 $59.99 (36% off)
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                  Some articles reference more innovative solutions a few municipalities have tried, like beet juice, pickle brine, cheese brine, or beer waste. “The problem with those is they have a lot of sugar in them,” Wiltse says. When they run off into natural bodies of water, bacteria eats the sugar too quickly; the process sucks up excess oxygen in the process, which can kill fish.

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                • KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor KFP0718 $99.99 (28% off)
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                  So stick with salt, don’t use too much, and sprinkle smart this winter for your own health—and the health of the environment.

                  +

                  The post Stop using so much sidewalk salt appeared first on Popular Science.

                  +]]>en-US<![CDATA[Would my dog or cat really eat me if I died alone?]]>As grim as it sounds, it's often expected—and biology explains why.

                  +

                  The post Would my dog or cat really eat me if I died alone? appeared first on Popular Science.

                  +]]>                  https://www.popsci.com/science/would-dog-cat-eat-owner/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729167Mon, 29 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500ScienceAnimalsAsk Us AnythingCatsDogsEnvironmentPetsMost of us would say our beloved dogs and cats are part of the family. We live, sleep, and eat with them—but our domesticated companions are still animals, and sometimes, they give in to their biological instincts. 

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                • KitchenAid KFE5T Tilt-Head Flex Edge Beater $29.99 (39% off)
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                  In January, authorities found the half-eaten body of a 34-year-old Romanian woman who passed away alone in her apartment. The culprit: her two pet pugs, who had started consuming their owner’s corpse after five days in isolation. 

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                • ThermoMaven Wireless Meat Thermometer 2-Probe $69.99 (22% off)
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                Experts say even the friendliest kitty or the most aimable pup could resort to eating their owner’s body, though the phenomenon has more to do with human behavior and animal survival instincts than a sudden, bloodthirsty urge from our furry friends. 

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                Cleaning upgrades

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                So, if you died, would your dog or cat really eat you?

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                Upgrading how you clean is the most boring purchase that delivers the most immediate happiness. You’ll notice it the next day.

                +

                The short answer is yes, they can and they have. Most of the literature on the subject relies on individual case studies rather than long-term pattern analysis, but the behavior is common enough that forensic investigators regularly encounter pet scavenging wounds during autopsies—and often expect it when visiting homes with cats and dogs where bodies have been left alone for days or weeks. 

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                Robot vacuums & mops

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                There’s even forensic literature on how to pin down the cause of death—and rule out foul play—while accounting for post-mortem pet bites, scratches, and consumption. But why would pets eat their owners? 

                - +

                Most commonly, pets will eat our bodies as a survival behavior when there’s no food left, said Lena DeTar, an associate clinical professor at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

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                Vacuums & floor care

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                “The drive is not that all of a sudden your pet doesn’t like you anymore,” she tells Popular Science. “The drive is you’re smelling like meat, you’re no longer moving, and I’m really hungry and I need to eat.”

                - +

                “There’s a couple of other similar cases where somebody’s taken a fall or had a heart attack in their house and the animal will go to them again looking for reassurance,” Rando says. “And so, we see small dogs or small cats sometimes chewing at the face trying to get some sort of reaction.”

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                Bedroom refresh

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                Are dogs or cats more likely to eat your dead body?

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                A few bedding swaps can make your bed feel brand new—without committing to a whole mattress situation.

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                The age-old question of whether dogs or cats are better pets takes on a fresh perspective here. Rando says that most people assume cats would be quicker to take a nibble on us than dogs. However, man’s best friend is more likely to eat your corpse, and their methods are usually more violent than how cats scavenge. 

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                • CGK Unlimited King Sheet Set 6-Piece $29.99 (51% off)
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                  “Cats are going to maybe chew at the soft tissue of your nose, chew at your face, chew at your fingertips, but dogs will consume the whole corpse if given a chance and enough time,” Rando said. 

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                • UGG Adalee Faux Fur Throw Blanket $69.99 (43% off)
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                  It’s not personal. It’s all about biology: dogs are more domesticated and they’re natural scavengers, while cats retain more of their wild instincts and are natural hunters. Cats, especially outdoor cats, have other ways of finding food, like hunting down small rodents and bugs. On the other hand, dogs are often completely reliant on their owners to feed them. They’ll sniff out dog food before resorting to eating their owners, but they’ll scavenge to survive like they do in the wild, says DeTar. 

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                • Bedsure Queen Comforter Set 3-Piece $32.99 (34% off)
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                  A small house cat is also less likely to target large prey like humans, but dogs, especially larger dogs, are more able to tear at tissue and bone, adds DeTar. 

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                • OhGeni Waterproof Mattress Protector Queen $19.99 (33% off)
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                  A tabby cat with green eyes, white paws, and a white face mask has only its head and front paws up on a table where it watches a small gerbil or mouse to the left. The cat is in focus and the gerbil/mouse is out of focus. The cat is hunting the rodent.
                  Cats are less likely to consume their dead owners since they can use their hunting instincts to find other food sources. Image: DepositPhotos
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                +

                If you have lots of pets, that could be an issue

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                Home office & furniture

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                One human behavior, known as pet hoarding, increases the risk for post-mortem pet scavenging while endangering animals. Pet hoarders collect dozens of cats or dogs and are likely to neglect them, according to experts. In some cases, humans and hoarded animals live alone in poor, unsanitary conditions where pets are often starving—a high-risk situation for pets to consume their owners if they die at home.

                -

                If you work, game, craft, or doomscroll at home, your furniture is either helping you—or quietly sabotaging you.

                +

                In one case, a 69-year-old man died at home with almost 30 cats trapped in rooms filled with trash. The cats ultimately ate much of the man’s soft tissue, along with his heart and lungs, before he was found. 

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                • Huuger 55 x 24 Desk with Power Outlets and USB-C $89.98 (25% off)
                  • +

                  DeTar works at the intersection of veterinary medicine and social work. She often works with socially isolated and vulnerable populations, including with the elderly and pet hoarders, to help prevent pet scavenging situations through spaying and neutering, counseling, and potential rehoming animals.

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                • Huuger Nightstand with Charging Station $59.99 (33% off)
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                  “We call it disaster management when we have a hoarding situation,” DeTar said. “We try to get social workers involved; we try to get human healthcare involved. Often the homes get condemned.”

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                • T4TREAM Fluted Makeup Vanity Desk with Lighted Mirror $169.99 (26% off)
                  • +

                  DeTar says the complicated relationships between pet hoarders and their pets are the highest hurdle. Pet hoarders tend to believe they’re rescuing these animals, or they don’t understand their pets are living in unsafe conditions: Like many people, hoarders are emotional about their pets. 

