Popular Science (also known as PopSci ) is an American popular science website, covering science and technology topics geared toward general readers. Popular Science has won over 58 awards, including the American Society of Magazine Editors awards for its journalistic excellence in 2003 (for General Excellence), 2004 (for Best Magazine Section), and 2019 (for Single-Topic Issue). Its print magazine, which ran from 1872 to 2020, was translated into over 30 languages and distributed to at least 45 countries. In 2021, Popular Science switched to an all-digital format and abandoned the magazine format in 2023.
58-740: The Popular Science Monthly , as the publication was originally called, was founded in May 1872 by Edward L. Youmans to disseminate scientific knowledge to the educated layman. Youmans had previously worked as an editor for the weekly Appleton's Journal and persuaded them to publish his new journal. Early issues were mostly reprints of English periodicals. The journal became an outlet for writings and ideas of Charles Darwin , Thomas Henry Huxley , Louis Pasteur , Henry Ward Beecher , Charles Sanders Peirce , William James , Thomas Edison , John Dewey and James McKeen Cattell . William Jay Youmans , Edward's brother, helped found Popular Science Monthly in 1872 and
116-539: A daily updated portal. Sources: American Mass-Market Magazines The Wall Street Journal and New York Post . Times Mirror Company The Times Mirror Company was an American newspaper and print media publisher from 1884 until 2000. It had its roots in the Mirror Printing and Binding House , a commercial printing company founded in 1873, and the Los Angeles Times , originally
174-621: A new format featuring greater use of graphics and imagery, aiming to broaden its content to appeal to wider attention to the environment, science, and technology among a mass audience. The revamp concluded in November 2014 with a redesign of the Popular Science website. The Popular Science Publishing Company was acquired in 1967 by the Los Angeles–based Times Mirror Company . In 2000, Times Mirror merged with
232-418: A new format featuring greater use of graphics and imagery, aiming to broaden its content to appeal to wider attention to the environment, science, and technology among a mass audience. The revamp concluded in November 2014 with a redesign of the Popular Science website. The Popular Science Publishing Company was acquired in 1967 by the Los Angeles–based Times Mirror Company . In 2000, Times Mirror merged with
290-577: A publisher of art and photography books — from 1966–1997; legal publisher Matthew Bender (from 1963 until 1998 ); and air navigation publisher Jeppesen (from 1961 until Times Mirror was acquired by the Tribune Company). Subsequent acquisitions, like The Baltimore Sun in 1986, expanded the company's portfolio. Times Mirror Co. was acquired by the Tribune Company in 2000. After the acquisition, Tribune sold Jeppesen to Boeing and
348-589: A science journal was a financial challenge. In a September 1915 editorial, Cattell related these difficulties to his readers and announced that the Popular Science Monthly name had been transferred to the Modern Publishing Company to start a new publication for general audiences. The existing academic journal would continue publishing under the name The Scientific Monthly , retaining existing subscribers. Scientific Monthly
406-434: A science journal was a financial challenge. In a September 1915 editorial, Cattell related these difficulties to his readers and announced that the Popular Science Monthly name had been transferred to the Modern Publishing Company to start a new publication for general audiences. The existing academic journal would continue publishing under the name The Scientific Monthly , retaining existing subscribers. Scientific Monthly
464-619: Is an American popular science website, covering science and technology topics geared toward general readers. Popular Science has won over 58 awards, including the American Society of Magazine Editors awards for its journalistic excellence in 2003 (for General Excellence), 2004 (for Best Magazine Section), and 2019 (for Single-Topic Issue). Its print magazine, which ran from 1872 to 2020, was translated into over 30 languages and distributed to at least 45 countries. In 2021, Popular Science switched to an all-digital format and abandoned
