These Newly Discovered Cells Breathe in Two Ways

The team members went through a process of incrementally determining what elements and molecules the bacterial strain could grow on. They already knew it could use oxygen, so they tested other combinations in the lab. When oxygen was absent, RSW1 could process hydrogen gas and elemental sulfur—chemicals it would find spewing from a volcanic vent—and…

Read More

Quietest Vacuums of 2025

In our lab, CR’s engineers put vacuum cleaners through a set of tough tests to evaluate how well a model picks up dirt, how much debris it retains, how easy it is to maneuver, and how noisy it is.  We embed sand and pet hair into carpets to see how effective the appliance is at…

Read More

Why Flooded-Out Cars Are Likely Total Losses

“Car owners should file a claim as soon as possible,” Worters says. Take pictures or videos to show the extent of the damage, making sure to capture damage from downed trees or power lines as well as flooding. It used to be that an insurance adjuster would also take photos of the vehicle, says Ellen…

Read More

Best Stackable Washers and Dryers

Stackable washers and dryers are independent appliances that can be installed separately, side by side, or stacked using a kit provided by the manufacturer so that the dryer rests on top of the washer. They’re not to be confused with laundry centers—a single, compact space-saving tower housing both a washer and dryer—that you see in…

Read More

Best Water Flossers of 2025

These devices emit a pulsing jet of water to blast away debris and plaque. Countertop units usually have a tank and a separate handset connected to it by a tube. In cordless flossers, a smaller tank is incorporated into the handset. Some come with a charging stand, while with others, you plug a cable right…

Read More

Best Battery Leaf Blower Brands

Our experts say that a handheld leaf blower will work well for most people, especially if you’ve got a modest yard with only a few leafy trees. Battery handheld blowers now make up the lion’s share of models that CR tests, and they’re a particularly good choice because they are lighter weight and quieter than…

Read More