Latest articles | smithsonianmag.com

In a First, Astronomers May Have Spotted a Supermassive Black Hole That Wandered to the Edge of Its Galaxy
These giant celestial objects have mostly been identified at the centers of galaxies, where they're known to reside. But a recently discovered one—found because of the light emitted while it snacked on a star—appears to be more than 30,000 light-years from its host galaxy's heart


These Early Biplanes Documented the Arctic, Captured Newsreel Footage and Witnessed Lindbergh's Historic Flight. Now, a Rare Example Will Hang in a Museum
The Cradle of Aviation Museum recently acquired a Curtiss Oriole, three-seat biplane manufactured at a nearby Garden City factory


Ancient North American Mammals May Have Gathered in Mexico and Diversified Before Moving to South America, Priming Them to Thrive There
An analysis of fossils from the country hints that animals from the north stayed in a "holding pen" between seven million and ten million years ago. The timeline might help explain why so many South American mammals have North American ancestry, but not vice versa


To Recover Artworks Looted by the Nazis, Researchers Are Getting Creative, With New Strategies Including an A.I. Chatbot and a Campaign of 'Wanted' Posters
University researchers hope their new artificial intelligence chatbot makes provenance research easier and more accessible


New Images Provide the Best Evidence Yet That Supergiant Star Betelgeuse Does, Indeed, Have a Long-Theorized Stellar Companion
The research team is mostly convinced by the data, but they want to capture additional observations in 2027 to confirm what they've found


This 400-Year-Old Impenetrable Japanese Castle That Survived a Samurai Siege Just Crumbled in an Earthquake
In 1877, a force rebelling against Emperor Meiji attacked Kumamoto Castle on Japan's southern Kyushu island


A Man Used This Civil War Artifact as a Paperweight on His Desk. The Bomb Squad Told Him It Was Actually a Live Explosive
The device turned out to be an artillery shell designed for a Parrott rifle in the mid-1800s. Experts safely detonated it at a firing range near San Antonio


After Receiving a Custom Experimental Medicine, a Teen With a Rare Genetic Disorder Walked on His Own for the First Time
The patient's genetic disorder causes frequent seizures and developmental delays. His progress, along with that of another boy who received a similar personalized treatment, highlights the promise—and challenges—of tailor-made drugs


Smallpox DNA Hidden for Centuries in Mummies Found in Chile Suggests European Colonists Brought the Virus to the Americas
Researchers say they found the first direct, molecular proof of the deadly trajectory the virus took


The History of the Beach Read, From 19th-Century 'Moral Debasement' to BookTok
The still-popular genre got its start 150 years ago, when publishers profited off the rise of travel in the United States during an otherwise slow publishing season


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Solar System bodies make deep space exploration more fuel efficient! Solar System bodies make deep space exploration more fuel efficient!




Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily

This hydrogen turbine turns controlled explosions into electricity
Scientists have successfully generated electricity with a hydrogen turbine that produces its own pressure through detonation waves instead of relying on a mechanical compressor. The breakthrough could unlock dramatically more efficient power systems for clean energy and future aviation.


Cancer-fighting chewing gum cuts HPV levels by up to 93%
A specially engineered chewing gum reduced HPV by up to 93% and nearly eliminated two bacteria linked to head and neck cancer. The treatment preserved beneficial mouth bacteria, raising hopes for a safer and more affordable therapy.


518-million-year-old creature reveals the origins of spider fangs
A tiny 518-million-year-old sea creature has revealed the earliest known evidence of the structures that eventually became spiders’ fangs. Hidden inside the fossil were pincerlike limbs and preserved soft tissues that help explain how the ancestors of spiders and scorpions evolved into formidable hunters.


Strange quantum experiment shows “negative time” is more than an illusion
Photons traveling through a cloud of atoms can emerge so early that they appear to have spent a negative amount of time inside. Researchers tested whether this was merely a misleading feature of the light pulse by making extremely weak measurements of the atoms. Surprisingly, the atoms confirmed the same negative dwell time. The finding does not break standard physics, but it reveals that one of quantum mechanics’ strangest effects is physically measurable.


Your brain may be wired to regain lost weight
Weight loss is not simply a test of willpower. The human brain evolved to protect body fat during times of scarcity, and it can treat a previously higher weight as the new normal, triggering stronger hunger, cravings, and lower energy use after weight loss. This biological “memory” helps explain why many people regain weight after dieting and why medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro can help by reducing appetite signals, although their effects may fade when treatment ends.


DNA on the Shroud of Turin reveals centuries of hidden history
DNA traces in the Shroud of Turin reveal a remarkable mixture of human lineages, microbes, plants, animals, and coral accumulated through centuries of handling and travel. The findings do not prove its age or authenticity, but they expose a hidden biological history preserved in the famous cloth.


Two new compounds could reveal hidden drivers of Alzheimer’s disease
Vanderbilt researchers created the first selective compound designed to inhibit TAOK-1, a poorly understood protein connected to Alzheimer’s disease. They also discovered a second compound that activates the entire TAOK protein family, offering scientists an unexpected new research tool. Together, the compounds could reveal hidden disease mechanisms and point toward new treatment strategies.


