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: 45 min 43 sec ago
US scientists are building a $12 million 'digital brain' for drones inspired by insects
At Penn State, a research team is pioneering advanced drone decision-making systems modeled after insect neural mechanisms. Utilizing analogue computing alongside graphene materials, this initiative focuses on onboard data processing that replicates the natural filtering and coincidence detection seen in biology. With annual demonstrations of evolving prototypes, the goal is to enable fully autonomous drone swarms independent of external support.
In 1944, 29 reindeer were left on a remote island in Alaska, decades later, they had eaten themselves
Twenty-nine reindeer introduced to St. Matthew Island in 1944 grew to over 6,000 animals. This population boom led to severe overgrazing of the island's lichen food sources. An extreme winter in 1963-1964 brought devastating blizzards and deep snow. These harsh conditions prevented reindeer from accessing their depleted food supplies. Ultimately, the entire reindeer herd perished, leaving the island devoid of these animals.
Florida Atlantic University gets $600,379 grant for algal bloom solution
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University are crafting cutting-edge 3D-printed designs aimed at phosphorus extraction. These pioneering structures target excess nutrients from surface water, staving off harmful algal blooms. By converting algal biomass into efficient phosphorus-capturing materials, field trials will assess their performance and ecological safety in actual ponds. This innovative technology presents a forward-thinking solution for tackling nutrient pollution before blooms occur.
Tasmania spent 28 years removing invasive carp from two lakes; after 49,301 fish were...
After a remarkable 28-year campaign, Tasmania's fisheries service has successfully eliminated invasive common carp from Lake Sorell and Lake Crescent. This effort has seen the removal of over 49,000 harmful fish, leading to clearer waters and the revival of native plant life in marsh areas. The resurgence of wild brown trout has also enhanced recreational fishing opportunities for anglers, proving that large lakes can recover from invasive species.
In 2002, New Mexico began one of America’s largest native-fish restoration projects...
A significant conservation initiative has successfully reinstated native trout species across more than 120 miles of streams by eliminating non-native predators and restoring habitats in two states. The reintroduction of the Rio Grande cutthroat trout has led to the establishment of a self-sustaining population, averting the need for federal endangered species status. This successful strategy serves as a blueprint for other western states aiming to restore native fish populations.
In 2006, Idaho launched a bounty-and-netting war on invasive lake trout; a decade later...
A vigorous initiative employing commercial nets and angler incentives has successfully diminished the population of invasive lake trout. This management program has fostered a remarkable resurgence of native species such as rainbow trout and sockeye salmon. Hydroacoustic assessments revealed kokanee densities that haven't been observed since the 1970s. The rebound of kokanee has instigated beneficial shifts throughout the broader ecosystem.
Bengaluru cancer centre begins using Karnataka’s first Elekta Unity MR-Linac
The HCG cancer centre in Bengaluru has introduced Karnataka's pioneering Elekta Unity MR-Linac system, a cutting-edge advancement in cancer treatment. This sophisticated technology integrates MRI visualization with radiation therapy, allowing physicians to observe tumors and tailor treatment plans daily. Particularly for prostate cancer patients, this image-guided technique ensures enhanced treatment precision, representing a monumental leap forward in radiation oncology within the region.
NASA offers up to $500,000 to develop technology for tracking atmospheric drag
In an effort to enhance the understanding of upper atmospheric conditions, NASA is inviting proposals for affordable technology solutions. The Orbital Clarity Challenge aims to refine predictions regarding satellite orbit variations caused by atmospheric drag. Participants stand to win up to $500,000 for their innovative concepts, along with the opportunity for a free test flight to test their technologies.
18-year-old studied 479 cancer cell lines; blocking one pathway stopped the cells from spreading
Jonathan Yan, an 18-year-old student from California, studied data from 479 human cancer cell lines to understand how cancer spreads. His research found that the transsulfuration pathway was highly active in metastatic cancers. When he blocked the pathway in cancer cell lines, the cells stopped spreading, pointing to a possible area for further research into cancer metastasis.
Two Kochi postgraduates turned a mud-crab farming problem into a national-winning startup
Innovators from Kochi have crafted a groundbreaking technology for mud-crab farming, effectively tackling issues such as cannibalism and the requirement for brackish water. Their novel system enables farming in inland regions, broadening geographical opportunities. With a generous ₹10 lakh grant awarded for their remarkable achievement, this technology opens up premium crab farming to a wider community of farmers.
Quote of the day by Carl Linnaeus: "Human beings, having, above..."
Human reasoning provides us with a special lens through which we can observe and understand nature. This ability to study and reflect upon natural processes imposes an ethical responsibility on us to avoid exploiting the environment. By grasping the intricate connections within ecosystems, we appreciate our place in the natural world. The wisdom of Linnaeus serves as a guiding light for today's pressing ecological issues.
