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 40 min ago
In 2010, Shanghai turned a polluted industrial brownfield into Houtan Park
Shanghai’s Houtan Park showcases the remarkable transformation of a contaminated industrial site into a thriving wetland that effectively purifies river water daily. The design cleverly integrates recycled materials, honoring local heritage while addressing waste reduction. Its ecological contributions include carbon sequestration and supporting wildlife recovery, setting a benchmark for urban flooding solutions and enriching communal spaces with nature.
US satellites hunting secret nuclear tests accidentally detected first gamma-ray burst in 1967
Gamma-ray bursts are among the most powerful explosions observed in the universe. First accidentally detected by Vela satellites in 1967, they puzzled scientists for decades. Research later showed that these bursts come from distant cosmic events, including massive stars collapsing and neutron star mergers. Yet their powerful jets still hold mysteries.
This insect makes a house of silk and leaves and then carries it everywhere on its back
Bagworm caterpillars have an unusual way of protecting themselves. They build portable cases using silk produced by their own bodies and materials such as leaves, twigs and plant debris. The caterpillar carries this case wherever it moves, using it as both shelter and camouflage. The case grows as the caterpillar grows, with more material added to its outer surface. Some cases are made with tiny sticks and can resemble miniature log cabins, helping the insect blend into its surroundings.
Sharks fitted with sensors could help scientists improve hurricane forecasts
Sharks are being used as mobile ocean sensors by University of Delaware researchers in a new study that could help improve hurricane forecasts. Electronic tags attached to sharks collect water temperature, salinity and depth data as the animals move through the Atlantic. Scientists hope the information will improve understanding of ocean conditions that influence hurricane intensity.
Scientists bred 39 surviving clams in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon; they have since outplanted 65 million
Florida's Indian River Lagoon shows signs of recovery after decades of environmental decline. Scientists are restoring critical habitats like reefs, shellfish beds, seagrass, and wetlands. Efforts focus on reintroducing clams, which were nearly extinct due to overharvesting and algal blooms. Millions of juvenile and adult "super clams" have been released into the lagoon. Local governments are addressing runoff issues to support the lagoon's ongoing restoration.
Britain is dropping 20 concrete reef cubes and 44 tons of scallop shells into the sea to bring back native oysters
Engineered concrete cubes are being deployed in Britain's North Sea to restore native oyster populations. These structures provide a stable foundation for oysters and habitat for marine life. The project aims to rebuild a collapsed ecosystem after a significant decline in oyster numbers. Volunteers are actively involved in cleaning and attaching oysters to the reef cubes.
IN-SPACe moves to privatise operations of Rs 986 cr spaceport
IN-SPACe is actively on the lookout for private partners to operate Isro's new small satellite launch complex located in Tamil Nadu. This innovative facility is expected to streamline small rocket launches and improve operational efficiency. The chosen operator will oversee all functional aspects, while Isro commits to providing technical training and guidelines during a specified duration. The initiative aims to elevate India's capabilities in small satellite launches.
A moth outbreak has killed off forests across Siberia, now the flammable wood is causing wildfires
In a catastrophic turn of events, a diminutive moth has decimated vast stretches of Siberian forest, transforming them into a fire hazard of monumental proportions. The Siberian silk moth's caterpillar stage ravages tree needles, resulting in widespread die-offs over several years. Major outbreaks have persisted over the decades, decimating millions of hectares, and now this ecological calamity aligns with an urgent wildfire emergency that has meteorological implications.
Meet Costa Rica's tiny 'coffee frog,' a nocturnal species found living among coffee shrubs
A remarkable discovery in Costa Rica reveals a diminutive nocturnal frog inhabiting the coffee plantations. Measuring less than four centimeters, this unique species relies on small insects for food and foliage for protection. Essential to its lifecycle are local streams, which face risks from pesticide runoff. This finding not only emphasizes the rich biodiversity in agricultural settings but also the urgent need for conservation initiatives.
Scientists uncover the aluminium shield helping a tiny crustacean survive
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have identified a deep-sea crustacean, the amphipod Hirondellea gigas, which uses aluminum to survive in the Mariana Trench, one of Earth's most extreme environments. Its unique aluminum-coated exoskeleton helps resist calcium dissolution under immense pressure, allowing it to thrive where life was previously deemed impossible. This remarkable adaptation showcases innovative survival mechanisms in the deep ocean.
In 1876, Alexander Bell patented the telephone, but an Italian inventor built one earlier
In the 1800s, Antonio Meucci invented an innovative voice-transmission device known as the Telettrofono. Unfortunately, due to financial struggles and a lapsed patent, he was unable to secure recognition for his invention. This vacuum paved the way for Alexander Graham Bell to patent the telephone in 1876, igniting a lengthy legal battle. In 2002, the United States Congress finally acknowledged Meucci's vital role in the evolution of voice communication.
Venus clouds may contain 60% water, challenging decades-old theories
Recent re-evaluation of 1978 Pioneer Venus data has unveiled that the clouds of Venus contain a significantly higher concentration of water than previously thought. Notably, these clouds also harbor substantial quantities of iron sulfate alongside sulfuric acid. This revelation challenges the traditional perspective that Venusian clouds consist exclusively of sulfuric acid, hinting at iron's substantial role and raising intriguing questions about the possible habitability of Venus's atmosphere.
Scientists explain how the Antikythera Mechanism copied the Moon's changing speed
In the second century BC, the Antikythera Mechanism astounded ancient astronomers with its ability to imitate the Moon's inconsistent orbital speed through intricate bronze gears. This marvel not only provided calculations for celestial events and lunar phases but also showcased a remarkable blend of Babylonian mathematics and Greek geometry, presenting unmatched sophistication in engineering that persisted for over a millennium.
