Popular Mechanics US Magazine - January - February 2023

In this issue

Why Isn’t the World Built Out of Lego Bricks?
They’re practically indestructible, ridiculously strong, and offer surprisingly good insulation.
By Tatyana Woodall and Jennifer Leman

The 22 Greatest Tools in the History of the World
2.6 million years ago, our ancestors created the first tools and changed the course of human evolution. By the editors of Popular Mechanics..

What Should the World Know More About?

Pry open any PopMech editor’s brain and you'll find an overstuffed assortment of fun facts, practical tips, interesting bits of history, and other insightful discoveries. But because there are only so many pages in this magazine, staffers don’t always have the space to share their favorite, most underreported nuggets of knowledge. Until now.

1 min

Bottled Water B.S.

Tossing hundreds or thousands of empty water bottles into your recycling bin each year doesn’t make up for the fact that you're using up that amount of plastic for a free, renewable resource in the first place.

1 min

A FAILED GOVERNMENT FELINE MISSION

Ever go to Wikipedia to quickly look something up about, I don't know, photosynthesis, and then hours later, you emerge as a leading expert on Hootie and the Blowfish? No? Just me?

1 min

PATHS HIDDEN IN PLAIN VIEW

If you've ever seen a makeshift dirt path connecting two sidewalks, that's a \"desire path,\" also known as a desire line or game trail.

1 min

A Handsome Industrial Coffee Table for Less Than $200

YOU'VE SEEN THE ADS AND CATALOGS HAWKING TRENDY FURniture featuring pseudo-repurposed materials for gobs of money.

7 mins

Jupiter's Shifting Orbit Will Make Earth Paradise (or Hell)

Oh, Jupiter. If only the gas giant shifted its orbit slightly, becoming more eccentric (meaning ovalshaped), it could transform the shape of Earth's orbit, too, causing parts of the blue planet to move closer to the sun.

1 min

Crabs Revolutionizing the Battery Industry

EVERY YEAR, WE PRODUCE ABOUT 6 TO 8 million tons of crab, shrimp, and lobster shell waste globally, with most of it dumped straight back into the ocean or into landfills.

2 mins

Back-Breaking Work Requires Some Help

Everyone feels the hurt as you age, but CBD can help you deal with it

5 mins

How 3 Quantum Physicists Proved Einstein Wrong

0NCE DESCRIBED AS \"SPOOKY ACTION at a distance\" by the world's most famous physicist, Albert Einstein, entanglement the idea that two particles separated by vast distances could instantly influence each other-lies at the very heart of what makes quantum physics so strange and counterintuitive.

2 mins

The World's First Hypersonic Cruise Missile

A NEW MISSILE SET TO ENTER SERVICE in 2027 is radically different from anything else in the Pentagon's arsenal.

1 min

Whether Earth Once Harbored a Pre-Human Industrial Civilization

Complex life on our planet has existed for at least 400 million years.

3 mins

Solving This Maddening Probability Problem

Can't Stop Thinking about

2 mins

Why Isn't the World Made of Lego Blocks?

Lego bricks are among the most durable building materials in existence. So why don't we make everything out of them?

7 mins

The Unrelenting Roar of a Crypto Mine Tore This Town Apart

Cryptocurrency aims to revolutionize finance, but its mines are destroying communities across America.

10+ mins

22 Greatest Tools in the History of the World

Tools make us human, but we are not the only ones who use tools. Some birds drop rocks to crack shells open, and certain apes use sticks to get food or groom themselves.

10+ mins

Home Theater

Cue up a cinematic even Spielberg experience that would envy.

5 mins

Track Saws Help You Cut Straight, Like a Pro

NOT ALL THAT LONG AGO, TRACK SAWS WERE N made by only a handful of companies and were employed almost exclusively by professional tradesmen.

4 mins

Valve's Steam Deck Makes PC Gaming Truly Portable

MOBILE GAME SYSTEMS HAVE LONG BEEN VIEWED AS inferior to gaming computers and consoles. That's because their smaller components are often too weak to keep up with the rising graphics demands of new titles.

5 mins

Read all stories from Popular Mechanics US

Popular Mechanics US Magazine Description:

Popular Mechanics US is a widely recognized magazine that caters to enthusiasts of science, technology, and all things related to mechanics. Here's an overview of the magazine's content and its focus on providing valuable insights and information to its readers:

Popular Mechanics US offers a diverse range of content, covering topics such as engineering, DIY projects, automotive advancements, home improvement, technology trends, outdoor adventures, and more. With a rich history dating back to 1902, the magazine has remained a trusted source for practical advice, expert guidance, and in-depth features.
1. Science and Technology: Popular Mechanics US keeps readers informed about the latest scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and innovative ideas shaping the world. It covers topics like space exploration, robotics, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and emerging technologies, providing insights into how these developments impact our daily lives.

2. DIY Projects and How-Tos: The magazine features step-by-step guides and tutorials for DIY enthusiasts and individuals interested in hands-on projects. From home improvement and woodworking to electronics and automotive repairs, Popular Mechanics US offers practical tips, tool recommendations, and detailed instructions to help readers tackle various projects.
3. Automotive: Popular Mechanics US has a dedicated focus on automobiles, providing coverage on the latest automotive technologies, industry news, and reviews. Whether you're interested in new car models, maintenance tips, or insights into electric and autonomous vehicles, the magazine offers a wealth of information for automotive enthusiasts and consumers.
4. Home and Workshop: Readers looking to enhance their homes or workshops can find inspiration and guidance through Popular Mechanics US. The magazine offers articles on home improvement, DIY renovations, tool recommendations, and tips for maintaining and upgrading living spaces and work areas.
5. Outdoor Adventures and Gear: From camping and hiking to fishing and off-roading, Popular Mechanics US caters to outdoor enthusiasts. It features articles on adventure travel, gear reviews, survival tips, and insights into outdoor recreational activities, helping readers make informed choices for their outdoor pursuits.

6. In-Depth Features and Interviews: Popular Mechanics US delivers in-depth features, interviews, and profiles of experts, innovators, and thought leaders in various fields. These articles provide readers with a deeper understanding of groundbreaking technologies, scientific breakthroughs, and the people behind them.
Popular Mechanics US continues to engage and educate readers by exploring the intersection of science, technology, and mechanics. Through its informative articles, practical tips, and inspiring stories, the magazine empowers readers to stay informed, pursue their interests, and embrace the world of innovation and engineering.