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Catch up on the latest science news, from space and technology to life and environmental research- all the discoveries shaping our world today.
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13-year-old Oregon student designs a chamber that turns moisture in the air into water for drought-hit farms

01/08/2026
In a remarkable feat of ingenuity, a young student has created technology that converts air moisture into potable water. This device stands as a sustainable beacon for farmers struggling with inadequate water supply. Featuring a Peltier module for condensation, it smartly monitors water delivery and environmental factors through advanced sensors. Roy Kim aspires for his invention to play a significant role in alleviating the global water challenges faced by agriculture.

Ghana's capital dumps 300 tons of plastic waste daily, now its turning them into roads cheaper than concrete

01/08/2026
Ghana is pioneering a sustainable solution to its plastic pollution crisis by turning waste into economical paving blocks for highways. Led by entrepreneur Nelson Boateng at Nelplast, the initiative compensates plastic collectors, significantly benefiting the community. The resulting paving blocks are not only resilient but also priced competitively against concrete, effectively tackling environmental challenges while providing financial opportunities for many.

Minnesota's largest coal plant is now wiring 1.7 million solar panels powering 150,000 homes

01/08/2026
The largest coal plant in Minnesota is transitioning to embrace renewable energy by hosting a substantial solar farm. Leveraging the existing transmission systems of the coal facility, the Sherco Solar project is now recognized as the most extensive solar installation in the state. This forward-thinking initiative accelerates grid connection for new energy innovations, with exciting plans for future development and battery storage integration.

South Africa released 11 formerly captive elephants onto wild reserves; five years later...

31/07/2026
In an inspiring study, South African elephants reintroduced into reserves demonstrated remarkable behavior akin to that of free-roaming herds. Researchers observed that these elephants not only adapted seamlessly to their natural habitats but also maintained optimal stress hormone levels. This research underscores the potential for long-term captive elephants to regain their independence, offering a promising outlook for the conservation efforts throughout southern Africa.

Meet Angelo Casimiro: The 15-year-old who designed shoes that generate electricity from human footsteps

31/07/2026
Angelo Casimiro designed a unique pair of shoes that generate electricity from walking movements. While current power levels are low, this technology suits smaller gadgets. Supercapacitors offer an efficient way to store this energy. Such innovations can significantly lower individual carbon footprints.

In 1924, Arctic charr from Lake Geneva were stocked into Lake Allos; a century later...

31/07/2026
Introduced to Lake Allos in 1924, Arctic charr exhibit remarkable metabolic adaptations within just a century. These fish showcase rapid physiological changes, attributed mainly to their phenotypic plasticity, resulting in distinct body shapes. Notably, juveniles from Lake Allos consistently demonstrate elevated metabolic rates, even under controlled conditions. This research underscores the species' ability to swiftly adapt to their ever-changing environmental landscape.

The Amazon’s zombie fungus manipulates ants into biting plants before death; scientists have now found it living silently inside mosses more than 10 metres away

31/07/2026
Researchers discovered the zombie-ant fungus may have a hidden life stage within mosses. This finding suggests a more complex relationship than previously understood by scientists. The fungus appears to live quietly inside plants before infecting ants for manipulation. This discovery indicates a multi-species ecological network involving plants and insects. The study reshapes how scientists view parasite evolution and survival in biodiverse systems.

Female mammals usually outlive males, but a 27-year study found the pattern was reversed among...

31/07/2026
A comprehensive study spanning twenty-seven years has revealed that female birds face lower survival rates compared to their male counterparts. This trend has been observed in thirty-five distinct bird species throughout North America. The challenges posed by migration and reproduction seem to disproportionately affect females. Furthermore, genetic factors related to sex chromosomes may play a role in this issue.

70-million-year-old mammal fossil discovered in Mongolia rewrites the story of early mammal evolution

31/07/2026
A new fossil from Mongolia's Gobi Desert has reshaped mammalian evolutionary understanding. This 70-million-year-old Tamirkhan balcarceli fossil belonged to zhelestids, which were previously misunderstood. The complete skeleton shows zhelestids were not early placental mammals as once thought. Instead, they were part of the extinct zalambdalestoid lineage, which evolved similar teeth independently. This discovery alters interpretations of mammalian diversity during the Late Cretaceous period.

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