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                • SINCRUMI Power Swivel Rocker Recliner with Massage & Heat $475.15 (15% off)
                  • +

                  Ultimately, it’s all about doing what’s best for the pet, and that usually means preventing the situations that lead to pet scavenging. But in an unavoidable situation, DeTar, who lives with a yodeling Husky, a 14-year-old Heeler, and a Calico cat, says she wouldn’t mind her pets eating her, given there was no other food available.

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                • Novilla Modular Sectional Sofa 106-inch $535.48 (24% off)
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                  Rando, who has a black cat named Momo, agrees.

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                • Amada Sectional Sofa Bed with Storage Chaise $389.99 (23% off)
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                +

                “Pets are our family,” she said. “Who wouldn’t want them to be taken care of—even if it’s just briefly, by my own flesh, after my death.”

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                Home vibe

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                In Ask Us Anything, Popular Science answers your most outlandish, mind-burning questions, from the everyday things you’ve always wondered to the bizarre things you never thought to ask. Have something you’ve always wanted to know? Ask us.

                +

                The post Would my dog or cat really eat me if I died alone? appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                en-US                <![CDATA[12 ethereal images from the 2025 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year awards]]>The aurora danced across the skies of Iceland, New Zealand, Estonia, and more this year.

                +

                The post 12 ethereal images from the 2025 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year awards appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                https://www.popsci.com/science/12-ethereal-images-from-the-2025-northern-lights-photographer-of-the-year-awards/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729438Sun, 28 Dec 2025 13:12:00 -0500SciencePhotographySpaceTechnologyWatching the aurora borealis (in the Northern Hemisphere) or aurora australis (in the Southern Hemisphere) is unforgettable. Photographing them is on a whole other level. Capturing these ribbons of light as they move and twist across the night sky transforms even the darkest winter night into a surreal wonderland.

                -

                Sometimes the best home upgrade is simply making the place smell like you have your life together.

                +

                In 2025, the aurora provided some most intense displays of the current solar cycle. While solar maximum has now peaked, geomagnetic activity has remained exceptionally strong.

                - +
                a pink aurora shining through light blue ice
                Lights and Ice by Tori Harp. Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, New Zealand.
                “I originally found this ice cave, called a moulin, 8 months prior to setting up this shot in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Glaciers are a very dynamic environment, so I kept going back to monitor the changes of this moulin over the 8-month period. As the opening of the cave formed, I envisioned setting up a night shot with my friend abseiling down the mouth of the cave with New Zealand’s amazing starry sky in the background.One magical night, everything finally came together! To my surprise, the Aurora Australis also lit up the sky. I managed to capture my friend’s silhouette perfectly placed in the center of the cave’s opening, and I love how the pinky tones of the aurora contrast with the icy colors of the cave. This dream shot ended up coming out better than I had originally envisioned, and I had a great night with my friends exploring the glacier!” Image: Tori Harp.
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                Personal care

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                a yellow, red, purple, andgreen aurora shines over muntains
                Arctic Rain by Vincent Beudez. Tromso, Norway.
                “For me, Northern Lights photography is always about capturing unique moments; snapshots of this rare natural phenomenon. This is why I never use very long exposures. I took this photograph on October 29th, 2025, near Tromso, Norway. A few seconds before capturing this scene, there was a “wall” containing colored layers – green and red – not uncommon during a substorm. But it suddenly became unstructured when a dancing corona appeared above it. I’ve seen plenty of aurora shows in my life, but nothing like this. And it happened in a location I’ve always wanted to photograph. It’s all about perseverance! Standing beneath this auroral corona, I felt like I was standing in a natural cathedral with vibrant layers of color and light radiating toward me. I was super lucky to capture this shot, and my best advice is to be patient and do your research…the hard work pays off!” Image: Vincent Beudez.
                -

                Not strictly “home improvement,” but definitely “life at home improvement.”

                +
                green and purple aurora glowing over snow covered trees
                Frozen Silence Beneath the Lights by Nikki Born. Riisitunturi National Park, Finland.
                “Riisitunturi National Park, Finland. This night was truly unforgettable. Capturing the famous frozen trees of Riisitunturi beneath the Northern Lights had been a dream for years. In March 2025, we set out to make it happen, but the weather challenged us with thick clouds all week. On our final night, we hiked into the park, hoping for a glimpse of the sky. The wind was biting, and we took shelter among the frozen trees, waiting in silence. After hours of nothing, we finally gave up and began the hike back to our cabin. Then, just as we were about to call it a night, a break appeared in the clouds. We grabbed our gear and hurried back up the Riisitunturi Hill. The moment we reached the top, the sky burst into vivid shades of green. It was an explosion of light and wonder. This night was the experience of a lifetime: the dream shot I had longed for and a moment that words can hardly describe. Photographing the Northern Lights demands patience and persistence, but when they finally appear, time stands still, and nature reminds you just how amazing our world can be.” Image: Nikki Born.
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                • Dyson Airstrait Wet to Dry Hair Straightener $379.00 (31% off)
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                  green aurora over mountains and reflected over water
                  Sueños en Eystrahorn by Palo Ruiz. Eystrahorn, Iceland.
                  “Without a doubt, one of the most challenging aurora panoramas I’ve ever taken was this one at one of Iceland’s most spectacular locations. Capturing a panorama with reflections and auroras that move so quickly is quite difficult. It was the photograph of my dreams, so I arrived in the afternoon to prepare the angles and options for the night. Clear skies and very little wind looked perfect for capturing reflections in the different pools. Auroras were already visible in the sky during the blue hour, so I quickly headed to the spot where I had planned the composition. The wind shifted, making it difficult to capture the reflections, but the moment the sky exploded, the wind stopped, and for a few brief moments, I achieved my dream photograph. It was a great joy to witness and capture such a moment.” Image: Pablo Ruiz.
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                • L’ANGE HAIR Glass Hair Thermal Blowout Primer $13.98 (53% off)
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                  a comet whizzing by a green aurora
                  Aurora Comet Lemmon by Petr Horálek. Skaulo, Sweden.
                  “The night of 24 October, 2025, was incredible. I had just moved to Sweden, where I organized an astrophotography workshop. We headed to Skaulo, where we found an incredible viewpoint over Suotojärvi Lake. This night coincided with the C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) Comet, which was only discovered back in January 2025. The comet was so bright that we could see it with our naked eyes, even when it was very low on the horizon. Fortunately, I had my camera with me! I photographed the comet darting through the sky beside the bright Aurora Borealis. Capturing two stunning natural phenomena in one shot was an exhilarating experience. The comet and the aurora appeared to be in a sort of dance, giving us an amazing show that I’ll remember forever.” Image: Petr Horálek.

