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 32 min ago
How a Ludhiana teenager is bringing pollinators and inclusive green spaces together
Gunisha Kaur, a 16-year-old from Ludhiana, creates pollinator gardens to support biodiversity and inclusion. Her initiative, Buzzing Blooms, transforms urban spaces into chemical-free habitats for both pollinators and children. Over 24 months, the project recorded significant increases in pollinator species and bee visitation. Engaging local communities, Buzzing Blooms focuses on inclusive outdoor spaces catering to diverse needs. Through workshops and advocacy, Kaur aims to foster environmental action among youth.
Shark tours make people 40% more likely to protect sharks
Shark populations are declining significantly due to human activities and a third of species are threatened. Participation in shark ecotourism leads to increased conservation efforts among tourists and the public. After two years, those who engaged in ecotourism showed a 40% increase in conservation activities. Educational experiences during these tours provide vital information about the role of sharks in the ecosystem.
28-foot statue of biblical pharaoh who enslaved Israelis discovered by Egyptian farmer
A farmer in Behbeit El Hagar, Egypt stumbled upon a remarkable royal statue of Ramses II while tilling his land. In a swift response, local antiquities officials began an excavation to retrieve the statue along with other artifacts. They uncovered a substantial head of Ramses II and several smaller statues embellished with inscriptions. This discovery is expected to deepen our knowledge of ancient Egypt's cultural and political legacy.
Meet Gabriella Rothberg, 17, who turned a sandwich idea into a patent for meat-flavoured tomatoes
A sandwich idea at 15 led Miami student Gabriella Rothberg to develop genetically engineered tomatoes designed to produce heme, an iron-containing molecule associated with meat flavour. Now 17, she is listed alongside her father on a US patent issued in June 2026. The project remains experimental, with taste and nutritional benefits yet to be established.
In 1823, Glasgow residents tore down a 12-foot wall; 203 years later, archaeologists find remains
Archaeologists in Glasgow have uncovered remains of a 12-foot wall built by a wealthy distiller to block public access to the River Clyde in the 1820s. Residents tore down the wall in 1823, leading to arrests and a six-year legal battle. The excavation also revealed a rare 1791 trade token bearing the city's motto, "Let Glasgow Flourish".
Could the dodo return? US firm maps 95% of its genome and identifies gene-editing targets
Colossal Biosciences aims to resurrect the extinct dodo bird using cutting-edge gene-editing technologies. By leveraging their sophisticated AI platform, GenoMorph, the company has pinpointed essential genetic traits. With 95% of the dodo genome analysis complete, their ambitious project is on track, though a specific timeline for the living dodo remains undisclosed. This groundbreaking venture is part of a larger initiative to counteract the effects of human-induced species extinction.
Montana rancher’s rare Nanotyrannus fossil goes on display ahead of $9M auction
A rare find in the form of a nearly 70 percent complete Nanotyrannus skeleton, affectionately named Jodi, has been unearthed by rancher Jodi Pierson in Montana and is set to go under the hammer at Sotheby’s in New York on October 27. This well-preserved specimen is anticipated to garner between $6 million and $9 million, creating a buzz among paleontologists and collectors alike due to its invaluable significance.
Tech Aids Lost Birdsong Recovery: Synthetic calls help sparrows relearn old songs; scientists weigh AI’s role
A groundbreaking approach has emerged, leveraging computer-generated recordings to rejuvenate the bird songs that nature has lost. Researchers successfully reintroduced the unique call of the rufous-collared sparrow back into its habitat in Argentina. This innovative conservation strategy seeks to bolster endangered species by preserving their vocal heritage and fostering communication skills, as demonstrated by positive outcomes in captive breeding for species such as the regent honeyeater.
Scientists capture a molecular movie showing how penicillin forms, revealing hidden stages
At the University of Oxford, researchers have uncovered new stages of penicillin formation, employing cutting-edge ultrafast X-ray free-electron laser techniques for real-time observation. They documented the enzymatic action of isopenicillin N synthase, transforming a linear peptide into penicillin scaffolds. Key findings include a thioaldehyde intermediate and a monocyclic β-lactam, offering valuable insights for future antibiotic innovations and advancements in medical biology.
