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: 31 min 35 sec ago
China scientists turn bamboo cellulose into strong, heat-resistant plastic
Chinese researchers have pioneered a revolutionary bamboo-based bioplastic, manipulating cellulose at a molecular scale to boost its strength. This innovative material boasts remarkable heat resistance and flexibility for complex molding. Additionally, it is recyclable and decomposes completely in just fifty days. The estimated production cost is around Rs 2302 per tonne, promising an eco-friendly alternative.
In 2025, scientists made sound behave like a rainbow, separating frequencies
By innovating with sound, scientists have successfully developed acoustic rainbows that divide sound signals across different pathways. Using tailored structures, they effectively transform white noise into a vibrant spectral array. Additionally, research teams have found methods to capture and redirect vibrational energy through synthetic fields, enabling the sorting and concentration of specific frequencies in solid materials. These breakthroughs pave the way for advanced acoustic wave manipulation techniques.
70 million years ago, Earth had 372 days a year, with days lasting 23 hours
Research into ancient shells has unveiled that Earth experienced a 372-day year around seventy million years ago. During the Cretaceous period, each day was approximately twenty-three hours and thirty-one minutes long. This study also examined the ancient Earth-Moon distance and revealed warmer ocean temperatures, with evidence of photosymbiosis. The mollusc fossil indicates it thrived for over nine years on a tropical seabed.
Romania has declared a 30-day energy alert as Danube river levels fall too low to cool its nuclear reactors
In response to alarming low levels of the Danube river, Romania's energy sector is on high alert. Unit one of the Cernavoda nuclear power facility has ceased operations due to water scarcity. To maintain unit two's functionality, emergency measures including river dredging have been implemented. Authorities have also undertaken the blasting of rock formations to facilitate better water flow. Residents are urged to conserve electricity during high-demand evenings.
Deepwater Horizon damaged deep-sea corals in 2010; NOAA is now restoring them 16 years later
In a groundbreaking initiative, scientists are working to revive deep-sea coral ecosystems that were harmed by an oil spill. Utilizing corals grown in laboratories along with advanced tools, they have successfully deployed these corals at great depths. This project focuses on rejuvenating delicate habitats in the Gulf of Mexico, with ongoing monitoring set to evaluate both the survival rates of the corals and the overall restoration of the ecosystem.
Japan's Hiroshima produces 60% of farmed oysters, but up to 90% have died
Hiroshima's oyster farmers face catastrophic losses this season, reporting mortality rates soaring to ninety percent, well above normal thresholds. Investigations are underway to pinpoint rising sea temperatures and environmental shifts as possible culprits. This alarming situation jeopardizes local dining establishments, tourism activities, and livelihoods. While government assistance provides temporary relief, the search for sustainable solutions continues.
If vivid dreams leave you exhausted, experts say the problem may not be the dreams but disruptions that prevent deep sleep
Feeling fatigued after dreaming is often linked to disrupted sleep patterns, especially during REM phases. During REM, the brain remains highly engaged, which prevents achieving deeper rest. If dreams are recalled, it signals that you woke while dreaming, interrupting the crucial restorative stages of sleep. This interference obstructs clearing adenosine, a natural sleep-inducing byproduct, making tiredness arise from your awakening moment rather than the dreams themselves.
North American bison fell from millions to hundreds, but ancient DNA shows diversity survived
Recent genetic studies unveil that bison diversity has remained stable even after significant population decreases, emphasizing that fragmentation and isolation are now prominent legacies following near extinction events. The modern wood bison displays ancestry from plains bison due to translocations in the 1920s, while the presence of cattle ancestry within bison is surprisingly less common than previously thought.
More than 99% of California’s sunflower sea stars vanished, now scientists have found a mysterious colony that could help revive dying kelp forests
Ten years ago, sunflower sea stars faced near extinction due to a devastating marine epidemic, leading to unchecked sea urchin populations that destroyed essential kelp forests. Recently, a newly identified colony of these sea stars has rekindled hope for ecological restoration. Researchers are examining their resilience to diseases, which could greatly benefit efforts to reintroduce these vital predators to their ocean habitats.
In 2020, engineers pumped 225,000 cubic yards of dredged sediment into the Columbia River; it became four new islands now being studied as salmon habitat
In an exciting environmental initiative, dredged sediment is being repurposed to form new islands aimed at habitat restoration. Engineers have meticulously placed this sediment to construct islands and adjacent channels along the river. Researchers are examining these man-made islands to gauge their impact on supporting wildlife, especially juvenile salmon. This pioneering technique may pave the way for future efforts in restoration ecology.
In 2017, a total solar eclipse changed animal behaviour as 17 species reacted
During the total solar eclipse of 2017, Riverbanks Zoo animals displayed intriguing behaviors in response to the sudden darkness. Some creatures sought refuge, while others became agitated or huddled close. Gorillas, elephants, and Komodo dragons mimicked the tranquility of dusk, indicative of their sensitivity to light changes. Birds and other nocturnal species adapted by either winding down or becoming more active, showcasing the profound connection between animal behavior and daylight.
One-third of global farmland accounts for about two-thirds of agriculture-linked biodiversity
A global study reveals one-third of farmland causes two-thirds of farming's environmental damage. Beef and dairy production significantly contribute to biodiversity loss and carbon storage decline. High-impact regions in South America and Asia face concentrated environmental degradation. International trade shifts these environmental impacts between exporting and importing nations. Targeted restoration of impacted land offers substantial climate and nature protection benefits.
Austrian scientists find glyphosate herbicide reduced earthworm reproduction by 56%
A recent greenhouse study investigated the effects of glyphosate on earthworms inhabiting agricultural soil. The results were striking: one earthworm species exhibited a staggering 56 percent reduction in reproduction post-herbicide application, while another species showed a significant drop in casting activity. These results underscore the potential hidden consequences of herbicides on crucial soil organisms, prompting a call for pesticide assessments to consider broader ecological implications.
In 1922, Olaus Murie entered Alaska to study caribou and wildlife ecosystems
Olaus Murie began studying Alaskan caribou in 1922, which influenced ecological wildlife understanding. His brother Adolph later investigated wolves and Dall sheep, challenging predator control assumptions. Adolph's research examined species interactions within the wider ecosystem of Mount McKinley. This work helped shift park management away from viewing predators solely as pests. The Muries' ecological approach continues to inform Denali's conservation efforts today.