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                • L’ANGE HAIR Le Volume 2-in-1 Titanium Blow Dryer Brush $47.98 (30% off)
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                  a green aurora circling around trees
                  The Northern Crown by Mari Jääskeläinen. Pyhäjärvi, Finland.
                  “I step outside and take a look at the sky above my house. It’s time. I feel the adrenaline rush in as I gather my gear and put on more warm clothes. Just a quick drive to the lake nearby and I’m all set up for the night! During active nights, I always follow the real-time solar wind data to predict what’s yet to come. On this night, there were no significant CMEs as far as I remember. And I was perfectly fine with that, as this could be the night when I finally get the shot I’ve dreamed about for a long time. In my mind, I imagine the Northern Lights creating a clear, bright green spiral to the northern sky, just above the trees, so the foreground would fit perfectly into the frame. I couldn’t believe my eyes when the auroral arc started taking the exact shape I had only dreamed about for so long! Perfect reminder of how beautiful these subtle auroras can be!” Image: Mari Jääskeläinen.

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                • L’ANGE HAIR Rival Heat Shield Spray $16.98 (30% off)
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                  a pink and green aurora over a bitch with three rocks reflecting the glow
                  Neon Nightfall by Andres Papp. Türisalu, Estonia.
                  “I shot this image on a quiet, rocky beach as a strong aurora storm rolled in from the north. At first, it was just a low green arc, but it quickly erupted into vertical curtains of lime and rare magenta. To connect the sky with the foreground, I illuminated the shoreline rocks with a strong 365 nm UV light torch, which made the minerals pop and added the surreal glow you see in the image. The challenge was balancing everything—an exposure of about 5 seconds to keep the aurora structure sharp and managing the UV spill so it didn’t look artificial. What keeps me coming back to Northern Lights photography is this mix of science and magic: you study forecasts and KP indices, but the real reward is when the sky does something unexpected, and you’re prepared to capture it in a single, colorful frame.” Image: Andres Papp.

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                • COSRX Snail Mucin Holiday Gift Set $23.14 (32% off)
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                  a man stands under an arch while a red and green aurora dances in the night sky
                  Nightscape by Sadeq Hayati. Raufarhöfn, Iceland.
                  “These days, a mobile phone isn’t just a communication device – it’s a window to the universe! In addition to accessing the online encyclopedia of humanity, today, it can also introduce us to the world beyond our planet! This photo is a single-shot capture from Iceland, taken with my Samsung mobile phone in Pro mode, with an 8-second long exposure. It shows the “Arctic Henge” (Heimskautsgerðið) in Raufarhöfn, Iceland. The triangular stone gateway is a prime spot for viewing the aurora, and I photographed it just as a colorful display of red and green lit up the sky. I stood underneath the arch to provide a sense of just how small I felt in this moment…all this natural beauty unfurling before my eyes was an experience I’ll treasure forever.” Image: Sadeq Hayati.
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                • MONDAY Haircare Original Dry Shampoo Dual Pack $11.99 (20% off)
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                +
                a pink and yellow aurora glows over a beach with large standing stones
                Guardians of the Aurora by Daniel Mickleson. Taranaki, New Zealand.
                “A rare aurora event lit the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island in vivid curtains of pink and green. In the foreground, the rock formations known as the Three Sisters stand as guardians of the shoreline, while the sacred Taranaki Maunga rises in the distance. Within Te ao Māori (the Māori worldview), such natural features are not just landscapes but ancestral presences, carrying the role of guardianship. Beneath the aurora, earth, sky, and ancestry converge in a moment both fleeting and timeless. After capturing my first aurora during the May 2024 storm, I was hooked. Travelling several hours from my home to this special location, I hoped the forecasts would be correct. Even with a near–full moon, the powerful display shone across the sky. I could see the beams dancing overhead — a truly spectacular sight.” Image: Daniel Mickleson.

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                Bonus: gear & tech

                +
                a green and pink aurora glows over mountains with some orange and yellow autumn leaves underneath
                One Autumn Night by Jesús Garrido. Abisko, Sweden.
                “The 1st of October 2025. That night, at the very moment I stepped outside my home, I somehow knew it was going to be a great one. The solar activity was looking really good, and I kept thinking that I had to find some open water to catch those reflections. Soon, the lakes would be completely frozen and covered in snow, so this felt like the right time to look for reflections before winter settled in. I drove to a little bay of Lake Torneträsk in Abisko, a place I like because it’s usually quiet and protected from the wind. A few moments after arriving, the Northern Lights started to move slowly across the sky, and then suddenly they began to dance. Red tones rose on the southern horizon while the lake remained perfectly still, reflecting every single thing that was happening above me.” Image: Jesús Garrido.

                -

                These aren’t all home products, but they make home life better—music, workouts, comfy layers, and a couple of practical add-ons.

                +
                a green and red aurora over a waterfall
                Aurora Bouquet Above Godafoss by Martin Giraud. Godafoss, Iceland.
                “During my trip to Iceland, I traveled from the south to the north. The landscapes changed, and snow covered almost everything. Godafoss is a must-see in northern Iceland, literally meaning “the waterfall of the gods.” In the year 1000, Iceland adopted Christianity, and the idols of the old pagan gods were thrown into the falls. This waterfall is one of the most impressive in the country, making us feel incredibly small in its presence. We visited the site in the afternoon while there was still daylight to scout the area. Despite promising aurora forecasts, the day was cloudy, and after sunset, the clouds didn’t seem to clear. We took a short break in the van to warm up and wait. Once night fell, a miracle happened: the sky completely cleared up. We moved as close as possible to the falls, set up our cameras, and almost instantly, the auroras appeared. The colors were different that night, shifting from pink to purple to green.” Image: Martin Giraud.



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                • Peloton Indoor Exercise Bike $2095.00 (22% off)
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                  a bright green aurora over a waterfall and reflecting in a stony pool
                  A Cathedral of Green Light Rising Over Skógafoss by Victor Lima. Skógafoss, Iceland.
                  “On nights like this, Iceland feels otherworldly. The aurora unfolded in perfectly layered arcs, painting the entire valley with shades of emerald while the waterfall echoed under the glow. The reflection on the frozen shallows completed the symmetry, making the whole landscape look like a portal to another world. It’s impossible to stand here and not feel the power of nature. When you’re standing before this waterfall, your first impulse is to focus on it, using focal lengths around 20mm. However, when I observed the scene, I noticed that the Aurora Borealis was forming arcs aligned with the mountains surrounding the waterfall, so I opted to take a panoramic image using a 12mm fisheye lens to reduce the number of images needed to cover the entire scene. I also chose to take advantage of the stream formed by the waterfall to capture the reflection of the landscape and the sky, thus adding more complexity to the composition. Wearing waterproof boots, or at least what should have been, I entered the watercourse, set up my tripod very low, and took the sequence of images to assemble the panorama later.” Image: Victor Lima.

                  +

                  The post 12 ethereal images from the 2025 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year awards appeared first on Popular Science.