Scientists may have found aging’s hidden trigger for brain disease
Scientists have identified a molecular switch that may help explain why aging makes the brain more vulnerable to diseases such as ALS and Huntington’s. In worms, the protein EPS8 builds up with age and triggers signaling that encourages toxic proteins to clump together, damaging neurons and shortening lifespan. Reducing EPS8 activity prevented these harmful aggregates and preserved nerve function.


Scientists went looking for giant trees in Taiwan and found a lost world
Taiwan’s steep, remote mountains have sheltered extraordinary forests containing hundreds of giant Taiwania firs. After years of difficult expeditions, LiDAR mapping, and citizen-science detective work, researchers discovered an 84.1-meter (276-foot) tree, the tallest known in East Asia. They also found dense “temples of giants” where dozens of enormous trees grow together. These ancient forests rank among the world’s most carbon-rich ecosystems.


These bizarre new beetles look so stretchy scientists named them Luffy
Scientists have named a newly discovered beetle genus Luffy, inspired by the stretchy hero of the manga and anime One Piece. The insects have unusually long, slender mandibles, antennae, and mouthparts that resemble Luffy’s rubber-like ability to extend his body.


These underwater bones could solve a mystery about extinct giants
Animal bones preserved in South Australia’s underwater caves reveal distinctive clues shaped by darkness, algae, bacteria, and other environmental conditions. The findings give scientists a powerful new way to reconstruct how ancient megafauna remains entered and survived in submerged cave systems.


A common sugar may help cancer cells break free and spread
Chemotherapy-surviving ovarian cancer cells may release fructose to help neighboring tumor cells loosen, escape, and spread. The discovery suggests that sugary diets and cholesterol-lowering drugs could influence cancer progression, though the effects have not yet been confirmed in patients.


Ancient Arctic carbon is pouring into the sea, but the seabed captures most of it
Thawing Arctic permafrost is releasing ancient carbon into the ocean, raising fears that microbes could turn it into greenhouse gases and accelerate climate change. But sediment cores collected near Canada’s Herschel Island reveal a more reassuring twist: most of this land-based carbon becomes buried in the seafloor, while only about 10 percent is converted into gases.


Scientists reveal the hidden force driving the universe’s hottest fluid
When atomic nuclei smash together at nearly the speed of light, they create the hottest fluid in the universe, but scientists may have overlooked one of its most important forces. New simulations reveal that extreme acceleration builds up along the edges of quark-gluon plasma, helping drive its explosive expansion. This acceleration may do far more than move the fluid, potentially changing its temperature-like behavior, influencing particle spins, and even reshaping how matter transitions between fundamental states.


Moonquakes could reveal hidden water beneath the lunar surface
Hidden moon ice may reveal itself through the way it bends and reflects vibrations from moonquakes. The technique could help astronauts locate vital water supplies and uncover clues about the origins of Earth’s oceans.


A simple supplement could help the immune system fight cancer and viruses
Low arginine levels may allow cancer cells and viruses to slip past the immune system by reducing production of a crucial cellular warning protein. In mice, arginine-rich diets led to fewer colon tumors and milder viral infections, suggesting a simple supplement could have powerful therapeutic potential.


Scientists just 3D printed one of the hardest metals on Earth
A new 3D printing technique can produce exceptionally hard tungsten carbide cobalt while using less of its expensive raw materials. By softening rather than fully melting the material, researchers created defect-free samples with industrial-grade hardness and opened the door to more efficient manufacturing.


Scientists detect a sharp acceleration in global warming
Global warming appears to have shifted into a faster gear. After removing the effects of El Niño, volcanic eruptions, and solar cycles, researchers found that the planet has warmed at roughly 0.35°C per decade over the past ten years, compared with just under 0.2°C per decade from 1970 to 2015. The acceleration, which becomes visible around 2013 to 2015, appeared across five major global temperature datasets with more than 98% statistical certainty.


AI reveals a massive algae boom across the world’s oceans
An AI analysis of 1.2 million satellite images shows that floating algae blooms are spreading across the global ocean. The rapid growth of massive seaweed mats could reshape marine habitats while bringing foul-smelling decay, ecological damage, and economic losses to coastlines.


This once-a-week workout may help cut belly fat, study shows
A surprisingly small dose of exercise may deliver major health benefits for adults carrying excess fat around the waist. In a four-month trial involving 315 adults with central obesity, researchers found that completing 75 minutes of brisk interval walking in a single weekly session reduced body fat, trimmed waistlines, and improved cardiovascular fitness about as effectively as splitting the same exercise across three days.


Some coastal cities are sinking faster than the ocean is rising
Coastal communities are facing a hidden threat that is making rising seas far more dangerous: the land beneath them is sinking. New research shows that people in densely populated coastal regions experience an average relative sea-level rise of about 6 millimeters per year, nearly three times the global coastal average. Groundwater pumping, oil and gas extraction, heavy urban development, sediment compaction, and natural geological processes are all contributing to the problem.


