In this episode of Uncanny Valley, we run through the top stories of the week and examine how some of the victories in the US November elections show the power of online fandom.

A Trump administration pilot program aims for three nuclear startups to reach a key milestone by July 4, 2026. Valar Atomics says it's the first to do so—but it had some help.

This slim bar can slide under any TV, and has a surprisingly rich feature set for the price.

Give the techie in your life access to the inner workings of the companies and characters shaping Big Tech.

The only craft docked at Tiangong space station has been damaged and “does not meet the release conditions for a safe manned return.”

Recycling isn’t just for glass and paper anymore. This mail-order clothes recycling program lets you earn points for old textiles and e-waste.

These natural, organic mattresses are eco-friendly alternatives to conventional models and just as comfortable.

Deliriants like Benadryl can bring on terrifying hallucinations in high doses. Some Gen Z-ers are taking at least a dozen pills at a time—and challenging others to do the same.

I spent months testing 30 dry shampoos on day-two hair and beyond—these are the most effective formulas you can buy.

As OpenAI expands in every direction, the new CEO of Applications is on a mission to make ChatGPT indispensable and lucrative.

Don't buy something for a loved one you wouldn't want for yourself. These are the hot tech products of 2025 that everyone will yearn for this holiday season.

Sophisticated crypto scams are on the rise. But few of them go to the lengths one bitcoin mining executive experienced earlier this year.

Marshall's first soundbar offers premium sound and style, but misses one crucial element.

These monthly deliveries get kids coding and cooking while encouraging them to learn science and read about the world.

NordVPN has a storied history with no shortage of controversy, but it still stands as one of the best VPNs on the market.

The same pulling force that causes “tears” in a glass of wine also shapes embryos. It’s another example of how genes exploit mechanical forces for growth and development.

The AI's latest trick is following the schedule you set for it.

Because “as many reps as possible” is their love language.

If you're spending more time fixing your smart home than using it, it could be time to stop relying on the cloud. Here's how.

It’s dangerous to go alone! Take these headsets, keyboards, and mice and give them to your favorite PC gamer.

Which film camera should you get? Which films are the best? We demystify the world of analog photography to help you get started.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito that can carry dengue, yellow fever, and Zika was thought to be too reliant on a hot and wet climate to survive in the Mountain West. But now, a population is thriving in Western Colorado.

Plus: State-sponsored AI hacking is here, Google hosts a CBP face recognition app, and more of the week’s top security news.

One of the Mac’s most popular productivity apps is incorporating generative artificial intelligence in a way that keeps it offline, private, and customizable.

Plus: Apple rolls out Digital IDs, Samsung’s new monitor has wheels, DJI’s latest drone has a display, and Insta360’s action camera gets an add-on that turns it into an instant camera.

I’m testing smart home gear and high-tech party gadgets at every holiday party I host and attend. Here’s how to automate the little things so you can actually enjoy the seasonal vibes this year.

Super-cheap EVs exist in other parts of the world, as advances in battery tech and manufacturing are making new cars significantly cheaper. But the US market presents unique challenges for automakers.

A new US law enforcement initiative is aimed at crypto fraudsters targeting Americans—and now seeks to seize infrastructure it claims is crucial to notorious scam compounds.

Luckin Coffee, Chagee, and other Chinese brands are targeting US consumers with Instagram-worthy drinks sold through sleek mobile apps.

The biggest retail event of the year has grown into an entire month of sales that ebb and flow. Here’s how to make the most of it.