Rachel Feltman is former executive editor of Popular Science and forever host of the podcast The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week. She previously founded the blog Speaking of Science for the Washington Post.
WHO Withdrawal, Bird Flu News and the Way ‘Prehab’ Affects Surgical Outcomes
A rundown on what’s at stake for global health if the U.S. withdraws from the World Health Organization and an update on bird flu are in this week’s science news roundup.
Turning Outdoor Enthusiasts into Community Scientists
The founder of Adventure Scientists explains how community science is the ultimate civic engagement
What Happens to the Open Internet without Net Neutrality?
A U.S. federal court struck down the FCC’s enforcement of net neutrality. What does that mean for Internet users?
A Mixed Bag for Private Spaceflight, a New Spider Species and the Health Risks of Alcohol
We discuss a big week for commercial spaceflight, a red dye ban and a scary spider species in this news roundup.
The Ways We Express Pain Point to Universality in Language
Linguists think that the words that we use to express pain might tell us something about our shared biology and the commonality of language.
Mishandled Response to the Bird Flu Leaves U.S. Vulnerable to Outbreak
The U.S. government lost control of the bird flu because of a sluggish response and deference to industry.
A Death from Bird Flu, a Cosmic Kiss and Wildfires in L.A.
In this week’s news rundown, norovirus cases are up, a bird flu death is reported and Los Angeles has experienced devastating fires.
Largest Camera in the World Will Look for Planet Nine
Pluto was unseated as the ninth planet in our solar system. Will we find a real Planet Nine?
Nature Affects Our Hormones and Changes Our Microbiome
Nature can affect our nervous system and diversify our microbiome—and you don’t need to go on a hike to reap the benefits.
The Climate, Health and Tech Stories We’re Following in 2025
We’re closing out the year with a roundup of the science stories that stood out to our editors in 2024.
Conservation Efforts Are Bringing Pandas, Wolves and Panthers Back from the Brink
There are so many species facing extinction—but today we’re telling stories about the animals making a comeback and the conservationists working hard to help.
Today’s Conservationists Are Inspired by Homeland and Heritage
Modern conservationists are finding new ways to protect wildlife.
Audio and Imagery, Interpreted by AI, Are Improving Conservation Studies
Conservationists have access to massive amounts of data on wildlife—and machine learning is helping them make meaning out of them.
Why Are Zoos Controversial?
Though it may seem paradoxical, zoos can play a big role in modern conservation efforts.
Will AI Audio Replace Podcasts? Not So Fast
Translating complex information into captivating podcasts is no simple task. Is AI up to the challenge?
Leaded Gasoline Tied to Uptick in Mental Health Disorders, and a Mysterious Outbreak Occurs in the DRC
A mysterious outbreak occurs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and researchers find evidence that exposure to leaded gasoline was linked to increases in mental illness. Plus, we discuss orcas wearing salmon as hats.
Could Menstruation Be Causing Low Iron Levels?
Underdiagnosed iron deficiency and anemia could be leaving people without affordable fixes for their concerns.
Why Anthony Fauci Is Concerned about Bird Flu and Public Division
“America’s Doctor” says that our common enemy is the danger posed by viruses, not each other.
A Psychologist’s Tips for Avoiding Overconsumption This Holiday Season
Holiday deals are designed to be irresistible. A consumer psychologist explains how to avoid overconsumption and shop sustainably.
RFK, Jr., Could Run the Agency That Oversees CDC, FDA and NIH. Here’s What That Means for Public Health
RFK, Jr., could restructure the CDC, FDA and NIH in pursuit of his flawed vision of public health. Plus, we discuss chimpanzees at play and the first-ever close-up image of a star.
Could AI Ghosts of Ancient Civilizations Help Us Connect with Bygone Cultures?
Social psychologists could turn artificial-intelligence-powered tools like ChatGPT on to writings from past cultures. Will this help us study ancient civilizations?
Unscheduled C-Sections May Depend on the Color of Your Skin
A study of births in New Jersey reveals a troubling disparity between unscheduled C-sections for Black people.
An Off Day in Brooklyn—And on Uranus
A serious bird flu infection in Canada, a troubling projection of future plastic waste and dispatches from a global climate convention.
Reflecting on the Arecibo Message, Our First Attempt to Speak with the Stars
On the 50th anniversary of the “Arecibo message,” we present a reflection on humankind’s first attempt to send a transmission to intelligent life in the cosmos.