Dark matter’s secret force does the opposite of what scientists expected
Dark matter particles may exert a hidden force on one another, but its effects are stranger than expected. An extra attraction helps the particles cluster, yet it also makes dark matter effectively lighter as the Universe expands. That weakens its gravitational impact and usually slows the growth of cosmic structure rather than accelerating it.


Scientists twist crystal layers and reshape matter from within
Researchers have found a way to build much larger “twisted” oxide materials while precisely controlling how their atomic layers line up. Because these materials can be made over large areas and transferred onto different surfaces, the technique could help turn twistronics from a laboratory curiosity into a practical platform for next-generation electronics.


Two deadly flowers could inspire powerful new medicines
Scientists have figured out how two famously poisonous plants create chemicals with surprising medical potential. After tracking thousands of genes in wolfsbane and larkspur, they identified six enzymes needed to build a complex compound called atisinium. The team recreated the process inside tobacco plants, offering a sustainable way to produce and test these rare molecules in larger amounts.


Giant waves are sweeping Mars’ atmosphere into space
The solar wind may be stripping away Mars’ atmosphere by creating giant rolling waves along its outer edge. Data from MAVEN and Tianwen-1 show that these waves form plasma clouds that carry atmospheric particles into space. The process is concentrated on one side of Mars and may have played a major role in drying out the once potentially habitable planet.


Without this protein, damaged muscle turns to fat and scar tissue
A protein once thought to mainly protect chromosome ends may also be essential for keeping muscle stem cells ready to repair injuries. Researchers found that TRF2 helps these cells maintain their identity and coordinate the cycle of rest, repair, and renewal.


Mathematicians prove perfectly fair elections are impossible
Mathematicians have shown that no electoral system can perfectly balance local representation, proportional national results, and a fixed-size parliament once enough parties compete. A newly proposed voting method could soften these unavoidable trade-offs and produce outcomes that are much closer to fair.


Eating less protein could slow aging, major review finds
A sweeping review of more than 350 studies suggests that the protein boom may be overselling what many people actually need. Eating less protein appears to improve metabolism, reduce inflammation and cellular damage, and activate pathways linked to healthier aging and longer life.


Cancer may be breaking its own DNA to keep growing
Cancer cells rely on powerful genetic switches to keep growth genes running at full speed, but that intense activity can damage their own DNA. The resulting breaks are repeatedly repaired, sometimes with small mistakes that allow new mutations to accumulate. Researchers believe this self-inflicted damage may help tumors evolve while also creating a potential target for new treatments.


Superheated magma may power towering lava fountains
Scientists studying magma from the 2021 Tajogaite eruption on La Palma have discovered that extreme heat can dramatically change how an eruption unfolds. When magma becomes superheated, it can dissolve the tiny crystal seeds that normally trigger crystallization, allowing the molten rock to remain fluid far longer as it rises.


Eating one avocado a day may lower heart disease risk
A daily avocado may help lower heart disease risk in adults with obesity by reducing the number of LDL particles circulating in the blood. After six months, participants who ate an avocado each day experienced a decline associated with an estimated 4% reduction in cardiovascular risk.


Scientists may have found a way to prevent statin muscle pain
Scientists have identified an immune response that may explain why statins cause muscle pain, weakness, and exercise intolerance in some people. The finding could eventually lead to treatments that protect muscles while preserving the drugs’ lifesaving cardiovascular benefits.


Mysterious Milky Way object accelerates protons beyond one quadrillion electron volts
Scientists have identified LHAASO J1912+1014u as a cosmic accelerator that can push protons beyond one quadrillion electron volts. The finding may help reveal where the Milky Way’s most energetic cosmic rays come from and how they influence the galaxy.


NASA’s Curiosity rover finds a mysterious honeycomb landscape on Mars
NASA’s Curiosity rover has entered a Martian valley covered by an astonishing “sea” of tiny polygon-shaped fractures. The honeycomb patterns, each only a few inches wide, stretch across the landscape and even wrap around a nearby 20-foot-tall butte.


Scientists found two mysterious ‘ghost’ ancestors hiding in our DNA
Modern humans carry DNA from two mysterious extinct lineages in addition to Neanderthals and Denisovans. Their hidden genetic legacy shows that our evolutionary past was shaped by repeated mixing among many different human groups.


Experts say blood pressure guidelines are missing half the equation
A new report suggests that blood pressure may be controlled more effectively by increasing potassium while also cutting sodium. Potassium-rich foods can help balance sodium’s effects, but most people consume far less potassium than recommended.


World-first photonic time crystal opens a new era of light control
Scientists have built the first all-optical photonic time crystal, allowing them to reshape the behavior of terahertz light at extraordinary speeds. The breakthrough could open the door to ultrafast computing, smarter communication systems, advanced imaging, and a new generation of highly tunable lasers.