522-751: The Los Angeles Daily Times , which was first published in 1881 and printed by the company. The two operations were purchased and combined in 1884 to form the Times Mirror Company. In 1960, Times Mirror acquired the New American Library (NAL) and later sold it in 1983 to Odyssey Partners, a private investing group, and Ira J. Hechler, a private investor. Times Mirror acquired the World Publishing Company in 1962. By this time, World Publishing
580-559: The Chicago-based Tribune Company , which then sold the Times Mirror magazines to Time Inc. (then a subsidiary of Time Warner ) the following year. On January 25, 2007, Time Warner sold this magazine, along with 17 other special interest magazines, to Bonnier Magazine Group . In January 2016, Popular Science switched to bi-monthly publication after 144 years of monthly publication. In April 2016 it
638-412: The Chicago-based Tribune Company , which then sold the Times Mirror magazines to Time Inc. (then a subsidiary of Time Warner ) the following year. On January 25, 2007, Time Warner sold this magazine, along with 17 other special interest magazines, to Bonnier Magazine Group . In January 2016, Popular Science switched to bi-monthly publication after 144 years of monthly publication. In April 2016 it
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#1732771750133696-635: The Fox Television Center), the studio was sold along with KTTV to Metromedia in 1963. After a seven-year hiatus from the medium, the firm reactivated Times-Mirror Broadcasting Company with its 1970 purchase of the Dallas Times Herald and its radio and television stations, KRLD-AM - FM -TV in Dallas . The Federal Communications Commission granted an exemption of its cross-ownership policy and allowed Times-Mirror to retain
754-479: The Modern Publishing Company had purchased the Popular Science Monthly name to provide a clear signifier of the publication's focus on popular science. The October 1915 issue was titled Popular Science Monthly and World's Advance . The volume number (Vol. 87, No. 4) was that of Popular Science but the content was that of World's Advance . The new editor was Waldemar Kaempffert , a former editor of Scientific American . The change in Popular Science Monthly
812-476: The Modern Publishing Company had purchased the Popular Science Monthly name to provide a clear signifier of the publication's focus on popular science. The October 1915 issue was titled Popular Science Monthly and World's Advance . The volume number (Vol. 87, No. 4) was that of Popular Science but the content was that of World's Advance . The new editor was Waldemar Kaempffert , a former editor of Scientific American . The change in Popular Science Monthly
870-753: The Syracuse, Elmira and Harrisburg properties in 1986, to Smith Broadcasting. Times-Mirror briefly held WMAR-TV in Baltimore and WRLH-TV in Richmond , which were acquired alongside the Baltimore Sun , but had to sell off those stations to Gillett Communications to appease FCC's cross-ownership rules. The remaining four outlets were packaged to a new upstart holding company, Argyle Television, in 1993. These stations were acquired by New World Communications shortly thereafter and became key components in
928-607: The WW Media Group) launched a local version of Popular Science . It is a monthly magazine, like its American counterpart, and uses content from the American version of the magazine as well as local material. Australian Media Properties also launched www.popsci.com.au at the same time, a localised version of the Popular Science website. In July 2007, Popular Science launched the P opular Science P redictions E X change (PPX). People were able to place virtual bets on what
986-486: The WW Media Group) launched a local version of Popular Science . It is a monthly magazine, like its American counterpart, and uses content from the American version of the magazine as well as local material. Australian Media Properties also launched www.popsci.com.au at the same time, a localised version of the Popular Science website. In July 2007, Popular Science launched the P opular Science P redictions E X change (PPX). People were able to place virtual bets on what
1044-690: The brand's 145th anniversary. In June 2014, Popular Science Italia was launched in Italy by Kekoa Publishing. Directed by Francesco Maria Avitto , the magazine is available in print and digital version. In April 2017, Popular Science was launched in Arabic by United Arab Emirates-based publisher Haykal Media. The magazine is available in print bimonthly, and through a daily updated portal. Sources: American Mass-Market Magazines The Wall Street Journal and New York Post . The Popular Science Monthly Popular Science (also known as PopSci )
