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: 36 min 35 sec ago
14-year-old Canadian wins €5,000 prize for alternative theory to dark energy
Liam Desre, a bright Grade 10 student hailing from Kingston, Ontario, introduced a groundbreaking cosmological model that earned him the second prize at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists in Germany. By shifting focus from dark energy to the impact of entropy on cosmic acceleration, he presents a fresh perspective that challenges existing cosmological theories.
California set to break ground on 2,800-acre Webb Tract project to restore wetlands, rice fields
California is moving forward with a $28 million restoration project on Webb Tract to address land subsidence. Approximately 2,800 acres will be converted into wetlands and upland habitat alongside rice cultivation. This multi-benefit approach aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and store carbon effectively. Officials plan to plant native species, including Bay Miwok evening primrose, beginning on October 7, 2026.
Scientists in Australia reduce wheat seed loss to mice by 63% using diluted wheat germ oil spray
Australian scientists tested a non-toxic way to protect wheat seeds from mice by spraying diluted wheat germ oil across farm plots. The treatment camouflaged the smell mice use to locate seeds underground. In a 2021 field experiment in New South Wales, seed loss fell by 63 per cent during and after sowing, and by up to 74 per cent when plots were treated before planting.
AI could force over 10 million workers into new jobs by 2035: McKinsey report
The rise of AI and automation by 2035 is likely to usher in profound changes in workforce dynamics, with around 11 million people needing to pivot to new career paths. Although job prospects will broaden, the challenge lies in effectively retraining the existing workforce. Many individuals are presently feeling immobilized by a sluggish job market, highlighting the urgent requirement to support retraining initiatives for successfully adapting to new roles.
Two-headed terrapin found at Cape Cod nesting site; 5.2g hatchling now under vet care
During a conservation project in Cape Cod's Wellfleet Bay, volunteers stumbled upon a remarkable two-headed diamondback terrapin hatchling weighing just 5.2 grams. Known as bicephaly, this rare condition opens doors for valuable research. Currently receiving veterinary care, its health and growth are being closely monitored, underscoring ongoing efforts to safeguard this at-risk turtle species and its environment.
Meet the world's smallest deer: The tiny ‘Pudu’ is barely four apples tall
Pudus, small deer of South America, include the northern pudu and southern pudu. The northern variety, measuring just 32 to 35 cm at the shoulder, holds the title of the world's smallest deer. Conversely, the southern pudu is slightly larger, reaching 35 to 45 cm. Both species thrive in dense forests and are known for their elusive nature, making them challenging to spot.
In 2022, he built a solar device to extract water from Death Valley air; in 2025, he won a Nobel Prize
Omar Yaghi’s innovative team has created a groundbreaking device that pulls water from the atmosphere under adverse conditions. Employing a specialized metal-organic framework, their technology functions independently of electric power. Yaghi’s personal journey significantly shaped his commitment to tackling water scarcity. Their remarkable achievements earned them the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and future expansions may enhance the reach of this technology.
