Science Alert
Catch up on the latest science news, from space and technology to life and environmental research- all the discoveries shaping our world today.
Updated: 5 min 21 sec ago
Hubble spotted ‘impossible’ light in deep space; scientists are trying to explain where it came from
Astronomers have spotted a remarkably small yet potent galaxy, MXDFz4. 4, from the universe's nascent stages. This galaxy, observed by Hubble and confirmed by other powerful telescopes, is emitting energetic ultraviolet light, a phenomenon previously thought impossible for its era. This discovery offers an unprecedented glimpse into how early galaxies began to clear the cosmic fog, paving the way for light to travel freely.
Scientists have found a billion-year-old hidden magma system on Mars that supported life on the Red planet
Scientists have uncovered evidence of a massive magma system beneath Mars' surface, challenging the long-held belief that such complex geological activity requires tectonic plates. NASA's InSight lander data revealed a distinct boundary deep within the Martian crust, suggesting a vast, ancient magma chamber that cooled and crystallized. This discovery hints that the ingredients for life might be more common on Mars than previously thought, prompting a re-evaluation of planetary habitability.
Scientists discovered a hidden detail in Van Gogh's The Starry Night decades after it was painted
Vincent van Gogh's iconic "The Starry Night" has revealed a scientific secret. Physicists analyzing the painting's swirling patterns discovered they closely resemble the statistical models of turbulence, a complex natural phenomenon. This suggests Van Gogh, through his keen observation, captured the visual essence of fluid motion over a century before scientists could mathematically describe it, making his masterpiece a surprising echo of nature's mysteries
This 4,000-year-old wooden monument in England may have been built to ‘extend summer’
A fascinating new study unveils that Seahenge, an ancient wooden monument on the Norfolk coast, may have been constructed to mitigate harsh cold weather conditions. Archaeologist David Nance posits that this timber circle, together with a related structure, was created as a ritualistic endeavor to prolong summer and restore warmth. This innovative theory interweaves climate evidence with mythology, reshaping our understanding of this prehistoric site beyond mere burial grounds.
Scientists thought ravens followed wolves for food. A 2.5-year GPS study told a different story.
In Yellowstone National Park, ravens have demonstrated remarkable intelligence by devising a unique method for locating food. Instead of merely tailing wolves, these clever birds create mental maps of successful hunting zones. This memory-based strategy enables them to navigate across significant distances and head straight for areas likely to have wolf kills, overturning prior beliefs about their feeding habits.
A 5,000-year-old ritual circle was hidden under a Scottish island; archaeologists found it without digging
Beneath the lush peat of Scotland's Isle of Arran, a 5,000-year-old ritual circle has emerged, thanks to innovative geophysical scanning. This discovery reveals a ring of 12 underground pits, likely from the Neolithic or Bronze Age, without the disturbance of digging. The site adds a mysterious new chapter to the storied past of Machrie Moor, potentially indicating the presence of ancient ceremonial timber structures.
Scientists found tropical butterflies that can live nearly a year and show little sign of ageing; here’s why they may matter for longevity research
Recent research reveals that tropical butterflies known as Heliconius exhibit remarkable longevity, surviving nearly a year with little deterioration, unlike their transient relatives. This species showcases preserved strength and body mass, indicative of a slower aging process. Their unique pollen-rich diet aids in this phenomenon, alongside intrinsic biological factors. This discovery may serve as a groundbreaking reference for exploring the principles of healthy aging and longevity in nature.
Scientists found a spider in the Amazon that looks like a parasitic fungus so perfectly they first mistook it for a mushroom
In a groundbreaking discovery in Ecuador's Amazon, scientists have identified a unique spider species, Taczanowskia waska, which artfully impersonates a fungus that preys on spiders. This exceptional adaptation combines pale hues, fungus-like appendages, and a still demeanor that interlaces it seamlessly within its environment, deceiving even seasoned researchers. Highlighted through citizen science, this discovery underscores the complex survival tactics in nature and the enigmatic diversity of rainforests.
Scientists find giant hidden structure beneath Antarctica’s ice sheet
Scientists have unearthed a colossal, fan-shaped geological formation hidden beneath East Antarctica's ice. This massive structure, dubbed the East Antarctic Fan-Shaped Basin Province, connects previously known underground basins, reshaping our understanding of ancient supercontinent Gondwana's breakup and Antarctica's ice sheet behavior amid climate change. The discovery reveals a more dynamic geological past for East Antarctica than previously believed.