1102-580: The field of cable television, servicing the Phoenix and San Diego areas, amongst others. They were originally titled Times-Mirror Cable, and were later renamed to Dimension Cable Television. Similarly, they also attempted to enter the pay-TV market, with the Spotlight movie network; it wasn't successful and was quickly shut down. The cable systems were sold in the mid-1990s to Cox Communications . Times-Mirror also pared its station group down, selling off
1160-480: The first title on the Mag+ platform, launched in the iTunes Store the same day the iPad launched. The app contains all the content in the print version as well as added content and digital-only extras. Bonnier has since launched several more titles on the Mag+ platform, including Popular Photography + and Transworld Snowboarding +. On September 24, 2008, Australian publishing company Australian Media Properties (part of
1218-430: The first title on the Mag+ platform, launched in the iTunes Store the same day the iPad launched. The app contains all the content in the print version as well as added content and digital-only extras. Bonnier has since launched several more titles on the Mag+ platform, including Popular Photography + and Transworld Snowboarding +. On September 24, 2008, Australian publishing company Australian Media Properties (part of
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#17327717501331276-435: The first year. From the mid-1930s to the 1960s, the magazine featured fictional stories of Gus Wilson's Model Garage, centered on car problems. An annual review of changes to the new model year cars ran in 1940 and 1941, but did not return after the war until 1954. It continued until the mid-1970s when the magazine reverted to publishing the new models over multiple issues as information became available. From 1935 to 1949,
1334-434: The first year. From the mid-1930s to the 1960s, the magazine featured fictional stories of Gus Wilson's Model Garage, centered on car problems. An annual review of changes to the new model year cars ran in 1940 and 1941, but did not return after the war until 1954. It continued until the mid-1970s when the magazine reverted to publishing the new models over multiple issues as information became available. From 1935 to 1949,
1392-662: The former Times Mirror magazines to Time Inc. The Times-Mirror Company was a founding owner of television station KTTV in Los Angeles, which opened in January 1949. It became that station's sole owner in 1951, after re-acquiring the minority shares it had sold to CBS in 1948. Times-Mirror also purchased a former motion picture studio, Nassour Studios , in Hollywood in 1950, which was then used to consolidate KTTV's operations. Later to be known as Metromedia Square (then
1450-727: The magazine format in 2023. The Popular Science Monthly , as the publication was originally called, was founded in May 1872 by Edward L. Youmans to disseminate scientific knowledge to the educated layman. Youmans had previously worked as an editor for the weekly Appleton's Journal and persuaded them to publish his new journal. Early issues were mostly reprints of English periodicals. The journal became an outlet for writings and ideas of Charles Darwin , Thomas Henry Huxley , Louis Pasteur , Henry Ward Beecher , Charles Sanders Peirce , William James , Thomas Edison , John Dewey and James McKeen Cattell . William Jay Youmans , Edward's brother, helped found Popular Science Monthly in 1872 and
1508-464: The magazine introduced a new logo using the ITC Avant Garde font, which it used until late 1995. Within the next 11 years, its font changed four times (in 1995, 1997, 2001, and 2002, respectively). In 2009, the magazine used a new font for its logo, which was used until the January 2014 issue. In 2014, the magazine underwent a major redesign; its February 2014 issue introduced a new logo, and
1566-400: The magazine introduced a new logo using the ITC Avant Garde font, which it used until late 1995. Within the next 11 years, its font changed four times (in 1995, 1997, 2001, and 2002, respectively). In 2009, the magazine used a new font for its logo, which was used until the January 2014 issue. In 2014, the magazine underwent a major redesign; its February 2014 issue introduced a new logo, and