                  +]]>en-US<![CDATA[Tour the International Space Station in new NASA walkthrough]]>The new video highlights the (cramped) life aboard the ISS.

                  +

                  The post Tour the International Space Station in new NASA walkthrough appeared first on Popular Science.

                  +]]>                  https://www.popsci.com/science/iss-nasa-walkthrough-video/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729431Sun, 28 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0500ScienceInternational Space StationNASASpaceTechnologyThere is nearly 16,700 cubic feet of habitable area aboard the International Space Station (ISS). That makes it larger than a six-bedroom, two-bathroom house,but still small enough for a grand tour that takes less than 15 minutes. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing worth seeing. Far from it, actually.

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                • Beats Solo 4 Wireless On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones $129.95 (35% off)
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                  Earlier this month, NASA released a high-definition video showcase of the ISS, its facilities, and its crew recorded during the Crew-4 and Crew-5 missions in October 2022. The guided tour begins in the Columbus Laboratory Module—the European Space Agency’s (ESA) contribution to the station that includes equipment for studying fluid physics, materials sciences, and the effects of microgravity. From there, Commander Nicole Mann moves into Kibo, Japan’s experiment module focused on tasks like satellite deployments and features an external robotic arm.

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                • Nike Brasilia 9.5 Training Backpack $32.23 (43% off)
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                • OtterBox iPhone 17 Pro Commuter Series Case Sagebrush Green $29.99 (40% off)
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                • Nike Women’s Air Max Nuaxis Shoes $54.73 (36% off)
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                  Along the way, viewers get fascinating looks at life in space, including what it’s like to eat in zero gravity and how difficult it is to navigate through all the controlled chaos. Orbiting around 250 miles above Earth puts supply runs at a premium, so nearly every inch of the ISS is relegated for storage, research station, wiring, or many other vital components.

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                • Nike Men’s Club Full-Zip Fleece Hoodie $52.50 (25% off)
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                  Humans have lived continuously aboard the ISS for over 25 years, but the historic endeavor is fast approaching its retirement. According to the current schedule, NASA will initiate its deorbital procedures in 2031. After that, the station will fall back towards Earth and burn up safely during atmospheric re-entry.

                  +

                  The post Tour the International Space Station in new NASA walkthrough appeared first on Popular Science.

                  +]]>                  en-US                  <![CDATA[5 breakthrough health innovations in 2025]]>The post 5 breakthrough health innovations in 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

                  +]]>                  https://www.popsci.com/health/health-breakthroughs-2025/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729819Sun, 28 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0500HealthBest of What's NewMedicineTechnologyFor years, needing reading glasses to correct farsightedness seemed like an inevitable part of aging. This year, the visual accessories might officially be a thing of the past. VIZZ eyedrops by LENZ Therapeutics offer a new tool against age-related farsightedness. The newly approved drops are powerful enough to improve vision by three or more lines on an eye chart within only 30 minutes. 

                  -
                • Nike Men’s Revolution 8 Road Running Shoes $56.25 (20% off)
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                The post These 59 post-holiday Amazon deals drop kitchen and home upgrades for clearance prices appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>                en-US                <![CDATA[5 personal care products that solved real problems in 2025]]>From world-class headphones that double as hearing aids to a perfume bottle that prioritizes accessibility.

                -

                The post 5 personal care products that solved real problems in 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>                https://www.popsci.com/technology/best-personal-care-products-2025/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729602Thu, 25 Dec 2025 15:00:00 -0500TechnologyAudioBest of What's NewEarbudsFitness GearGearHeadphonesHomeWearablesIn a market saturated with wellness products that promise to fix your whole life but rarely deliver much of anything, this year’s personal care winners stand out for actually solving real problems. The 2025 class represents genuine inclusivity and thoughtful design—from a breast pump that goes old school to level up its wearability, to world-class headphones that double as hearing aids and workout coaches. These products aren’t just chasing trends or throwing around pseudoscientific buzzwords. Instead, they address overlooked challenges with smart engineering: making fragrance bottles easier to grip, transforming sleep routines for exhausted parents, and rethinking recovery gear so athletes can soothe strained muscles while on the move. Each winner proves that meaningful innovation happens when companies consider users’ actual needs—and use that knowledge to make good products great. 

                +

                That wide-ranging impact is why Popular Science chose the drops as the 2025 Health category winner. This year’s list also includes ground-breaking improvements to pediatric heart transplants, a potential cure for a deadly blood cancer, and a minimally invasive way to treat prostate cancer.

                @@ -8164,11 +7941,11 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 -

                Grand Award Winner, Personal Care

                +

                Grand Award Winner, Health

                -

                Willow Wave Manual Breast Pump by Willow: Modern mobility meets manual pumping

                + @@ -8180,9 +7957,9 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72
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                - breast pump + eye drops @@ -8192,7 +7969,7 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 - + Learn More @@ -8200,11 +7977,19 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 -

                The wearable breast pump market has exploded in recent years, allowing parents to pump without tethering to a plugged-in device or getting tangled in tubing. Some options now fit the whole pumping mechanism into a form that can slip into your bra, promising a level of discretion that would have been unthinkable just a decade ago. But most come with a significant caveat: They’re loud. Motor noise can make pumping that might be otherwise undetected during a video call or in a quiet office practically impossible. The Willow Wave solves this problem by replacing a humming motor with an old-school, manual pump mechanism—but without sacrificing the mobility that makes wearable pumps so appealing in the first place. Building on the company’s experience creating the first fully in-bra wearable electric pump, Willow has reimagined what a manual pump can be. The Wave fits completely inside a standard nursing bra. Its ergonomic handle prevents hand fatigue while pumping and connects via 34 inches of adjustable tubing, giving users genuine freedom of movement and total control over their device’s hospital-strength suction. The result is a wearable pump that’s finally quiet enough to use anywhere—even during that morning video meeting.

                +

                Presbyopia, age-related farsightedness that makes people need reading glasses, affects 128 million people in the US, and close to 2 billion people worldwide. It’s one of the few conditions that is basically guaranteed if you live long enough. Now, an eye drop called VIZZ, developed by LENZ Therapeutics, offers presbyopic patients vision correction for 10 hours at a time.

                + + + +

                The aceclidine eye solution got FDA approval for treatment of presbyopia in July. Aceclidine, previously known in Europe as an unremarkable treatment for glaucoma, works on the iris by making the pupil smaller. The smaller the pupil, the greater the depth of focus. In trials that included 1,059 participants, aged 45 to 75, VIZZ improved people’s near vision by three or more lines on eye charts within 30 minutes. Investigators reported that participants could read phones and tablets without reading glasses, and had no loss to their distance vision. Results lasted up to 10 hours. 

