Popular Science. Demystifying the worlds of science and technology since 1872.
Yes, ginger ale really does taste better on a plane. Here’s why.
Plus other weird things we learned this week.
Rachel Feltman
At Popular Science, we report and write dozens stories every week. And while a lot of the fun facts we stumble across make it into our articles, there are lots of other weird facts that we just keep around the office. So we figured, why not share those with you? Welcome to The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week.
POPULAR SCIENCE VIDEOS
Popular Science on YouTube is a laboratory of stories from the future, past, and present. It’s like a time travel learning machine—in video form.
The extinction loop
Libertarian fantasies thrive on ecological collapse, profiting from the very destruction they helped to accelerate.
Smugglers try to disguise giant beetles as Japanese snacks, unsuccessfully
The black market bug haul totaled $1,480.
This AI chip is the size of a grain of salt
The device can read light data inside fiber optic wires.
Hunting for Burmese pythons is best done in the dark
The invasive species is wreaking havoc on ‘one of the world’s most unique ecosystems.’
Kelp farming isn’t as green as it seems
Growing kelp may appear like a simple strategy for removing atmospheric carbon, but the practice has many pitfalls.
Paleontologists solve decades’ old mystery about plesiosaur skin texture
Hint: Think ‘turtle.’
Human-like teeth successfully grown in a pig’s mouth
Researchers believe lab-grown teeth could one day serve as an alternative to synthetic dental implants.
How mantis shrimp protect their powerful ‘fists’ of fury
Their dactyl clubs can break aquarium glass.
Border collies out-sniff some hunting dogs in scientific smell competition
Move over, bloodhounds.
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Popular Science has been demystifying the worlds of science and technology since 1872. We explain the inner workings of the phone in your pocket, explore world-changing innovations, and examine everything from the marvels of deep space to the secret lives of staples like bread. We deliver an engaging, approachable, and inclusive look at emerging technologies and scientific advances.
Daily, PopSci unpacks the science behind the top current new stories, dissects the latest technology and digital trends, and helps readers live smarter, safer, and happier through clever DIY projects.
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