Black holes may spit out nearly as much matter as they swallow
A black hole observed during a dramatic 2023 eruption did not simply devour gas from its nearby companion star. It also expelled large amounts of material through powerful jets and winds, even after the outburst had nearly faded. The results suggest black holes may continue reshaping their surroundings long after their brightest fireworks end.


AI can tell if your brain is aging faster than you are
A person’s sleeping brain may reveal warning signs of dementia long before memory problems begin. Researchers used machine learning to analyze EEG recordings from about 7,000 adults and found that an older-than-expected “brain age” was tied to a sharply higher dementia risk. Every additional 10 years of brain aging raised that risk by nearly 40%.


Scientists found evolution repeating itself in the Galápagos Islands
More than 150 years after Darwin’s finches helped reshape biology, Galápagos plants are exposing another evolutionary surprise. Giant daisies repeatedly developed similar heat-tolerant leaf shapes, but each lineage used a different combination of genes. Researchers also found major genetic differences among isolated populations, suggesting new species may be forming right now.


A 42-year-old childhood obesity theory may be wrong
New research challenges the decades-old idea that children experience an “adiposity rebound” when their BMI begins rising around age 6. Although BMI returns to earlier levels, a more reliable measure showed that body fat does not rebound at all. The increase appears to come from growing muscle and lean tissue as children prepare for later growth. Researchers say this normal process has been mistakenly treated as an obesity warning sign for 42 years.


Scientists discover how obesity may fuel Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers have uncovered a possible biological pathway connecting obesity to Alzheimer’s disease. Obesity appears to raise levels of certain fat molecules that can travel to the brain, disrupt its immune defenses, and promote harmful amyloid buildup. Correcting this fat imbalance improved memory and brain function in Alzheimer’s models.


Scientists discover why poor sleep may harm some brains more
A gene involved in the brain’s overnight cleaning system may change how strongly poor sleep affects Alzheimer’s-related brain changes. The findings point toward more personalized prevention strategies based on both genetics and sleep habits.


This new alloy is up to 10 times stronger than steel and surprisingly flexible
Engineers have transformed a notoriously brittle cobalt-aluminum compound into a material that is both extremely strong and capable of bending without breaking. Their nanoscale design produced a yield strength about six to 10 times greater than high-strength structural steel while sustaining substantial deformation at room temperature. The approach could enable tougher turbine blades and higher-performance engines.


New process turns plastic waste into hydrogen fuel while trapping the carbon
A new chemical process can transform three of the most common plastics into high-purity hydrogen without sorting them first. The technique operates at much lower temperatures than traditional gasification and captures most of the plastic’s carbon in solid or liquid forms instead of releasing it as carbon dioxide.


Ant brains reveal how evolution turned hunger into parenting
Ant parenting may have evolved from the same brain systems that once controlled hunger. Researchers found that two chemical signals push clonal raider ants toward either caring for larvae or leaving to forage, with the balance changing as the ants grow older. Similar signals are involved in mammalian caregiving, suggesting that evolution may have followed the same basic blueprint across very different animals.


Tiny black holes may be secretly exploding stars across the Milky Way
Primordial black holes may occasionally pass through white dwarf stars and trigger enormous Type Ia supernova explosions. Researchers found that these events could explain chemical patterns seen in supernova remnants, nearby explosions, and stars across the Milky Way.


New microwave frying method could make french fries much healthier
A new cooking method could make French fries crispier in less time while significantly limiting how much oil they absorb. Researchers propose combining microwave heating, which keeps oil out, with conventional frying, which provides the crunch consumers expect.


Scientists left water inside a battery and nearly doubled its power
A surprisingly simple change could make sodium-ion batteries far more powerful while opening the door to turning seawater into drinking water. Researchers at the University of Surrey found that sodium vanadium oxide performs much better when its naturally occurring water is left inside instead of being removed during manufacturing.


What if the brain does not create consciousness?
Christof Koch is taking on one of science’s deepest mysteries: how the brain creates conscious experience, or whether it creates it at all. He argues that materialism has yet to solve this “hard problem” and will explore puzzling phenomena such as near-death experiences and terminal lucidity. His work points toward the possibility that consciousness may be woven into reality itself.


Rice bran compound may help ease irritable bowel symptoms
A compound in rice bran may help calm an overactive gut by reducing the calcium signals that cause intestinal muscles to contract. Ferulic acid suppressed contractions triggered by several chemical messengers in laboratory experiments. The discovery could eventually support new dietary approaches for diarrhea-related digestive disorders, although it may make constipation worse.


Blood cancer’s genetic warning signs may appear years early
Blood cancers that eventually worsen may carry detectable genetic warning signs years before patients develop serious symptoms. The findings could lead to earlier intervention while also helping doctors distinguish true cancer from harmless age-related blood changes.


A forgotten fossil just revealed a new Triassic predator from 210 million years ago
A fossil overlooked for nearly 80 years has revealed a previously unknown crocodile relative that lived 210 million years ago in what is now New Mexico. Named Eosphorosuchus lacrimosa, the jackal-sized predator had a reinforced skull, powerful jaw muscles, and a short snout built for tackling larger prey.