1624-509: The magazine sponsored a series of short films , produced by Jerry Fairbanks and released by Paramount Pictures . From July 1952 to December 1989, Popular Science carried Roy Doty 's Wordless Workshop as a regular feature. From July 1969 to May 1989, the cover and table of contents carried the subtitle, "The What's New Magazine." The cover removed the subtitle the following month and the contents page removed it in February 1990. In 1983,
1682-453: The magazine sponsored a series of short films , produced by Jerry Fairbanks and released by Paramount Pictures . From July 1952 to December 1989, Popular Science carried Roy Doty 's Wordless Workshop as a regular feature. From July 1969 to May 1989, the cover and table of contents carried the subtitle, "The What's New Magazine." The cover removed the subtitle the following month and the contents page removed it in February 1990. In 1983,
1740-457: The new parent company to its digital media portfolio. From April 27, 2021, the Popular Science publication was changed to a fully digital format and is no longer in physical print. Its digital subscription offering, PopSci+ is inclusive of exclusive digital content and the magazine. In January 2023, Annie Colbert was named the new editor-in-chief. She joined the brand after spending more than 10 years at Mashable . Popular Science Radio
1798-453: The new parent company to its digital media portfolio. From April 27, 2021, the Popular Science publication was changed to a fully digital format and is no longer in physical print. Its digital subscription offering, PopSci+ is inclusive of exclusive digital content and the magazine. In January 2023, Annie Colbert was named the new editor-in-chief. She joined the brand after spending more than 10 years at Mashable . Popular Science Radio
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1856-827: The newspaper and the television outlet, which was renamed KDFW-TV . Times-Mirror Broadcasting later acquired KTBC-TV in Austin, Texas in 1973; and in 1980 purchased a group of stations owned by Newhouse Newspapers : WAPI-TV (now WVTM-TV ) in Birmingham, Alabama ; KTVI in St. Louis ; WSYR-TV (now WSTM-TV ) in Syracuse, New York and its satellite station WSYE-TV (now WETM-TV ) in Elmira, New York ; and WTPA-TV (now WHTM-TV ) in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania . The company also entered
1914-477: The next innovations in technology , the environment, and science would be. Bets have included whether Facebook would have an initial public offering by 2008, when a touchscreen iPod would be launched, and whether Dongtan , China's eco-city , would be inhabited by 2010. The PPX shut down in 2009. Popular Science's Future Of... show premiered on August 10, 2009, on the Science Channel. The show
1972-411: The next innovations in technology , the environment, and science would be. Bets have included whether Facebook would have an initial public offering by 2008, when a touchscreen iPod would be launched, and whether Dongtan , China's eco-city , would be inhabited by 2010. The PPX shut down in 2009. Popular Science's Future Of... show premiered on August 10, 2009, on the Science Channel. The show
2030-638: The sale, Gillett Communications bought out the broadcasting unit. That same year, Times Mirror acquired Broadcasting Publications Inc., parent company of broadcast trade magazine Broadcasting Magazine . Times Mirror acquired Richard D. Irwin Inc. from Dow Jones & Company in 1988 to enter the textbook field. Times Mirror acquired Wm. C. Brown Co. in 1992. Times Mirror sold its textbook operations to McGraw-Hill in 1996. Times Mirror also owned C.V. Mosby Company from 1967–1998, which published medical college textbooks and reference books; Harry N. Abrams —
2088-488: The well-known titles Popular Photography , Outdoor Life , and Field & Stream , to North Equity LLC. While North Equity is a venture equity firm that primarily invests in digital media brands, David Ritchie, CEO of the Bonnier Corp, said Bonnier believes, "North Equity is best-positioned to continue to invest in and grow these iconic legacy brands." In June 2021, North Equity introduced Recurrent Ventures as
2146-424: The well-known titles Popular Photography , Outdoor Life , and Field & Stream , to North Equity LLC. While North Equity is a venture equity firm that primarily invests in digital media brands, David Ritchie, CEO of the Bonnier Corp, said Bonnier believes, "North Equity is best-positioned to continue to invest in and grow these iconic legacy brands." In June 2021, North Equity introduced Recurrent Ventures as