                + + + +

                Previously, other presbyopia drops that worked on a different part of the eye—the ciliary muscle, which is behind the iris—caused brow pain for some users. For users of VIZZ, the most commonly reported adverse reactions are eye irritation, dimming of vision, redness, and headache. The company also recommends consulting an eye care professional before starting these, as miotics like VIZZ could heighten the risk of retinal tears.

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                Hyperboot by Nike × Hyperice: Recovery that keeps up with you

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                On-Table Reanimation of a Pediatric Heart from Donation after Circulatory Death by Duke University Medical Center: Widening the donor pool for children in need of a heart

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                - + baby heart @@ -8228,7 +8013,7 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 - + Learn More @@ -8236,11 +8021,19 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 -

                Compression boots have rightfully become a trendy recovery tool, but most require you to sit still for treatment. The Hyperboot offers an on-the-go alternative in the form of a battery-powered shoe. It combines Hyperice’s Normatec dynamic air compression with targeted heat therapy, all in a wearable form that lets you recover while standing, walking, sitting, or traveling. The air compression pushes heat deeper into the tissue of the ankle and Achilles tendon for more effective treatment. Whether you’re getting a walk in between meetings or traveling from one marathon to the next, the Hyperboot delivers professional-grade recovery without making you stop and sit. It’s the kind of multitasking recovery tool that busy athletes and weekend warriors alike have been waiting for.

                +

                Babies are far more likely than adults to die waiting for a heart transplant. In 2022, a study from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients found that more than 1,100 children were on the waitlist, with hundreds more being added every year. Due to a small donor pool and lack of devices usable in pediatric transplants, up to 20% of those children will die while waiting. The most common type of heart donation is donation after brain death (DBD). However, a way to widen the donor pool would be to include heart donations following circulatory death (DCD), or after the donor’s heart stops beating. A known technique called normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) reanimates a DCD heart in order for it to be donated. However, NRP has raised ethical concerns surrounding the definition of death and restoring blood flow to a dead body. As a result, the technique faces bans at many institutions, and viable donor hearts—including pediatric hearts—frequently go unused. 

                + + + +

                In an attempt to bypass the fierce NRP debate and increase the donor pool for infants in need, a team at Duke University Medical Center developed the on-table reanimation technique, a system with a special circuit that reanimates the DCD heart outside of the body right on the surgical table. Because all of this happens outside the body, the new technique sidesteps many of NRP’s restrictions. Using the new technique, the team successfully transplanted a heart from a 1-month-old donor to a 3-month-old recipient. According to Dr. Joe Turek, a pediatric cardiac surgeon at Duke University, the recipient baby has been healthy and well ever since.

                + + + +

                The Duke team is now presenting the technique to colleagues around the country. A wide adoption of it could increase the donor pool for pediatric heart transplants by up to 20% and save countless children’s lives. According to the Duke team, this method could be applied to adult heart transplants as well, offering a less expensive way of getting donor hearts to patients in need.

                -

                Rare Eau de Parfum by Rare Beauty: Fragrance designed for everyone

                +

                Carvykti by Legend Biotech and Johnson & Johnson: Possible cure for deadly blood cancer

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                - perfume bottle + bag of medication @@ -8264,7 +8057,7 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 - + Learn More @@ -8272,11 +8065,19 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 -

                Most perfume bottles prioritize aesthetics over accessibility, leaving people with limited hand mobility to overcome delicate caps and stiff spray mechanisms. Rare Beauty founder Selena Gomez, who lives with lupus-related arthritis, wanted her brand’s first foray into scent to do better. The bottle features an easy-grip shape and a low-force spray mechanism that makes application simple for people with limited mobility or strength. The oversized pump can be pressed down with any part of your hand or even your arm, eliminating the need for precise finger pressure. Beyond accessibility, the perfume itself offers unusual versatility: Wear it solo or combine it with the brand’s Fragrance Layering Balms to customize the scent to your mood or occasion. 

                +

                Multiple myeloma has long been considered incurable. The deadly blood cancer, a disease that 36,000 Americans develop each year, eats away at bones, creating holes that weaken the skeleton. In a milestone study published this year, Carvykti, a CAR-T immunotherapy, has yielded long-term remission and survival for multiple myeloma patients. Out of 97 treated patients, one-third had their cancer disappear. This is a striking outcome for people who were facing death after trying everything prior to the treatment. With some patients as of today going on five, or even seven, years post-treatment completely disease-free, researchers are encouraging colleagues to consider using cancer medicine’s forbidden four letter word: cure. 

                + + + +

                Developed in China by Legend Biotech, which then teamed up with Johnson & Johnson, Carvykti works by extracting a patient’s own white blood cells, retraining them to fight against the cancer, then reinfusing them back into the body. Unsurprisingly, it can be a physically grueling process. 

                + + + +

                The FDA approved the therapy in 2022, and it’s now causing a stir as follow-up research uncovers its astounding long-term effects. Researchers say the results would likely be even better if Carvykti was used as an earlier line of treatment, and not only as a last resort.

                -

                AirPods Pro 3 by Apple: The world’s most capable earbuds can also keep you feeling your best 

                +

                Remote Patient Monitoring program for blood pressure by UC Davis Health: A personalized, widely accessible program to resolve hypertension

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                - airpods on space background + man using blood pressure @@ -8300,7 +8101,7 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 - + Learn More @@ -8308,11 +8109,23 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 -

                Apple’s latest AirPods Pro would probably earn a spot somewhere on the BOWN list for their upgraded Active Noise Cancellation and improved acoustic seal alone. But the earbuds’ health and wellness features made it a shoo-in for personal care. Apple’s smallest-ever heart rate sensor pulses invisible light into the ear at a rate of 256 times per second to deliver accurate workout metrics without a chest strap. The Apple Intelligence-enabled Workout Buddy feature delivers personalized motivational messages mid-session, while sensor fusion from the built-in accelerometers, gyroscope, and custom photoplethysmography sensor tracks heart rate, calories burned, and progress across up to 50 types of workouts. The AirPods Pro 3 also offer an end-to-end hearing health experience. Users can take a scientifically validated hearing test, then use the Hearing Aid feature to adjust for mild to moderate hearing loss. Meanwhile, Hearing Protection uses machine learning to prevent further hearing damage, reducing environmental noise 48,000 times per second. These aren’t just exceptional earbuds; they’re a comprehensive health companion that also happens to deliver pristine audio.

                +

                Hypertension is a chronic disease that affects nearly half of Americans over age 20, according to the American Heart Association. High blood pressure can put someone at risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Getting high blood pressure under control can not only lengthen a person’s life, but also improve their ease and enjoyment of everyday activities. UC Davis Health recently pioneered an at-home patient monitoring program using take-home technology to help hypertension patients lower their blood pressure. 

