Pocket Future

Pocket-Worthy Reads

Stories to fuel your mind

Stylist

4 Reasons Why Your Plant’s Leaves Are Turning Yellow, and How to Fix It

The problem of yellow leaves on plants—although common—can be caused by a number of reasons. Here, an expert outlines four of the main ones.

The Hustle

The Thriving Business of ‘Ikea Hacking’

A growing number of companies are offering design tweaks for old Ikea furniture — and business is booming.

Scientific American

How Do I Know I’m Not the Only Conscious Being in the Universe?

The solipsism problem, also called the problem of other minds, lurks at the heart of science, philosophy, religion, the arts and the human condition.

Quanta Magazine

Machine Learning’s ‘Amazing’ Ability to Predict Chaos

In new computer experiments, artificial-intelligence algorithms can tell the future of chaotic systems.

The Kitchn

Lemon Blueberry Muffins

For a bright morning muffin, whip up this batch in less than an hour.

Smithsonian Magazine

Harriet Tubman Was an Abolitionist, but She Was Also a Naturalist

The Underground Railroad conductor’s understanding of botany, wildlife biology, geography and astronomy allowed her to guide herself and others to safety.

Narratively

Bob and Evelyn’s Seven-Decade Dance

In swinging 1940s Hawaii, an eager young sailor courts a trailblazing woman who dreams of joining the Navy herself. The attack on Pearl Harbor upends their lives and solidifies a romance that lasts 67 years.

The Guardian

How to Be a Norwegian Parent: Let Your Kids Roam Free, Stay Home Alone, Have Fun – and Fail

In Norway, children walk to school aged six, or even travel across the country – and no one bats an eyelid. Why do these kids have so much independence, while other countries are so risk-averse?

Greater Good Magazine

Is Your Brain Foggy? Here Are Five Ways to Clear It

Studies have found that isolation, stress, and uncertainty can cause forgetfulness and disorganization. Here’s what to do about it.

Nautilus

Why Astrology Matters

Seeing meaning in the stars is a vital part of the scientific story.

Mental Floss

Why Hold Music Is So Annoying

We asked an expert to explain why listening to hold music is such a frustrating experience.

Darius Foroux

If You Can Believe It, You Can Achieve It

Belief is a tool that’s extremely useful. And it’s underutilized by many.

Popular Collections

Curated guides to the best reads on the web

Pocket Collections

The Art of Navigating Thorny Office Politics

From bad bosses to gossipy colleagues and, of course, office refrigerator drama.

Today’s Pocket Hits

Sunday, August 3

Popular Science

How the Tomato Created the Potato

The starchy staple evolved from the tomato about 9 million years ago.

The Baffler

Winging It

For those trying to overcome their fears of flying, it’s been...a challenging time to say the least.

The Atlantic

Three Ways to Stop Feeling Like an Impostor

This common syndrome can certainly harm your happiness. Here are three ways to get over it.

Scientific American

The Hidden Way Allergens Attack Nose, Throat and Lung Cells

The immune system senses damage to cell membranes caused by pore-forming proteins and mounts a response.

Glamour

Would You Let Your Friend Pitch You to a Room Full of Single Strangers?

In 2025 we’re turning back to one of the oldest forms of dating: meeting a romantic partner through friends.

The Guardian

Sweat, Stingers and Scratching: 14 Expert, Easy Ways to Treat and Prevent Insect Bites

Some of us seem to be bitten much more than others – and in unlucky cases this can lead to an allergic reaction or chronic illness. Pharmacists explain how to avoid the worst insects have to offer.

Slate

Who Killed the Spoof Movie?

’The Naked Gun’ aims to resurrect what was once one of our most beloved sure-hit genres. Why did it ever go away?

The Cut

What If a Child Was Terrified of Food?

The rise of ARFID, a new eating disorder driven not by body image but by fear.

A Study Says Your Brain Can Travel Through Time. Here’s What It Does to Your Memory.

Recalling thoughts and feelings when a memory was encoded improved memory recall, but this mental trick has its limits.

Lifehacker

You Might Not Get ‘Workout Buddy,’ Even If Your Apple Watch Is Brand New

Apple’s new Workout Buddy feature is intriguing—a voice from your Apple Watch that gives you pep talks and stats as you exercise. But when I installed the WatchOS public beta, I discovered that my watch couldn’t run Workout Buddy, even though it’s a Series 10, which is supposed to support the feature.

Undark

Opinion: Metascience Is More Important Now Than Ever

Opinion | A growing research field known as ‘the science of science’ will be essential for navigating an uncertain future.

Quanta Magazine

At 17, Hannah Cairo Solved a Major Math Mystery

After finding the homeschooling life confining, the teen petitioned her way into a graduate class at Berkeley, where she ended up disproving a 40-year-old conjecture.