2204-469: Was a partnership between Popular Science and Entertainment Radio Network which ran through 2016. On March 27, 2011, Popular Science magazine sold the 10,000th subscription to its iPad edition, nearly six weeks after accepting Apple's terms for selling subs on its tablet. In 2018, Popular Science launched two podcasts, Last Week in Tech and The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week , Last Week in Tech
2262-415: Was a partnership between Popular Science and Entertainment Radio Network which ran through 2016. On March 27, 2011, Popular Science magazine sold the 10,000th subscription to its iPad edition, nearly six weeks after accepting Apple's terms for selling subs on its tablet. In 2018, Popular Science launched two podcasts, Last Week in Tech and The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week , Last Week in Tech
2320-408: Was an editor as well. He became editor-in-chief on Edward's death in 1887. The publisher, D. Appleton & Company , was forced to sell the journal for economic reasons in 1900. James McKeen Cattell became the editor in 1900 and the publisher in 1901. Cattell had a background in academics and continued publishing articles for educated readers. By 1915, the readership was declining and publishing
2378-406: Was an editor as well. He became editor-in-chief on Edward's death in 1887. The publisher, D. Appleton & Company , was forced to sell the journal for economic reasons in 1900. James McKeen Cattell became the editor in 1900 and the publisher in 1901. Cattell had a background in academics and continued publishing articles for educated readers. By 1915, the readership was declining and publishing
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2436-546: Was announced that editor-in-chief Cliff Ransom would be leaving the magazine. In August 2016, Joe Brown was named Popular Science 's new editor-in-chief. In September 2018, it was announced that Popular Science would become a quarterly publication. During his tenure, Popular Science diversified its readership base, was nominated for several National Magazine Awards, winning for The Tiny Issue in 2019, and named to AdWeek ' s Hot List in 2019. Brown stepped down in February 2020. In March 2020, executive editor Corinne Iozzio
2494-542: Was announced that editor-in-chief Cliff Ransom would be leaving the magazine. In August 2016, Joe Brown was named Popular Science 's new editor-in-chief. In September 2018, it was announced that Popular Science would become a quarterly publication. During his tenure, Popular Science diversified its readership base, was nominated for several National Magazine Awards, winning for The Tiny Issue in 2019, and named to AdWeek ' s Hot List in 2019. Brown stepped down in February 2020. In March 2020, executive editor Corinne Iozzio
2552-403: Was concerned with the future of technology and science in a particular topic area that varies from week to week. As of December 2009, a new episode was premiering every Monday. Popular Science has published a number of books, including the bestselling Big Book of Hacks and Big Book of Maker Skills . The brand has also published The Total Inventor's Manual and The Future Then , which
2610-432: Was concerned with the future of technology and science in a particular topic area that varies from week to week. As of December 2009, a new episode was premiering every Monday. Popular Science has published a number of books, including the bestselling Big Book of Hacks and Big Book of Maker Skills . The brand has also published The Total Inventor's Manual and The Future Then , which was published in conjunction with
2668-409: Was dramatic. The old version was a scholarly journal that had eight to ten articles in a 100-page issue. There would be ten to twenty photographs or illustrations. The new version had hundreds of short, easy to read articles with hundreds of illustrations. Editor Kaempffert was writing for "the home craftsman and hobbyist who wanted to know something about the world of science." The circulation doubled in
2726-409: Was dramatic. The old version was a scholarly journal that had eight to ten articles in a 100-page issue. There would be ten to twenty photographs or illustrations. The new version had hundreds of short, easy to read articles with hundreds of illustrations. Editor Kaempffert was writing for "the home craftsman and hobbyist who wanted to know something about the world of science." The circulation doubled in