                + + + +

                The Remote Patient Monitoring program for blood pressure is six months long, but patients can extend their participation in the program for up to a year. The program includes education, medication, and blood pressure cuffs for at-home monitoring. Each patient is given an orientation, group classes, and individual coaching about best practices for their health, all while working remotely with a full medical team. Combined, over 150 patients are either currently in or have gone through the program. 

                + + + +

                Now, over a year in, UC Davis Health is declaring triumph, citing an average drop in people’s blood pressure from 150/80 mmHg to 125/74 mmHg in only a matter of months, significantly reducing patients’ risk of heart disease. And participants are maintaining their progress even after graduating from the program.

                + + + +

                UC Davis Health currently has several remote patient monitoring programs in place and wants to use new technology to make care more accessible. For many reasons—such as distance, age, mobility, or pregnancy—a patient may not be able to easily come in to see the doctor as often as they need to. UC Davis’ model could be useful for rural and urban medical centers alike. According to the program leaders, they are working to not only continue the program, but expand it in years to come. 

                -

                Ozlo Sleepbuds by Ozlo: The sleep tracker that actually helps you sleep

                +

                NanoKnife by AngioDynamics: A minimally invasive intervention for prostate cancer

                @@ -8324,9 +8137,9 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72
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                - earbuds + nano knife @@ -8336,7 +8149,7 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 - + Learn More @@ -8344,185 +8157,91 @@ A cherub figure forming the handle of a silver-toned spiral." class="wp-image-72 -

                Sleep-tracking devices are everywhere, but most just give you data. Ozlo Sleepbuds take a different approach by combining comfort-first hardware with advanced noise-masking technology and genuinely useful insights. Designed to stay comfortable all night—even for side sleepers—the tiny buds let you stream calming content, audiobooks, meditations, or your favorite playlist as you drift off. Using built-in biometric sensors to detect when you’ve fallen asleep, they automatically switch to noise-masking audio that blocks out snoring, traffic, and other disruptions. The charging case also acts as an environmental senso

                -

                The post 5 personal care products that solved real problems in 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>en-US<![CDATA[12 award-winning photos of our beautiful world]]>From a breaching whale to fighting birds.

                -

                The post 12 award-winning photos of our beautiful world appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>                https://www.popsci.com/environment/refocus-photography-awards-2025/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729909Thu, 25 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0500EnvironmentAnimalsWildlifeThe reFocus Awards has announced the stunning winners of the 2025 Photographers of the Year at the World Photo Annual.

                - - - -

                “This year’s competition drew thousands of submissions from photographers representing 109 countries, marking the most globally diverse edition to date,” a statement reads. “Selected by an international panel of industry leaders, the 2025 honorees were recognized for exceptional storytelling, technical mastery, and artistic innovation.”

                - - - -
                birds fight over fish
                “The Perfect Heist”
                Photographer of the Year (Gold Category Winner) – Wildlife
                For 15+ years I’ve returned to Bharatpur’s wetlands, but last year was unique. Algae blooms boosted fish, drawing Darters—and opportunistic Grey Herons. In a split-second heist, herons snatched fish mid-air from Darters. After years of patience, I finally captured this breathtaking drama.
                Credit: Baiju Patil / reFocus Awards World Photo Annual 2025
                - - - -
                a dog stands amongst cliffs
                “Land of Light”
                Photographer of the Year (Gold Category Winner) – Animals
                We hiked to this location by this Dalmatian. The landscape was completely shrouded in thick gray fog—we couldn’t see a thing. We waited, hoping for a change, but for a while, it seemed like we were entirely alone in an endless void. The sun finally began to break through, like a beacon of hope.
                Credit: Bellot Audrey / reFocus Awards World Photo Annual 2025
                - - - -
                a whale breaches
                “Breach”
                Photographer of the Year (Gold Category Winner) – Nature
                Where silence ends and thunder begins. A single moment frozen in flight.
                Credit: Jarrod Saw / reFocus Awards World Photo Annual 2025
                - - - -
                a fish blends in with coral
                “Ghost of the Reef”
                Discovery of the Year (Gold Category Winner) – Underwater
                The Ghost goby is adept at hiding. Growing to about 2 cm long, they are well adapted to camouflage. With transparent bodies, fins with suction for firm grip, and low set gills to hide movement, they evade their predators. In the meantime, their large, angled eyes are on the lookout for plankton.
                Credit: Simon Biddie / reFocus Awards World Photo Annual 2025
                - - - -
                a shark swims
                “Radiance”
                Photographer of the Year (Gold Category Winner) – Underwater
                A solitary shark glides through the open ocean, framed by rays of sunlight that pierce the blue like a cathedral of light.
                Credit: Remuna Beca / reFocus Awards World Photo Annual 2025
                - - - -
                red glowing nebula
                “The Tulip Nebula”
                Discovery of the Year (Gold Category Winner) – Nature
                The Tulip Nebula glows like a delicate flower floating in space. Wisps of gas and dust catch the starlight, giving it an almost dreamlike glow. A quiet reminder of the universe’s beauty and mystery.
                Credit: Dylan Fohringer / reFocus Awards World Photo Annual 2025
                - - - -
                volcanic plume rises
                “Ash and Light”
                Discovery of the Year (Gold Category Winner) – Landscapes
                A volcanic plume rises into the sky as the first light of morning spills across the ridges of Mount Bromo in East Java, Indonesia. The scene balances violence and serenity, ash and illumination, reminding us of nature’s dual power to destroy and to inspire.
                Credit: Timon Halbach / reFocus Awards World Photo Annual 2025
                - - - -
                boy on a miniature horse in front of rural town
                “Misplaced Childhood”
                Discovery of the Year (Gold Category Winner) – Film/Analog
                “Misplaced Childhood” explores the theme of early maturity among children growing up in rural Poland. This documentary series captures the moments where innocence intertwines with responsibility, freedom with constraints, and childhood with the inevitability of growing up too soon.
                Credit: Yehor Lemzyakoff / reFocus Awards World Photo Annual 2025
                - - - -
                melting ice
                “Iceberg’s Edge”
                Photographer of the Year (Gold Category Winner) – Landscapes
                Melting iceberg along the West Coast of Greenland
                Credit: Randall (Randy) Hanna / reFocus Awards World Photo Annual 2025
                - - - -
                children in rain in water with horses and cows
                “The Hot Spring Ritual”
                Discovery of the Year (Gold Category Winner) – Travel
                A winter day in Muş… Children lead their cattle into the hot spring. A ritual of life, in silence, mist, and warm water.
                Credit: Rahsan Firtina / reFocus Awards World Photo Annual 2025
                -

                The post 12 award-winning photos of our beautiful world appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>                en-US                <![CDATA[The seed vaults that could save humanity]]>These genetic libraries plan for worse-case scenarios.

                -

                The post The seed vaults that could save humanity appeared first on Popular Science.

