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 33 min ago
Illite Find May Aid Industry: scientists flag vast Yeongdong deposit; links to skincare and batteries
A significant illite mineral deposit, potentially one of the largest globally, has been unearthed in South Korea's Yeongdong County. This discovery shifts the region's focus from tourism to natural resources, impacting industries from skincare to electric vehicle batteries. The accessible mineral's abundance, not rarity, makes it economically vital for global supply chains.
20-Day Signal From Dead Star: Astronomers detect ‘heartbeat’ from AT2020afhd; may reveal black hole spin
A dead star's remnants are pulsing every 20 days, offering strong evidence for Einstein's theory of frame-dragging. This phenomenon, observed in the debris of a star shredded by a black hole, shows the twisting of spacetime caused by a rotating massive object. The discovery provides a new way to study black hole spin and its impact on cosmic events.
Rongorongo Tablets Dated Earlier: Study dates 1 tablet to 1493-1509; independent script claim still unproven
A study on Easter Island's Rongorongo script suggests it might be an independent invention, predating European arrival. Researchers' radiocarbon dating of wooden tablets indicates some are centuries older than previously thought. If confirmed, this would place Rongorongo among a rare few writing systems developed without outside influence, potentially rewriting human history and highlighting Rapa Nui intellectual prowess.
Millions of graphene toothbrushes sold worldwide: Scientists reveal why people are buying them
New research from KAIST has clarified how graphene oxide's antibacterial properties work, revealing it selectively attacks harmful bacteria by targeting a specific lipid found in their membranes. This mechanism explains the success of graphene-based hygiene products and offers a novel approach to combating antibiotic resistance by physically disrupting bacterial structures.
'Make Pluto a planet again': Nasa Administrator Jared Isaacman calls for status restoration at US Senate hearing
Nasa Administrator Jared Isaacman wants Pluto to be a planet again. He voiced this support in a Senate hearing. Nasa researchers are studying Pluto's status. Pluto was a planet until 2006. The International Astronomical Union reclassified it as a dwarf planet. This decision is still debated by scientists and the public. Isaacman believes Pluto should be a planet.
Eye Of Sahara Explained: NASA says Richat Structure not a crater; dunes, dust reshape global systems
Astronauts marvelled at the Sahara's 'Eye of the Sahara,' the Richat Structure, a geological wonder in Mauritania. Far from a meteor impact, this massive formation, spanning 25-30 miles, is a domed anticline sculpted by millions of years of differential erosion. Its distinct rings, revealing ancient rock layers, serve as a vital landmark for space missions.
Panama Upwelling Failure: Scientists flag first breakdown; ecosystems and fisheries at risk
For the first time in 40 years, a vital Pacific Ocean upwelling off Panama failed in 2025. This biological engine, crucial for fish populations and coastal communities, didn't activate as trade winds weakened. Scientists, monitoring this rare event, suspect climate disruption, raising alarms about interconnected ocean systems and the need for better tropical ocean observation.
Rocks have been sending an SOS before they collapse, and scientists finally understand it
Scientists have discovered that rocks send out chemical signals before they break. Researchers have created a model to understand these signals, offering a potential early warning system for geological events. This breakthrough could help predict landslides and earthquakes. The technology is still developing but promises to provide crucial alerts for communities in geologically active areas.
Deja vu has an exact opposite, jamais vu: Why the familiar can suddenly feel completely new
Ever felt a familiar word suddenly look alien? That's jamais vu, the opposite of déjà vu, where recognition briefly falters. Researchers explain this fleeting disconnect between memory and perception, often triggered by repetition or fatigue. While usually harmless, frequent occurrences might warrant medical attention, offering a glimpse into our brain's intricate familiarity processing.
This giant 'heavenly pit' in China holds a hidden ecosystem below ground that has its own climate and wildlife
A colossal sinkhole, Xiaozhai Tiankeng, discovered in Southern China, reveals a hidden forest ecosystem. This "heavenly pit," deeper than skyscrapers, harbors over 1,200 plant species and adapted wildlife, including the endangered clouded leopard. Scientists view this isolated 'lost world' as a crucial natural laboratory for studying biodiversity and climate change adaptations.
In 2012, archaeologists digging up a Leicester parking lot unearthed a skeleton later DNA-identified as the long-lost King Richard III
A car park in Leicester unexpectedly yielded the remains of King Richard III, the last English king to die in battle. Scientific analysis, including osteological evidence, DNA comparison with descendants, and examination of battle injuries, confirmed the skeleton's identity. This discovery bridges the medieval and contemporary worlds, highlighting the rich history beneath urban landscapes.
In 2000, silver miners in Mexico accidentally drilled into a 300-meter-deep crystal fortress that looks like a scene from another planet
Miners in Chihuahua's Naica Mine discovered a massive cave filled with colossal, white gypsum crystals, some reaching 12 meters in length. This natural wonder, a result of hundreds of thousands of years of growth in extreme heat and humidity, also preserved ancient microorganisms. The cave, now flooded again after pumps were turned off in 2015, continues its slow, protected formation.
A 2,200-year-old Roman shipwreck reveals a secret history of emergency repairs that kept ancient trade alive across the Adriatic
An ancient Roman merchant ship, submerged for over two millennia off Ilovik, has revealed secrets of Roman seafaring. Archaeologists discovered evidence of extensive repairs using a unique marine glue, showcasing the resourcefulness of sailors. Pollen analysis within the sealant provides a 'biological map' of the ship's extensive journeys, highlighting the vital role of such vessels in Roman trade.
A 13-year-old boy took a walk in a Berlin field and found an ancient Greek coin lost for 2,000 years
A young historian's find in Berlin has unearthed a thousand-year-old Greek coin. This bronze artefact from Ilion or Troy dates back to 281-261 BC. Its presence in Germany suggests ancient trade routes connected the Mediterranean and Baltic regions. The discovery highlights Europe's historical interconnectedness. This find is now on display at the PETRI Berlin archaeology lab.
