After 22 Years on the Same Digits, an Ohio Player Finally Lands a $3.5 Million Classic Lotto Jackpot
An Ohio lottery devotee who replayed one number combination for more than two decades just matched all six in Classic Lotto, claiming a $3.5 million jackpot. Here’s why persistence doesn’t change the odds—but can still make emotional sense—and what comes next for the winner.
Inflammation, Astrocytes, and the Strange Possibility of “Over-Controlled” Compulsions
A rat study finds that stirring up immune activity in a decision-making hub did not make behavior more reflexive—it made it more calculated and persistent. The culprit appears to be astrocytes, hinting that some compulsions might come from misdirected, overly forceful control rather than a failure of control.
Sony LinkBuds Clip Review: Solid Buds, Premium Price
Sony’s clip-on, open-ear LinkBuds are comfortable and capable, but their launch price makes them a tougher sell—especially with frequent deals in this category.
The Quantum Vacuum: How “Nothing” Teems With Possibility
In quantum physics, empty space is never truly empty. Zero-point energy and vacuum fluctuations make “nothing” a restless sea that shapes technology, cosmology, and the limits of measurement.
Kaolinite pebbles tip the scales: Early Mars looks more like a rainy Earth than a frozen world
A new analysis of kaolinite-rich pebbles on Mars points to long-lived rainfall and vigorous chemical weathering—strong evidence that early Mars was warm and wet.
After a Month at Partial Strength, the Space Station is Back to a Full Crew
Following a month of reduced staffing, the International Space Station has returned to its normal seven-person crew—resetting the tempo for science, maintenance, and operations after an unusually sparse period aloft.
Inside the Bigfoot subculture: What 130 in-depth interviews reveal about belief, evidence, and community
A new ethnographic study based on 130 interviews lifts the veil on Bigfoot hunters—their motivations, methods, and tangled relationship with mainstream science.
The Best Samsung Phones of 2026, Tested and Reviewed—What Matters Before You Buy
Samsung’s 2026 lineup spans premium slabs, pocketable clamshells, and value-first midrange models. Here’s the context you need to read WIRED’s guide like a pro—and pick the right Galaxy for you.
CurrentBody LED Hair Growth Helmet Review: Baby Hairs Abound (2026)
An in-depth look at CurrentBody’s FDA-cleared LED helmet for thinning hair. We test comfort, cadence, app features, and real-world regrowth—and where it fits among drugs, lasers, and lotions.
Planting ideas in dreams: How gentle sound cues during REM sleep nudged creativity
Neuroscientists at Northwestern University showed that softly cueing memories with sound during REM sleep can steer dream content toward an unsolved puzzle—raising the odds of cracking it the next day.
A Valentine’s Day homage to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Romance, wires, and the weight of destiny
Ang Lee’s 2000 wuxia epic is a love story threaded through bamboo leaves and steel, where practical stunt craft and poetic sound design turn gravity—and the heart—into pliable material. On this Valentine’s Day, we revisit the film’s romance, its cinematic technology, and why it still floats above imitators.
NASA’s next Artemis II countdown test hits a new snag—what it means and why it’s fixable
NASA’s second wet dress rehearsal for Artemis II showed progress on hydrogen leaks but revealed a fresh hardware issue that must be addressed before the next countdown trial. Here’s what happened, why cryogenic fueling is so hard, and what to watch as the agency tunes the Space Launch System and its ground equipment for crewed flight.
The sugar switch in sperm: A metabolic roadmap to on‑demand male birth control
Michigan State University researchers mapped how sperm flip from idle to turbo mode by rerouting sugar metabolism. Their work pinpoints aldolase and allied enzymes as a controllable “switch”—a promising, nonhormonal target for fast, reversible male contraception.
Best Apple Watch (2026): Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3—The Real Differences and Which to Buy
Apple’s 2026 lineup sticks to a clear three‑tier strategy: SE 3 for value, Series 11 for most people, and Ultra 3 for power users. Here’s how to choose—plus what to skip, when to buy, and what’s coming next.
Lola’s Viral Plush Blankets Are Nearly Half Off—Here’s What That Actually Means
For one long weekend, Lola’s ultra-plush throws are discounted by 45 percent with no listed exclusions. We unpack the hype, the materials that make these blankets feel so soft, and how to shop the sale wisely.
Sony’s Big Discount Push: How to Shop Up to 45% Off Headphones and Alpha Cameras (Without Regrets)
Sony is dangling up to 45% off across its most popular audio gear and Alpha cameras. Here’s how to decide what’s worth buying now, what to skip, and how to stack the best savings safely.
WHO calls US-funded newborn hepatitis B study "unethical"—why this clash matters
A $1.6 million CDC-backed study in Guinea-Bissau set out to test the hepatitis B birth dose. The World Health Organization says the design crosses ethical red lines. Here’s the context, the science, and what to watch next.
Verizon’s 35‑Day Unlock Delay: Why Fully Paid Phones Can Still Be Stuck on the Network
Verizon now makes many customers wait 35 days after paying off a device online before unlocking it. Here’s what changed, why it matters, and how it compares to rival carriers.
A Rare Streak: Missouri Zoo Welcomes a Third Newborn Giraffe in Just Months
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium has logged its third giraffe birth in under four months—an unusual cluster that spotlights conservation breeding, meticulous animal care, and the surprising science of giraffe family life.
Are Waterproof Sneakers Worth It in 2026? A Runner’s Guide to Dry Feet, Real Trade-offs, and Smarter Alternatives
Warm, dry feet sound great—until breathability, weight, and long dry-times slow you down. Here’s how to decide if waterproof running shoes are right for your climate, training, and wallet in 2026.
The Best Mattress Toppers (2026): Supportive, Plush, and Memory Foam—What Matters and How to Choose
A smart topper can turn a so-so bed into a sleep sanctuary—if you pick the right materials, thickness, and support. Here’s how to decode foam densities, cooling tech, certifications, and durability before you buy.
Asus Zenbook S 16 Drops to $1,000: An Ultra-Slim OLED Powerhouse Finally Priced to Move
A rare $500 price cut brings Asus’ ultra-thin 16-inch Zenbook S 16 to $1,000. Here’s why this is a standout value, who should jump on it, and the trade-offs to consider before you buy.
Ariane 64’s debut arrives right on time for Amazon’s Kuiper—and for Europe
Europe’s most powerful rocket ever, the four‑booster Ariane 64, has flown—and its first operational payload gave Amazon’s Project Kuiper a much‑needed lift as launch bottlenecks and regulatory deadlines converged.
‘Uncanny Valley’: ICE’s Secret Expansion Plans, Palantir Workers’ Ethical Concerns, and AI Assistants
WIRED’s Uncanny Valley spotlights a stealthy expansion of immigration enforcement, growing dissent inside Palantir, and the rise of AI assistants for policing and bureaucracy. Here’s the context, stakes, and what to watch next.