This 4,000-year-old city defied the rules of history
As Mohenjo-daro prospered, the gap between its richest and poorest households actually shrank. Its shared infrastructure, fair trade systems, and lack of powerful royal elites suggest that equality may have helped fuel the ancient city’s success.


Ultrafast X-rays capture chemistry unfolding atom by atom
Ultrafast X-rays revealed how a molecule converts absorbed light into motion in just trillionths of a second. Individual atoms recorded different stages of the process, opening a powerful new window into light-driven chemistry.


Can’t sleep in the heat? These 8 tricks could save your night
Sleeping well during a heatwave starts with stopping the home from overheating. Close blinds against strong sunlight, ventilate when the air outside becomes cooler, and avoid using heat-producing appliances during the hottest hours. Moving to a cooler room, choosing light bedding and using fans or ice packs safely can also make hot nights more manageable.


Scientists find a simple way to stop cavities without drilling
A liquid brushed onto cavities in seconds may spare many young children from pain, infection, and surgery. A major U.S. trial found that silver diamine fluoride stopped decay in more than half of treated baby teeth. The treatment requires no drilling, shots, or sedation, although it does permanently darken the decayed area.


Daily multivitamin may help older adults stay independent
Taking a daily multivitamin may help older adults preserve the strength and stamina needed for everyday activities. After three years, users reported better functional health than those taking a placebo, although the preliminary findings still require peer review.


Your gut may help your brain decide what to remember
Signals traveling from the gut to the brain may help turn meals into lasting memories. Rats showed stronger memory activity after consuming nutritious foods, but not after drinking sweet liquids with little or no nutritional value. Blocking the vagus nerve erased this effect and made it harder for the animals to remember where food had been located. Over time, diets high in fat and sugar also weakened this memory system.


AI reveals explosive bursts in bird evolution
Songbirds appear to have evolved through rare explosions of change separated by long periods of slower development. Many of those bursts lined up with major climate shifts, suggesting that environmental upheaval can reshape life in powerful ways.


Mashable

Keep your pool sparkling clean with 50% off the AIPER Scuba X1
As of August 4, get 50% off the AIPER Scuba X1 pool robot at Amazon.


Marshall’s new Stockwell III speaker is officially live: Order the 40-hour Bluetooth speaker now
Marshall's Stockwell III portable Bluetooth speaker has officially launched, priced at $249.99, with 40+ hours of playtime, 360-degree sound, and IP55 water resistance.


Its National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day — score free cookies from DoubleTree, Insomnia Cookies, Crumbl, and more
Celebrate National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day on Aug. 4 with free and discounted treats from DoubleTree by Hilton, Insomnia Cookies, Crumbl, Tate's Bake Shop, and more.


Hatch introduces new Sleep Clock, an alarm clock that tracks your sleep
Hatch launched the Hatch Sleep Clock on Aug. 4. It's an alarm clock and sleep tracker that provides personalized sleep and wake-up routines.


How much is Spotify Premium in the U.S.?
Want to join more than 300 million Spotify Premium subscribers in enjoying ad-free music? Here's how.


CMFs first pair of open earbuds are finally here and have the potential to be a category best this year
The CMF Clip Pro are the first open earbuds from the brand, and they didn't hold back. Our audio expert dives into what makes them so impressive.


Spotify hits 300 million Premium subscribers
Spotify has 300 million Premium subscribers, according to the company's Q2 earnings report.


Home Depot is giving away free lithium-ion batteries — heres how to qualify
Get a free lithium-ion battery with select tool purchases at Home Depot, including Ridgid 18V Nuke tools, Milwaukee M18 tools, and DeWalt Flexvolt 60V tools.


DJI launches Mic Mini 2S, but not in the U.S.
DJI's Mic Mini 2S upgrades its Mic Mini 2 with internal recording and the ability to use four transmitters at once.


One of our favorite 2-in-1 robot vacuums just hit an irresistible $300 discount
As of Aug. 4, the Eufy C28 robot vacuum and mop has dropped to $499.99 at Amazon, 38% off its list price of $799.99.


Magic: The Gatherings 30-pack Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box is back on sale at Amazon — save $60 now
Save $60.75 on the Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box at Amazon, now down to $148.95.


Best-ever price: The Pokémon TCG Chaos Rising Booster Bundle is under $50 at Amazon
Amazon has dropped the Pokémon TCG Chaos Rising Booster Bundle to a record-low $41.95, saving you $18.04.


Upgrade your battlestation: LG’s curved 5K2K UltraGear evo OLED monitor drops below $1,300
As of Aug. 4, the LG 39-inch Ultragear evo 5K2K WUHD OLED curved gaming monitor is on sale for $1,599.99 at Amazon, 11% off its list price of $1,799.99.


