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: 2 hours 14 min ago
Congo River releases 40,000 cubic metres of freshwater into the Atlantic every second. Scientists trace where it goes
Recent research has unveiled that giant ocean whirlpools, also termed mesoscale eddies, play a crucial role in transporting freshwater from the Congo River into the Atlantic Ocean. These dynamic currents, characterized by their power and fleeting existence, can capture substantial volumes of river water and transport it hundreds of kilometers away.
Nanobubbles Tested In Reflecting Pool: Engineers deploy ozone system; scientists eye oxygen-starved seas
Microscopic nanobubbles are being tested at Washington D.C.'s Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to combat algal blooms. This innovative technology, injecting ozone nanobubbles, effectively cleans water and holds promise for restoring oxygen-starved lakes and seas suffering from eutrophication. Scientists are exploring methods to deliver these oxygen-carrying bubbles directly to the sediment layer, where critical environmental issues begin, offering a potential solution for vast polluted water bodies.
Thailand King Cobra Rescue: Team frees 11-foot snake; highlights rising human–snake encounters
A colossal 11-foot king cobra, seeking a nap, became dangerously ensnared in a truck's bumper in Thailand. Rescuers endured a tense four-hour ordeal, skillfully extracting the agitated reptile. This incident mirrors a similar rescue in India last year, highlighting the increasing overlap between wildlife and human spaces and the vital role of trained responders in ensuring safety for both.
Gaganyaan mission: Isro's parachute test vehicle clears first ground test
India's space agency, ISRO, has successfully tested the solid motor for its new SOLVE launch vehicle, a crucial step for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. This test platform will aid in validating the crew module's parachute system for safe return. SOLVE, adapted from PSLV technology, will offer flexibility in simulating mission conditions, paving the way for upcoming uncrewed Gaganyaan flights.
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
