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: 46 min 30 sec ago
From strange worlds to rare planets: Nasa’s Roman Telescope begins its cosmic hunt
Nasa's new Roman Space Telescope has launched on a mission to explore distant planets. This observatory will search for dark matter and dark energy across the universe. It is expected to discover thousands of new planets and billions of galaxies. The telescope's wide field of view surpasses Hubble's capabilities significantly. Roman will build upon the discoveries of Webb and Hubble observatories.
In 2019, a YouTuber was challenged to plant millions of trees, today his campaign has planted 25 million worldwide
MrBeast, the popular YouTuber, launched an ambitious initiative known as #TeamTrees. This groundbreaking campaign garnered viral attention, resulting in the planting of millions of trees funded by generous online donations. Partnering with various influencers and environmental organizations, it has successfully restored vast tracts of land and sequestered significant amounts of carbon. His innovative use of social media demonstrates how digital platforms can drive meaningful charitable endeavors.
Astronomers hear a mysterious cosmic hum linked to strange dark stars from 13 billion years ago
Astronomers may have found a new way to investigate the Universe's first supermassive black holes. A faint gravitational-wave hum detected through pulsars could contain clues about ancient objects. Hypothetical Dark Stars, powered partly by dark matter, could have left black-hole descendants. These ancient black-hole seeds could grow and merge, producing part of the gravitational-wave background.
Northern spotted owl once became a symbol of America’s logging wars; now scientists say it is already functionally extinct
The northern spotted owl, once a revered icon of environmental activism, faces dire circumstances as it becomes functionally extinct in numerous regions. A recent study indicates a severe decline in its populations throughout their historical habitat. Factors such as habitat destruction and rampant wildfires have severely impacted the species over the years, while the encroaching barred owl emerges as a formidable threat.
Chicago physicist’s 20-year-old quantum imaging theory gets experimental proof using superconductors
The University of Illinois Chicago’s Dirk Morr proposed a way to create high-resolution quantum images using superconductors two decades ago. A new experiment by researchers in Germany, supported by Morr’s theoretical model, has now produced quantum imaging similar to what he predicted, providing experimental confirmation of his earlier work.
NASA tests GPS-free navigation using other satellites and space debris as landmarks
NASA has tested FALCON, a system that lets satellites navigate without GPS by using other spacecraft and orbital debris as reference points. During a three-day test, the system autonomously improved the known orbits of more than 200 space objects while also calculating the position of NASA’s Starling spacecraft.
324-million-year-old insect still had swimming paddles
A remarkable fossil unearthed in Texas sheds light on the evolutionary journey of insects transitioning from aquatic to terrestrial life. This ancient species featured paddle-like limbs designed for swimming and additional legs on its abdomen, indicating a semi-aquatic lifestyle in shallow coastal regions. This find is crucial in understanding the slow, gradual adaptations insects underwent over millions of years in their evolutionary history.
In 2009, Minnesota treated Pickerel Lake with fish poison to remove common carp; water clarity rose nearly 600% and plant cover climbed from 4.6% to 90%
Pickerel Lake, Minnesota, has battled significant water quality and algal bloom problems for decades, primarily due to invasive common carp taking over the shallow waters. After their removal in 2009, the lake underwent a remarkable ecological revival, with water clarity significantly improving and native aquatic plants flourishing once more. This successful restoration highlights the pivotal role of addressing invasive species in revitalizing ecosystems.
Viking woman’s clothes preserved by her jewellery for 1,300 years
Danish archaeologists discovered rare Viking textile remains near Varde. Corrosion from jewelry preserved these ancient wool and linen fragments. This discovery offers a rare glimpse into Viking dress from 1,300 years ago. Researchers will analyze the fibers and teeth for more information. Dating the textiles will reveal if ornaments were new or inherited.
McDonald's-backed grants unlock $99.1m for conservation across 100,650 US acres
McDonald's and its partners are actively funding conservation easements throughout the United States. With these grants, they will preserve over 100,000 acres of essential grasslands, providing support for ranching communities and a variety of wildlife. The initiative seeks to secure important habitats and migration paths for numerous species while promoting sustainable practices in beef cattle production.
Three forgotten kings may change the accepted timeline of ancient Assyria
Research indicates that ancient Assyrian king lists could have neglected to mention several ephemeral rulers. Evidence points to three monarchs who temporarily ascended the throne amid turbulent political times. Their short reigns might have been intentionally omitted from the official historical timeline, raising questions about the accuracy of Assyria's established chronology.
Scientists spent 100 years discovering animals, reshaping where we see Earth’s biodiversity hotspots
A groundbreaking study has unveiled that taxonomic advancements have reshaped worldwide biodiversity maps over the last century. While reptile and amphibian diversity has markedly changed, bird and mammal distributions have remained mostly unchanged. Australia and Southeast Asia have been identified as key biodiversity hotspots for these groups. Moreover, factors influencing species richness are also shifting, with precipitation emerging as more crucial.
The Dead Sea has been building a salt floor for years; scientists reveal how it happens
Scientists have uncovered a double diffusion process explaining Dead Sea salt accumulation. Warm, salty upper waters interact with cooler, less salty layers below. This creates salt fingers which carry salt downwards to the lakebed. Numerical simulations confirmed this asymmetric fingering mechanism drives salt deposition. This process explains the continuous thickening of the Dead Sea floor with salt.
Relocated turtle nests produced fewer hatchlings, smaller young and a heavily female-biased sex ratio
Relocating vulnerable sea turtle nests can lead to unexpected negative consequences. When nests are moved to warmer areas, the sex ratio of hatchlings skews heavily towards females. Additionally, even nests placed in shaded locations yield smaller hatchlings with reduced physical capabilities. Therefore, effective nest relocation must consider various environmental factors beyond just temperature to ensure the successful recovery of turtle populations.
Scientists turn wood waste into foam that replaces plastic and decomposes in soil within months
Canada is piloting a new process to convert wood waste into biodegradable foam. This innovative material is designed to replace plastic foam packaging and construction insulation. The pilot plant in Vancouver currently produces a limited amount of this eco-friendly wood foam. Future plans include expanding production significantly within Indigenous territories and on Vancouver Island. This initiative aims to create jobs and foster economic opportunities for Indigenous communities.
After 45 months of observation, capuchins increasingly hunted small animals when fruit became scarce
In Brazil, capuchin monkeys exhibit remarkable adaptability by hunting small animals when fruit supplies dwindle. This shift highlights their versatile omnivorous diet and responsiveness to environmental changes. Interestingly, adult males were observed hunting vertebrates more often than younger females. Furthermore, when alternative food sources were available, the monkeys relied less on hunting, presenting intriguing implications for understanding the dietary evolution of early human ancestors.