Sony’s XM6 headphones were already elite — now they come in a stunning new colorway
Get Sony's WH-1000XM6 headphones in the new Olive Gray colorway for $399.99, down from $459.99 — a $60 discount.


NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4, 2026
Connections is a New York Times word game that's all about finding the "common threads between words." How to solve the puzzle.


NYT Strands hints, answers for August 4, 2026
The NYT Strands hints and answers you need to make the most of your puzzling experience.


Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4, 2026
Here's the answer for "Wordle" #1872 on August 4 as well as a few hints, tips, and clues to help you solve it yourself.


Hurdle hints and answers for August 4, 2026
Hints and answers to today's Hurdle all in one place.


Apple pulls Telegram from app store, gets a snarky response
Apple removed Telegram from its app store on Monday, before reinstating the app not long after.


The Pokémon TCG Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box is well below market price on Amazon — save $50
Amazon has dropped the Pokémon TCG Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box to a record-low $69.95, saving you $50.


Our favorite budget earbuds are now under $55 at Amazon
As of Aug. 4, the black EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds are on sale for $53.16 at Amazon, 33% off their list price of $79.90.


NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for Aug. 4, 2026
Answers to each clue for the Aug. 4, 2026 edition of NYT's The Mini crossword puzzle.


Nordstroms Anniversary Sale has beauty tech tools on sale — heres what to expect
Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale is discounting select beauty tech tools up to 30% off starting Aug. 5, including devices from Dermaflash, Omnilux, and Dr. Dennis Gross.


Score Amazon’s sleekest HD streaming stick for $19.99 right now
Get the best streaming stick deal at Amazon. Save 43% on the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD.


Upgrade your study setup for under $100 with this rare Sony noise-canceling headphones deal
Find the best headphones deal. Save 46% on the Sony WH-CH720N headphones at Amazon.


TikTok star Audity reveals what tools (and streaming subscription) are essential to her whimsical work
Creator essentials for character designer Audrey Hopkins, who thrills her TikTok followers with whimsical and weird drawings on her Audity channel.


This award-winning $60 kids’ app is designed for exploration, not addiction
Get lifetime access to Pok Pok for $59.99 and enjoy award-winning, Montessori-inspired educational games designed to make screen time more creative and meaningful.


Spend $80 on flowkey’s 5-year piano learning plan
The flowkey Piano Learning App: Classic Plan (5-Year Subscription) is on sale for $79.99.


Nightborns intense ending, explained
Rupert Grint in a Finnish horror? Things get weird in Hanna Bergholm's "Nightborn." Let's unpack that ending.


AdultFriendFinder vs. FetLife: Which is better for exploring specific kinks?
Here are the major differences in how AFF and FetLife cater for kinks. Comparison of sex-positive communities.


The Beats Solo 4 headphones are down to their best-ever price, but theres a catch
Get the best deal on headphones. Save 50% on the Beats Solo 4 at Amazon.


Want a bigger TV? Amazons Ember 75-inch QLED model is $150 off if you act fast.
Get the best TV deal. Save 12% on the Amazon Ember 75-inch QLED at Amazon.


Snap CEO addresses Specs preorder interest during Q2 earnings call
Snap CEO Evan Spiegel spoke about the response to its upcoming Specs AR glasses during the company's Q2 2026 earnings call.


How to watch the Premier League online for free
How to watch Premier League for free. Live stream the 2026-27 Premier League for free from anywhere in the world.


NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4, 2026
Connections: Sports Edition is a New York Times word game about finding common sports threads between words. How to solve the day's puzzle.


NYT Pips hints, answers for August 4, 2026
The New York Times' latest game, Pips, brings domino fun to your desktop. How to play Pips as well as hints in case you get stuck.


Review: ‘Beast of Reincarnation’ is fun but it won’t outgrow ‘Pokémon’ anytime soon
Beast of Reincarnation is a decent effort from Pokémon developer Game Freak, but it's not the kind of home run some fans hoped for.


Block all ads on 9 devices for life for just $16
AdGuard is a popular ad blocker releasing a family lifetime subscription for $15.97


I played with the adorable Lego Pokémon Smart Play Sets and my inner kid is losing its mind
Mashable got to play with the Lego Pokémon Smart Play sets ahead of their Aug. 1 launch. We're officially in love.


RAMageddon is reportedly causing a MacBook Air shortage
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that the global memory crunch is causing a MacBook Air shortage. Some variants of the popular laptop are backordered more than a month out.


OpenAI’s first brand trip puts influencers in the hot seat
OpenAI invited creators to a Hudson Valley retreat, sparking criticism over AI’s environmental impact and influencer marketing.


Microsoft Teams users will lose Calendar access in weeks unless they update
People who use the mobile version of Microsoft Teams need to update the app ASAP, lest they lose access to its calendar features.


The Sony LinkBuds Clip are some of the best open earbuds Ive tried — and theyre on sale
The Sony LinkBuds Clip will usually run you $229.99, but as of Aug. 3, you can grab them for $198.