2784-428: Was later replaced by Techathlon . Weirdest Thing proved to be the brand's breakout hit. After just one episode, Apple Podcasts included "Weirdest Thing" on their weekly "New & Noteworthy" list, and over the years it has hosted a number of live events. In early 2010, Bonnier partnered with London-based design firm BERG to create Mag+ , a magazine publishing platform for tablets. In April 2010, Popular Science+ ,
2842-426: Was later replaced by Techathlon . Weirdest Thing proved to be the brand's breakout hit. After just one episode, Apple Podcasts included "Weirdest Thing" on their weekly "New & Noteworthy" list, and over the years it has hosted a number of live events. In early 2010, Bonnier partnered with London-based design firm BERG to create Mag+ , a magazine publishing platform for tablets. In April 2010, Popular Science+ ,
2900-463: Was named editor-in-chief. During her tenure, the brand moved from a print to a digital-only publication, produced extensive coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrated its 150-year anniversary, and relaunched its "Brilliant 10" franchise. Iozzio and her team won a 2022 National Magazine Award for its "Heat" issue. The issue, an in-depth look at the stark realities and ingenuity of a warming world,
2958-403: Was named editor-in-chief. During her tenure, the brand moved from a print to a digital-only publication, produced extensive coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrated its 150-year anniversary, and relaunched its "Brilliant 10" franchise. Iozzio and her team won a 2022 National Magazine Award for its "Heat" issue. The issue, an in-depth look at the stark realities and ingenuity of a warming world,
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#17327717501333016-471: Was producing 12 million books a year, one of only three American publishers to produce that much volume. In 1974, Times Mirror sold World Publishing to the U.K.-based Collins Publishers . In 1967, the Times Mirror entered magazine publishing by acquiring Popular Science , Outdoor Life , Golf Magazine , and Ski Magazine . Times Mirror owned the Sporting News from 1977 until 2000, when it
3074-415: Was published in conjunction with the brand's 145th anniversary. In June 2014, Popular Science Italia was launched in Italy by Kekoa Publishing. Directed by Francesco Maria Avitto , the magazine is available in print and digital version. In April 2017, Popular Science was launched in Arabic by United Arab Emirates-based publisher Haykal Media. The magazine is available in print bimonthly, and through
3132-516: Was published until 1958 when it was absorbed into Science . After acquiring the Electrician and Mechanic magazine in 1914, the Modern Publishing Company had merged it with Modern Electrics to become Modern Electrics & Mechanics . Later that year, they merged the publication with Popular Electricity and World's Advance to form Popular Electricity and Modern Mechanics . After further name changes that caused confusion among librarians,
3190-457: Was published until 1958 when it was absorbed into Science . After acquiring the Electrician and Mechanic magazine in 1914, the Modern Publishing Company had merged it with Modern Electrics to become Modern Electrics & Mechanics . Later that year, they merged the publication with Popular Electricity and World's Advance to form Popular Electricity and Modern Mechanics . After further name changes that caused confusion among librarians,
3248-538: Was sold to Paul Allen 's Vulcan Inc. In 1987, Times Mirror acquired Field & Stream , Yachting , Home Mechanix , and Skiing . In 1983, Times Mirror owned not only the Los Angeles Times but also Newsday , The Denver Post , The Dallas Times Herald , and the Hartford Courant . In 1986, Times Mirror bought A.S. Abell Company, owners of The Baltimore Sun , and as part of
3306-593: Was the second win in the Single-Topic Issue category but the first in its new digital-only format. In August 2022, after more than a decade at Popular Science and two-and-a-half years leading the brand, Iozzio announced that she would step down as editor-in-chief in October of that year. On October 6, 2020, the Bonnier Group sold Popular Science and six other special interest magazines, including
3364-406: Was the second win in the Single-Topic Issue category but the first in its new digital-only format. In August 2022, after more than a decade at Popular Science and two-and-a-half years leading the brand, Iozzio announced that she would step down as editor-in-chief in October of that year. On October 6, 2020, the Bonnier Group sold Popular Science and six other special interest magazines, including
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