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 34 min ago
Quebec home built from 200,000 recycled bottles, assembled in just three days
In a remarkable development, a two-bedroom house located in Saint-Rémi-d'Amherst, Quebec, has been built using an innovative construction method known as PakVert. This technique employs panels crafted from recycled plastic bottles, resulting in a building process that took merely three days. By minimizing construction waste and cutting costs by approximately 35 percent, this initiative contributes significantly to affordable housing and environmental sustainability in Canada.
Nevada mine site gets a new park amid $257 million cleanup and plans for 3,000 homes
Henderson, Nevada, is transforming the former Three Kids Mine into a thriving residential area, complete with new parks. The recently opened Greenbow Park offers recreation options such as pickleball courts and scenic walking trails. With plans for over 3,000 homes across 24 neighborhoods, the Aries master-planned community is set to revitalize the site, which underwent a $257 million cleanup from its industrial past into a lively suburban setting.
Scientists discover silk traces on 101 ancient objects in China, uncover clues to ancient rituals
Scientists studying 3,000-year-old objects from China's Sanxingdui archaeological site have found silk traces on 101 artefacts, including bronze masks, gold, jade and ivory objects. Published in the journal Antiquity, the study suggests that ancient Shu people used silk to wrap or cover objects during rituals. Researchers also identified red pigments and different weaving patterns, offering clues about ancient textile practices.
Australia’s stingless bees may help fight antibiotic resistance
Researchers at the University of Sydney are investigating the medicinal properties of honey from stingless bees. The honey has shown effectiveness against various bacterial and fungal pathogens, including difficult-to-treat strains. Findings suggest that sugarbag honey is comparable in strength to well-known medical-grade honeys. While propolis displayed selective antimicrobial activity, the reason for honey's potency remains unclear. Further research is needed to identify the beneficial compounds within the honey.
Cleopatra’s eye makeup secret? Ancient Egyptians used lead-based kohl
In ancient Egypt, kohl was more than just a cosmetic; it served dual purposes, enhancing beauty while protecting the eyes. Studies indicate that its ingredients could boost immune responses, making it a valuable tool for health. Both men and women embraced the use of black and green powders, and ancient texts highlight the fusion of cosmetics with medicine, revealing the intricate beliefs surrounding beauty and wellness in that era.
Common daily fiber supplement was found to significantly reduce knee pain and improve strength
A recent study from the University of Nottingham unveils exciting findings regarding inulin supplementation for knee osteoarthritis. Participants not only experienced a reduction in joint pain, but they also enhanced their grip strength and sensitivity to pain. This research underscores the intriguing link between gut health and joint management, suggesting that dietary strategies might positively affect physical capabilities beyond just the painful areas.
Normal blood pressure may not tell the whole story: Scientists discover a brain ‘switch’
Hypertension impacts approximately 1.4 billion adults across the globe, with numerous individuals unaware of their status. A recent study by the University of Virginia uncovers essential brain cells responsible for maintaining stable blood pressure. These cells contribute to consistent blood pressure levels during daily activities and may mitigate abrupt changes.
3,700-year-old man buried with stone in his mouth beneath a hearth may have been part of magical ritual
Approximately 3,700 years ago, a man in southeastern Spain underwent a burial unlike any other. Researchers suggest that this ritual may have been intended to symbolically overcome a threat rather than inflict punishment. The discovery of his body underneath a hearth, with a stone in his mouth, implies an effort to silence him.
Antipodes Island Sees Ground Beetle Numbers Surge 40-Fold After Mice Eradication
The successful removal of invasive house mice from Antipodes Island has spurred a remarkable resurgence in ground beetle populations, which have increased to around 40 times their former numbers. This ecological transformation highlights the beneficial effects of eradicating invasive species, fostering a healthier food web and aiding in the survival of native bird species. Long-term observation is crucial for comprehending the recovery dynamics of island ecosystems.
Taking antibiotics? Eating a lot of sugar at the same time may make the damage to your gut worse, scientists have found, suggesting that what you eat during a course of antibiotics could affect how well your body recovers
Research findings indicate that a diet high in sugar can significantly affect the diversity of gut bacteria in patients undergoing antibiotic therapy. The study monitored the food intake and gut microbiome of hospitalized cancer patients treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, revealing a strong connection between elevated sugar levels and shifts in gut bacteria.
In 1987, an amateur fossil hunter found a T. rex in South Dakota; the $31.8 million skeleton now stands in Abu Dhabi
In 1987, Stan Sacrison found a T. rex skeleton in South Dakota, which was later sold for $31.8 million. Initially misidentified, the bones were correctly recognized as belonging to a T. rex in 1992. After years at the Black Hills Institute, the skeleton was auctioned and purchased for a museum in Abu Dhabi. Stan is now displayed in a dramatic scene depicting conflicts with another T. rex.
Newly identified bird like dinosaur from Cretaceous period may be first dinosaur eating fruit
Scientists have recently uncovered a small dinosaur named Infernogallus jamesi, believed to have predominantly dined on fruit. By examining its skull and jaw muscles, researchers gained insights into its dietary habits. Existing during the Cretaceous period, as flowering plants flourished, this dinosaur displays anatomical traits akin to modern fruit-feeding parrots, deepening our comprehension of the varied lifestyles in the era of dinosaurs.
Why do some people stay mentally sharp even when their brains show clear signs of Alzheimer’s disease? Scientists have found an important clue hidden in a rare group of resilient brains
Recent research from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience has revealed intriguing findings about Alzheimer's disease. Scientists examined brain tissues from different groups, including those with and without dementia symptoms. They discovered that immature neurons acted differently in cognitively healthy individuals despite Alzheimer's brain changes. This suggests that these neurons may play a role in supporting brain function rather than simply replacing damaged cells.