Augusts new Legos bring some of the best variety in sets weve seen all year
Lego sets from the Botanicals, Art, Icons, and Ideas lines and more all dropped on Aug. 1, so Mashable rounded up 10 of the best that everyone should check out.


Buy an Apple Gift Card at Best Buy, get a free Best Buy e-gift card
Buy a $50 or $100 Apple Gift Card at Best Buy and automatically receive a bonus Best Buy e-gift card.


Soar higher with the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo while its on sale for under $650
The DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is on sale at Amazon for $649, down from the list price of $719. That's a 10% discount.


Creator breaks down how leasing Apple products can save hundreds
Tech creator Vadim Yuryev explains how Apple's new leasing program could save shoppers money over buying devices outright.


Apple AirPods with cameras could arrive in weeks. What we know.
Apple's heavily rumored AirPods with cameras could actually launch as soon as this year, despite earlier reports.


Furious just revealed the meaning of the memory box and the killers motive
Are you really guilty when the motive is love? Lola Petticrew weighs in on Catherine's latest revelations.


The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro are nearly $90 off — and at a record low price
The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro are $161.99 at Woot, putting them an impressive $88 below their list price.


Sonys 480Hz Inzone M10S gaming monitor is down to $798 at Amazon
As of Aug. 3, you can get Sony's 480Hz Inzone M10S gaming monitor for $798 at Amazon, down from $899.99.


This 65-inch Hisense E7 Mini LED 4K TV just hit a new best price ever at over $450 off
The Hisense 65-inch E7 Mini LED QLED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for its best price ever of $547.99. That's 45% off its list price.


Thirsty? Snag one of Dunkin Donuts 1 million free Refreshers today only.
Dunkin' Donuts is giving away 1 million free Refreshers drinks on Aug. 3. Here's how to get a free drink.


Where singles are meeting each other, according to Eventbrite
Eventbrite reports that young adults want to go to events where socializing isn't the main draw. Here's where singles are meeting.


Pokémon TCG Pitch Black booster bundles are fluctuating on Amazon (heres how to get the best price)
As of Aug. 3, you can get the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Pitch Black booster bundle for $42.99 at Amazon.


Save over $60 on Sonys superb flagship XM6 headphones
The Sony flagship WH-1000XM6 noise-cancelling headphones are back on sale at Amazon for just $398. That's $62 off their list price.


The Owala FreeSip water bottle is back down to the lowest price ever
The 24-ounce Owala FreeSip is on sale at Amazon for $23.99 in select colorways, down from the list price of $29.99. That's a 20% discount.


Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother trailer: Mahershala Ali leaps into action
Blade's not coming. But Ali is.


This $150 blasting system blows, sweeps, and reaches everywhere your vacuum wont
The Shark BlastBoss is a cordless, rechargeable air-blasting system with speeds up to 190 MPH, featuring a precision nozzle, extension wand, and BlastBroom attachment for indoor and outdoor cleaning.


10 years of Pixel and I still dont get it
Google Pixel has been around for 10 years, but its phones still struggle to gain market share. Experts explain why.


The Lego Star Wars AT-ST Walker falls to a new record-low price at Amazon — save over $20
As of Aug. 3, the Lego Star Wars AT-ST Walker has dropped to $179 at Amazon, marking a new low price for it. Overall, it's 10% off its list price of $199.99.


Meet Americas first new subsea habitat in 40 years
Explore DEEP's Vanguard subsea habitat, the first new US-designed and built human subsea habitat in decades.


House of the Dragon fans have a theory about how Sunfyre came back from the dead
In "House of the Dragon" Season 3, episode 7, Sunfyre comes back from the dead to save Aegon. Some fans have a theory about how.


House of the Dragon Season 3: How many dragons are left on each side?
The tables have turned in "House of the Dragon" Season 3, so let's do a quick dragon roll call. How many are left on each side?


House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 7: Did Sheepstealer die?
"House of the Dragon" Season 3, episode 7 features a nasty dragon fight. But did Sheepstealer die?


Umbro’s new Spider-Man streetwear collab just dropped: Shop jackets, backpacks, shorts, and more Spidey gear
BoxLunch has launched a Spider-Man x Umbro streetwear collection, including tees, jerseys, track sets, and accessories, timed to the character's new movie, which hit theaters last weekend.


Forget $1,000+ robot vacuums: iRobot’s auto-washing Roomba Plus 505 Combo hits $499
Find the best robot vacuum deal. Save 50% on the iRobot Roomba Plus 505 at Amazon.


Stream summer blockbusters in 4K for cheap: Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K Select is $18 off
As of Aug. 3, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is on sale for $21.99 at Amazon, 45% off its list price of $39.99.


Upgrade your WFH coffee bar for under $90 with this rare Nespresso deal
Save 32% on the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ at Amazon.


House of the Dragon fans are losing it over episode 7s big return
Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) is rarely correct, but in the latest episode of "House of the Dragon," he can absolutely say he told you so.


