Popular Mechanics

Popular Mechanics is a renowned magazine focused on science and technology for the general public. It was originally launched by Henry Haven Windsor on January 11, 1902, and has been under the ownership of Hearst Communications since 1958. The magazine is available in nine different international editions, which includes a Latin American version that is no longer in circulation after many years, as well as a newer edition for South Africa. The Russian edition has been in publication since 2002. In 2013, the US edition reduced its frequency from twelve issues a year to ten.

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#6349

United States

#1400

Computers Electronics and Technology

#207

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Articles

These Are the Lethal Autonomous Weapons That Terrify the U.S. Military

3 days ago | popularmechanics.com | John Lewinski

Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story:Lethal autonomous weapon systems can independently identify a target and engage an onboard weapon to destroy that target—all without manual human control. While these weapons are still in their infancy, the proliferation of killer drones in the Russian invasion of Ukraine has expedited their development. The United States is falling behind China in its development of these AI-driven weapon systems.
The Best Patio Furniture Under $500 to Upgrade Your Outdoor Space

4 days ago | popularmechanics.com | Jessica Dukes |Rachel Klein

Skip to ContentDining sets, seating, umbrellas, and rugs start at just $68 on Amazon and beyond. By Jessica Dukes and Rachel KleinPublished: Jun 03, 2025 12:40 PM EDT1Lumbar Pillows IncludedSolaura 5-Piece Patio Conversation SetIf you’ve ever settled into outdoor club chairs at a high-end hotel or beach resort, you know just how comfy these spacious seats are. This stylish set features two chairs, two ottomans, and a small glass-top side table.
A New Kind of Concrete Can Grow and Repair Itself

4 days ago | popularmechanics.com | Darren Orf

Concrete is one of the biggest greenhouse gas emitters in the world, so scientists are developing new strategies to mitigate its climate impact. One of those strategies is to create a concrete that “self-heals,” and in a new study, scientists used synthetic lichen to patch cracks autonomously (meaning that outside nutrients don’t need to be applied for the repair to take place.
Dinosaurs Had Cancer, Too, According to a Staggering New Study

4 days ago | popularmechanics.com | Darren Orf

Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story:Over the years, scientists have found examples of cancerous tumors within the fossilized bones of ancient dinosaurs. A new study analyzes the fossil of the duck-billed hadrosaurid Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus and found proteins that help pinpoint molecular marks of disease in ancient species.
Scientists Found 6,000-Year-Old Human Remains. No Other People Share Their DNA.

5 days ago | popularmechanics.com | Elizabeth Rayne

Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story:An analysis of bones from ancient people who once lived in Colombia has discovered DNA that does not directly connect them to any other ancient or modern population in South America. It is thought that these people might somehow be related to speakers of Chibchan languages, which are spoken in the area where they once lived. More genomic research will be needed to demystify who these unknown people were and whose ancestors they might be.
A New Study Says You Can Delay Death—but Not the Speed of Aging

5 days ago | popularmechanics.com | Darren Orf

Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story:With incredible changes in our species’ lifespan over the past century, some aging experts have pondered whether the biology of aging—or senescence—is changing. To explore this question, a new study re-examines a popular theory that the rate of aging hasn’t changed—it’s just been delayed by about a decade.
A Theory Says We Can’t Find Advanced Aliens Because They’re Not Trying to Be Found

5 days ago | popularmechanics.com | Darren Orf

The Fermi Paradox ponders an endlessly fascinating question: If so many worlds exist in the universe, why haven’t we detected any sign of extraterrestrial life? A possible reason, called the “Sustainability Solution,” argues that the search for technosignatures necessitates a particular human bias, suggesting that rapid growth is the only means of society expansion.
Humanity May Achieve the Singularity Within the Next 6 Months

6 days ago | popularmechanics.com | Darren Orf

Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story:The world is awash in predictions of when the singularity will occur or when artificial general intelligence (AGI) will arrive. Some experts predict it will never happen, while others are marking their calendars for 2026.
Scientists Are Sinking Concrete Batteries Underwater. An Energy Revolution Is Coming.

1 week ago | popularmechanics.com | Manasee Wagh

About 330 feet below the surface, a spherical shell of concrete rested on the floor of Lake Constance in Bodensee, Germany. Nearly 10 feet in diameter, the sphere was full of fresh lake water. Then, a pump-turbine and valve system attached to the sphere forced water out, creating a vacuum inside it. When engineers cut energy to the system, the pumping stopped, and the surrounding seawater rushed back in, spinning the turbine, and generating electricity.
Yeti’s Ranchero Daypack Got Me to Finally Give Up the JanSport I’ve Used Since College

1 week ago | popularmechanics.com | Tom Price

First Impressions For TravelFor CommutingFor HikingNot So Final Thoughts Following its acquisition of Mystery Ranch early last year, Yeti began developing a product of its own that took design and inspiration from long-time packmaker Dana Gleason’s backpack brand. Enter the Yeti Ranchero. The backpack debuted this past February and began picking up traction with outdoor blogs and bag forums pretty quickly. I was intrigued, but I’m not one to swap out my backpack very often.