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: 1 hour 34 min ago
Mexico City Subsidence Study: NISAR maps rapid sinking over 2 cm a month; data warn of global groundwater risk
Mexico City is sinking. New satellite technology from NASA is precisely measuring how much the city is sinking each month. This subsidence is caused by groundwater depletion. The problem has been known for a long time. The new data will help scientists understand the issue better and plan for the future. This is a global problem affecting many cities.
Backyard Ant-Wasp Discovery: 8-year-old spots oak galls with ants; study reveals seed-like chemical lure
A young boy's backyard discovery revealed a surprising connection. Wasps trick ants into moving oak galls, similar to how ants move seeds. This happens because galls have a special part that smells like seeds to ants. This clever adaptation helps protect wasp larvae. The finding highlights nature's hidden systems and the value of curiosity.
Ontario Spearhead Discovery: Farm family uncovers 12,500-year-old fluted point; hints at Paleoindian hunters
A routine farm cleanup in Ontario unearthed a remarkable 12,500-year-old fluted spearhead, a testament to early human ingenuity. This discovery offers a rare glimpse into the Paleoindian era, revealing sophisticated tool-making skills and the presence of ancient hunters adapting to a post-Ice Age landscape. The fragment, though partial, provides crucial archaeological insights.
Yawning Shifts Brain Fluids: MRI study finds CSF and blood flows change; hints at brain homeostasis
New research reveals yawning does more than signal tiredness. Scientists observed that yawning causes cerebrospinal fluid to move away from the brain. It also increases blood flow into the brain. This suggests yawning plays a role in brain pressure and circulation balance. Each person's yawn pattern is unique, like a fingerprint.
T. Rex Likely Had Lips: Science study challenges toothy movie image; models may be reworked
New research reveals T. rex likely had lips, a departure from popular images of exposed teeth. This finding, based on tooth structure and comparisons with modern reptiles, suggests these ancient creatures protected their teeth. This discovery reshapes our understanding of dinosaur anatomy and appearance, impacting scientific study and popular culture alike. The image of T.
Drug Trials To Regrow Teeth: Japanese team tests TRG-035 to regrow teeth; treatment could arrive by 2030
Japanese scientists are developing a drug, TRG-035, to regenerate missing teeth by inhibiting a protein that prevents adult tooth growth. Clinical trials are underway, building on successful animal tests, with the aim of offering a biological alternative to dentures and implants. This breakthrough in regenerative dentistry could revolutionize dental care within the next decade.
Why Flights Avoid Antarctica: Geography and demand shape polar routes; safety rules and weather deter airlines
Planes favour Arctic routes over Antarctic ones due to shorter great circle paths, driven by Northern Hemisphere city layouts and high demand. Safety regulations, available diversion airports in the Arctic, and less extreme weather also contribute. Antarctica lacks the necessary infrastructure, demand, and favourable conditions for regular commercial flights, making it a riskier proposition.
Sutton Hoo Ship Burial Discovery: Backyard dig reshaped early England; bitumen hinted at global ties
A simple dig in 1939 unearthed a colossal ship burial at Sutton Hoo, England. This discovery revealed a highly advanced Anglo-Saxon society. It showcased sophisticated skills, organized labor, and extensive international trade. The find shattered the myth of a culturally backward "Dark Ages" in early medieval Europe. Sutton Hoo remains a pivotal site offering insights into ancient Britain.
Discovery Of The Maine Penny: Norwegian coin found in shell midden; raises transatlantic questions
A 1957 discovery in Maine unearthed an eleventh-century Norwegian coin, sparking debate about its presence among Native American remains. Found in a shell midden, the "Maine Penny" suggests indirect trade or Viking expeditions, though its exact journey remains a mystery. This artifact highlights complex transatlantic connections and the enduring enigmas of historical findings.
In 1966, a tractor driver uncovered twisted gold in a Norfolk field, revealing the massive Snettisham hoard
A routine ploughing in Snettisham, Norfolk, unearthed Europe's greatest Iron Age treasure trove, a hoard of over 175 torcs and other precious metal objects. Initially thought to be emergency hoarding, scholars now interpret the find as intentional archiving, revealing a prosperous and socially complex Celtic society. The discovery offers insights into ancient craftsmanship and the lifecycle of valuable possessions.
In 1909, an explorer found strange markings in the rock and unearthed the Burgess Shale, a 500-million-year-old secret
In 1909, Charles Doolittle Walcott discovered the Burgess Shale formation in British Columbia, revealing exceptionally preserved soft-bodied ancient life. This geological wonder, a lagerstätte, provided unprecedented insights into the Cambrian Explosion, showcasing diverse body plans and even retaining organic tissues. The site continues to yield new discoveries, deepening our understanding of early complex life and its evolution.
In 1908, a cowboy found giant bones in a New Mexico arroyo and unearthed the Folsom site
A rancher's keen eye in 1908 New Mexico unearthed ancient bones, revealing a groundbreaking truth. Decades later, these findings confirmed humans coexisted with Ice Age megafauna, proving early Americans possessed sophisticated hunting skills and a remarkable culture. This discovery, spearheaded by George McJunkin, dramatically reshaped our understanding of the continent's first inhabitants.
In 1957, a Moscow stray dog was sent into orbit, and her lonely flight paved the way for human space travel
In 1957, a stray dog named Laika became the first living being in orbit aboard Sputnik 2. Her mission, though tragic as she couldn't return, provided crucial data on animal survival in space. This sacrifice spurred advancements in life support systems and significantly influenced America's space program, paving the way for human spaceflight and the Moon landing.
Creation Of Post-It Notes: Failed glue spurs innovation; weak lab mistake reshaped offices
A scientist's failed attempt at strong glue led to a weak adhesive. Years later, another scientist found a use for it as a bookmark. This weak glue became the foundation for Post-it Notes. The invention highlights how unexpected discoveries can solve everyday problems. This simple office supply is now used worldwide.
In the early 1900s, cavers in Western Australia found massive bones and unearthed Mammoth Cave, a lost world of giant fossils
Western Australia's Mammoth Cave reveals ancient secrets, including evidence of arboreal kangaroos and long-beaked echidnas, suggesting a past humid climate and rich ecosystem. New research indicates early Australians were not just hunters but possibly the world's first palaeontologists, collecting and valuing fossilized bones, transforming the cave from an 'abattoir' into a source of ancient narratives.