Lexars 2TB SSD just dropped by $130, right in the middle of RAMageddon
Get the Lexar 2TB ES5 Magnetic External SSD for $269.99, down from $399.99 — a 33% discount, even as memory and storage prices spike.


The ultimate travel creator flex: DJI’s 8K Osmo 360 camera combo drops under $400
As of Aug. 3, the DJI Osmo 360 Essential Combo is on sale for $389.35 at Amazon. That's 19% off its list price of $479.


Score flagship 4K gaming speed for cheap: Samsung’s 37-inch Odyssey G7 hits $575
Save $324.99 on Samsung's 37-inch Odyssey G7 4K curved gaming monitor at Amazon, now on sale for $575.


The best laptops of 2026: Out of the 80+ models weve tried, these are our 9 favorites
We tested over 80 laptops in the past two years to find the best laptop for every budget. See how the top MacBooks compare to our favorite Windows PCs.


Beat the next blackout: Save on Anker’s fast-charging Solix C1000 power station at Amazon
Find the best power station deal at Amazon. Save 12% on the Anker Solix C1000 at Amazon.


Magic: The Gatherings Marvel Super Heroes Jumpstart Booster Box is back under $150 on Amazon — save over $20
Amazon has dropped the MTG Marvel Super Heroes Jumpstart Booster Box to $145.88, saving you $21.88 on 24 packs.


This $150 lifetime AI-powered app listens while you play piano and coaches you in real time
Learn piano with AI-powered feedback using a Skoove Premium Lifetime Subscription for $149.99 and enjoy 400+ lessons with no recurring subscription.


Skip the print shop with this $40 document-scanning app
Save 80% on this iScanner lifetime subscription.


QuickBooks Workforce Payroll plan is 90% off for the first 3 months — heres what youre getting
QuickBooks' Workforce Payroll plan is 90% off for the first three months starting Aug. 3.


AdultFriendFinder vs. Tinder: How they compare as hookup apps
To help you pick your best hookup option, we've broken down some of the key differences between AdultFriendFinder and Tinder.


House of the Dragon Season 3 finale trailer teases the shows biggest battle so far
HBO has shared its trailer for the "House of the Dragon" Season 3 finale, which looks like it'll feature a big battle at Tumbleton.


The Pokémon TCG Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box is under $85 at Amazon — save over $35
Save over $35 on the Pokémon TCG Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box, now under $85 at Amazon.


Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is 25% off right now — save over $300 at Amazon
Get the unlocked Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB) for $977, down from $1,299.99 — a 25% discount on Samsung's latest flagship.


The Google Pixel 10a is on sale at Amazon — upgrade for $70 off for a limited time
Get the best Google Pixel deal. Save 15% on the Google Pixel 10a at Amazon.


T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 17 for free — how to qualify
How to get free iPhone. Get the Apple iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro for free when you sign up for T-Mobile.


Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on August 3
See the Moon phase expected for August 3, 2026 as well as when the next Full Moon is expected.


NYT Pips hints, answers for August 3, 2026
The New York Times' latest game, Pips, brings domino fun to your desktop. How to play Pips as well as hints in case you get stuck.


NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 3, 2026
Connections: Sports Edition is a New York Times word game about finding common sports threads between words. How to solve the day's puzzle.


House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 7 brings a dragon back from the dead
"House of the Dragon" Season 3, episode 7 sees Aegon's dragon Sunfyre returning. How is he still alive?


NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 3, 2026
Connections is a New York Times word game that's all about finding the "common threads between words." How to solve the puzzle.


NYT Strands hints, answers for August 3, 2026
The NYT Strands hints and answers you need to make the most of your puzzling experience.


Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 3, 2026
Here's the answer for "Wordle" #1871 on August 3 as well as a few hints, tips, and clues to help you solve it yourself.


Hurdle hints and answers for August 3, 2026
Hints and answers to today's Hurdle all in one place.


House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 7 ending, explained: Has Ulf switched to Team Green?
"House of the Dragon" Season 3, episode 7 ends with Ulf the White talking to Lord Ormund. Has he changed sides to Team Green?


House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 7: What do Helaenas dreams mean?
In "House of the Dragon" Season 3, episode 7, Helaena has a number of dreams. What do they mean?


Sharpen your cybersecurity skills from home with this $21 bundle — only through today
Get the 2026 AI Security & Cybersecurity Expert Bundle for $21 today only and access six courses covering AI security, ethical hacking, CompTIA prep, and penetration testing.


Is Troy actually good? The Odyssey has viewers reconsidering
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has viewers revisiting Brad Pitt’s 2004 epic Troy.


Snapchat is the latest platform to turn against AI slop
Snapchat will stop recommending fully AI-generated Spotlight videos as more platforms crack down on low-quality AI content.


Is Myspace coming back? Owners confirm relaunch plans
Myspace owners Chris and Tim Vanderhook plan to relaunch the platform, but no launch date or product details are available.


Hank Green apologizes for relying too heavily on ChatGPT
Hank Green apologized for relying too heavily on ChatGPT research and said he may pause his YouTube channel and two online games.