                -]]>                https://www.popsci.com/science/what-are-seedbanks/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729345Thu, 25 Dec 2025 09:01:00 -0500ScienceAgricultureAsk Us AnythingEnvironmentSustainabilityAmid the 872-day siege of Leningrad in the early 1940s, nine people died protecting a library. This library was not for books, but for seeds collected from around the globe. The nine who died were food scientists, starving to death alongside 700,000 of their neighbors. The library they were protecting was the world’s first seedbank, an ancestor to current-day genebanks worldwide.

                - - - -

                Genebanks are biorepositories used to store genetic material, like seeds and cells. Their origins came from a wanderlusting Russian plant-lover named Nikolai Vavilov who dreamed of a one-stop shop for seeds from all over the world for researchers, scientists, and breeders to learn from and use to fight famine. Vavilov made 115 expeditions to 64 countries, collecting 380,000 samples for the seedbank in Leningrad, growing it into an agricultural bounty so diverse and valuable, even the Germans caught wind of it. After the Nazi siege and Vavilov’s death in the Gulag, his idea turned into something even more monumental: an answer to humanity’s questions as to how to maintain food’s genetic diversity and feed the global population amid disaster, war, and climate change.

                - - - -

                Now, there are hundreds of genebanks around the world. “Almost every country has its own national genebank,” Stefan Schmitz, executive director of the Crop Trust, tells Popular Science. And there are countless beyond those. At the Crop Trust, Schmitz and his colleagues work to support genebanks and seedbanks (like genebanks, but focused on seeds) through funding, management, trainings, and technology.  

                - - - -

                Coming up on a century in existence, genebanks have become vital to the future of humanity. In the event of a massive emergency, these would be our Noah’s Ark.

                - - - -
                A top-down view of four people holding different varieties of legume seeds (beans) in their palms, meeting over a woven basket. The seeds vary in color—deep red, dark purple, tan, and light yellow—highlighting the biodiversity maintained by organizations like the Crop Trust.
                Genebanks help protect important plant varieties, such as the West African Bambara groundnut shown here. Image: Crop Trust / Michael Major
                - - - -

                Genetic diversity and food security

                - - - -

                Genebanks are troves of genetic diversity, an essential safeguard against famine. Think of the Irish Potato Famine: If all farmers plant the same variety of potato, a single threat in the form of a fungus, virus, or insect can wipe out an entire nation of crops.

                - - - -

                The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) oversees two genebanks in Morocco and Lebanon. Not only do these genebanks house incredibly diverse collections, but they are also windows into plant and human history. “We collect the crop wild relatives from this region, the first domesticated forms, the primitive forms, and we have our [locally adapted forms],” Athanasios Tsivelikas, ICARDA’s Morocco genebank manager, tells Popular Science. Some of ICARDA’s plant varieties date back to the dawn of agriculture in the Fertile Crescent. Other, wilder varieties go back even further.

                - - +

                One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetimes, according to the American Cancer Society. Treatment can include surgery or radiation, but these interventions can damage the nerves surrounding the tumor, leading to complications like erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. 

                -

                ICARDA’s collection shows us how seeds adapt to challenging climates over centuries. Seeds evolve to better withstand their environments from generation to generation. Many of ICARDA’s seeds evolved in some of the most extreme conditions on Earth and may hold the answer to humanity’s survival on a warming globe. “We are talking about climate resilience. We are also talking about this kind of adaptation to this extreme heat, salinity, and drought conditions,” Tsivelikas says.

                +

                Developed by AngioDynamics and cleared by the FDA in December 2024, NanoKnife sends localized electrical pulses directly to the cancerous tissue with a precision that avoids damage to neighboring tissues. Just like some breast cancer patients are given the option of a more targeted lumpectomy instead of treating the entire breast, eligible prostate cancer patients now have a more focused, radiation-free alternative that doesn’t require treating the entire gland. 

                -
                A wide-angle, low-altitude photograph captures the regeneration of barley landraces in an expansive field at ICARDA. Vibrant green clusters of young barley plants are arranged in neat, horizontal rows across dark, tilled soil. The rows stretch deep into the background toward a flat horizon lined with distant trees and buildings under a clear, bright blue sky.
                The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) cultivates many unique, traditional plant varieties, like barley (shown here). Image: ICARDA
                +

                The NanoKnife System offers men with prostate cancer that hasn’t yet spread a minimally invasive solution with limited quality-of-life side effects before doctors turn to other, more aggressive treatments. It is now being used in hospitals around the country. 

                +

                The post 5 breakthrough health innovations in 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                en-US                <![CDATA[​​Why you should still print photos]]>A tangible reminder of your life's big (and little) moments.

                +

                The post ​​Why you should still print photos appeared first on Popular Science.

                +]]>                https://www.popsci.com/diy/why-you-should-still-print-photos/https://www.popsci.com/?p=729570Sun, 28 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0500DIYPhotographyProjectsTechnologyWhen’s the last time you printed a photo, or got a bunch of photos professionally printed? Unless you’re a diehard analogue camera fan, chances are it’s been a while. 

                -

                Research and safekeeping

                +

                The age of smartphones means most of us carry thousands of photos with us at all times, usually storing many more than that somewhere in the cloud. And that’s great in many ways, but digital hoarding is also kind of a drag. 

                -

                Among their many purposes, genebanks continue to serve as the genetic libraries Vavilov dreamed of, facilitating agricultural research, plant breeding, and farming. Anyone who needs samples can request them from a genebank. 

                +

                There are so many photos it can be hard to find the ones you’re looking for, and it can also be annoying to show off particular collections during an in-person conversation. This is why it’s a good idea to curate a physical collection of photos after something like a trip or important event. This could mean ordering a book or just printing a few highlights—just get some kind of physical collection. Here are a few reasons. 

                -

                Plant breeders and researchers may find valuable traits for nutrition or climate resilience in a collection faraway. For example, if someone is trying to create a more nutritious variety of wheat, they may find something that will help them in a roster of seeds from a genebank in a different country. They could then reach out to that genebank with their request and, if their request is approved, the genebank will send them samples of the variety they want to study. 

                +

                You don’t have to hand anyone your phone

                -

                You can also think of genebanks as agricultural safety nets. In regions that experience natural disaster or war, “they provide emergency support for farmers,” Schmitz says. “Genebanks have been in a position to provide old, adapted seeds to farmers so they could then multiply them again.”

                +

                We’ve all done it: handed our phone to someone to show them a photo. It works, but there are downsides. 

                -

                They can be important insurance policies for other genebanks as well. Genebanks send duplicates of their collections to fellow genebanks to ensure an even higher level of safety, should anything happen to their own collection. Among genebanks, there is something called the black box system, where you can send seed duplicates to another genebank for safekeeping only, not for research or anything else. Those duplicates remain yours and yours alone, housed faraway in the event of a disaster.

                -
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                - Related 'Ask Us Anything' Stories

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                Why smelling a pine tree can instantly lift your mood

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                What are ultra-processed foods and are they bad for me?

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                Does eating spicy food help you lose weight? Science has a clear answer.

                -

                Should you keep eggs in the fridge? Short answer: Yes.

                -

                Should I freeze my sperm? Men consider their ‘sixth vital sign.’

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                For one thing, there’s probably all sorts of things on your phone you don’t want to share with everyone in your life. Maybe they’ll scroll through your photos, looking for similar pictures but instead finding something you’d rather keep private. Maybe a notification pops up that you’d rather your family not see. Or, in the worst-case scenario, maybe someone goes snooping on your device on purpose.

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                A backup for the backup

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                All of these situations can be avoided if you hand them a photo album instead of your phone. And yes, you could also avoid this by using something like AirPlay or Google Cast to show the photos on your TV, but that only works consistently if you’re at home—otherwise, you’re fighting to connect to someone else’s television. It’s a lot easier to just hand someone a photo album. 

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                The vulnerability of genebanks makes this extra assurance essential. Power outages, war, and imperfect infrastructure can compromise a genebank overnight. Just one power outage can be a crisis for a facility that needs to keep temperatures at zero degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius). 

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                Curation is its own reward

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                So, in 2008, experts came up with the ultimate backup plan.

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                It is so easy, in this day of cheap cloud storage, to take dozens of photos every day and never think about them. You can always search or scroll when you need something specific, right?

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                They put a massive global facility in the North Pole, in a part of Norway called Svalbard. There, the farthest north you can go on a commercial airline, the frigid permafrost ensures that even if the power went out, the seeds inside the vault would still be safe. Now, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault houses 1,378,238 seed samples from almost every country globally, with room for millions more. 

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                But all of that assumes the art of going through your photos and choosing the best ones is a burden, and not a delight. And I’m here to tell you that there is real joy to be found in going through old photos, choosing the best ones, and deciding to get those—and only those—printed. 

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                “Svalbard is nothing else but a huge backup facility,” says Schmitz. “So that in case one of the 800+ genebanks loses their collection due to [a] thunderstorm, fire, earthquake, or war, you can make sure you have this security backup.” 

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                It’s also fun arranging these physical photos so that they flow from one to the other. (There’s a reason people used to scrapbook as a hobby!) There’s an art to it, which is satisfying. Yes, you could create digital albums in something like Google or Apple Photos, which is a very worthwhile activity. But that feels like work. Carefully arranging your photos in a way that recreates a fond memory or juxtaposing them artistically is a creative exercise in and of itself. Making things with your own hands is satisfying and good for your brain. 

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                The concrete entrance of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault sits nestled in a snowy mountainside under a clear blue sky. In the foreground, several people are gathered on a metal walkway near the vault's open door. A stack of blue and black storage crates, labeled with the "ICARDA" logo, rests on a wooden pallet as a man in a dark parka gestures toward them.
                On June 3, 2025, several staff members transported ICARDA seed samples into the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in northern Norway. That week alone, 14 genebanks from around the world deposited more than 11,200 seed samples, underscoring the critical role of crop diversity in future food security. Image: Xinhua News Agency / Contributor / Getty Images Xinhua News Agency
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                The cloud won’t last forever

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                Shortly after Svalbard was established, Tsivelikas’ colleagues at an ICARDA genebank in Syria began sending the new facility copies of their seeds via the black box system. When civil war broke out in 2011, they ramped up their shipments, reaching over 100,000 duplicates under Svalbard’s roof. 

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                Sprawling tech conglomerates like Google and Apple seem like they’ll be around forever, but that just isn’t the case. The history of technology is one where impossibly large companies all eventually disappear, often taking their data with them.

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                And it was lucky they did. In 2014, ICARDA’s genebank in Syria had to be evacuated. “It was the largest disaster we are aware of to genebanks,” says Schmitz.

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                I am not predicting the imminent collapse of any software giants, only pointing out that if something like that happened, there’s a good chance the services where your photos live right now will stop existing. It would be up to you—or the people who come after you—to move the photos off the dying cloud service and onto one that’s still running. Yes, there’s generally a warning, but sometimes life gets in the way and you miss a deadline. 

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                Tsivelikas’ relief and gratitude at his colleagues’ forethought is palpable to this day. “I cannot express how wise my colleagues in Syria were,” he says. “They were thinking of every possible event that could happen.” While they couldn’t predict the specifics of this civil war, they were ready for it anyway. After the team evacuated, ICARDA established new genebanks in Morocco and Lebanon. 

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                That’s just one scenario. There could be a computer glitch that randomly deletes photos, or you could forget to pay a cloud subscription bill at some future point in your life. Your photos could disappear forever. Physical photos aren’t like that. They’re in your home. Sure, they could be destroyed in an accident or a fire, which is a good reason to keep the digital photos around and backed up. But physical photos are yours in a way anything stored on the cloud is not. That alone makes having some old-fashioned, paper photos around worthwhile. 

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                When the new facilities opened, Tsivelikas was there. He went to Svalbard in 2015 to begin the process of getting the duplicated seeds back to ICARDA. “We managed, from Svalbard, to retrieve the [samples of seeds] to our new genebanks in Morocco and in Lebanon,” he says. 

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                They’re a tangible reminder of something great

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                ICARDA was the first genebank to retrieve its collection from Svalbard, but there have been others since. Now, Sudanese genebank workers are following in the footsteps of those in Syria, sending seeds to Svalbard amid their civil war. These seeds will be essential for rebuilding.

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                Whether it’s a special event, an epic trip, or a new addition to your family, some things deserve to be commemorated. Printing photos and compiling them is a great way to do that. You are going to value an actual physical object more in 20 years than any Instagram post (assuming Instagram even exists in 20 years). 

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                “There are lots of interesting examples where genebanks not only serve as a starting point for modern breeding and modern plant research, but sometimes simply to help farmers after a catastrophe or natural disaster,” Schmitz says.

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                You can pull the book out during conversations. You can page through it yourself, anytime. 

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                In Ask Us Anything, Popular Science answers your most outlandish, mind-burning questions, from the everyday things you’ve always wondered to the bizarre things you never thought to ask. Have something you’ve always wanted to know? Ask us.

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                The post The seed vaults that could save humanity appeared first on Popular Science.

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                There’s another side to this: your own mortality. I hate to break it to you, but you are going to die someday (sorry). When you do, it will be up to someone you love to sort through your belongings and decide what to keep. A well-curated collection of physical photos is far more likely to be valued than an endless scroll of digital photos. Plus, who wants to end up a ghostbot?

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                The post ​​Why you should still print photos appeared first on Popular Science.

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