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: 55 min 38 sec ago
Scientists reveal underwater seagrass meadows could end global malnutrition
New research highlights seagrass meadows as vital food sources for coastal populations. Fish from these underwater fields offer a superior nutrient combination compared to reef fish. This finding emphasizes the importance of protecting seagrass alongside coral reefs for food security. Local communities heavily rely on these fish for essential nutrients and income. Conservation efforts must integrate human needs with ecosystem protection for sustainable outcomes.
Scientists say coldest 'stars' in Milky Way could actually be alien technology harvesting energy
Recent studies indicate that certain chill entities scattered across our galaxy might actually be artificial constructs created by extraterrestrial life forms. These colossal structures could function as energy collection systems established by intelligent civilizations. Researchers are on the lookout for distinctive thermal emissions and faint visible light from these objects, leveraging the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope and Project Hephaistos.
Scientists have debunked the long-repeated myth that baby rattlesnakes are more dangerous than adults, finding that adult rattlesnakes usually deliver more venom and cause more serious bites
A new study challenges the long-held belief that baby rattlesnakes are more dangerous. Researchers found young snakes can control venom expulsion, similar to adults. Adult rattlesnakes carry and inject significantly more venom, causing more severe symptoms. This misconception has led to negative consequences and unwarranted fear among people. The study traced the myth's spread through media reports over decades.
What if time isn't real? Physicists built a tiny quantum universe with 24,000 ultracold atoms and found a shocking truth: Time could create itself
In a groundbreaking experiment, physicist Giovanni Barontini sought to decipher the origins of time by creating a mini-universe through a Bose-Einstein condensate close to absolute zero. In this unique setting, events analogous to the Big Bang and Big Crunch unfolded, while an innovative entropic clock monitored the natural progression of disorder, indicating that time may be an illusion arising from complex internal dynamics.
It has bright yellow wings and looks familiar, but this rare British butterfly is unlike any other, DNA reveals
A new study confirms the British swallowtail butterfly is genetically unique. This native species possesses significantly less genetic diversity than European relatives. Researchers found no accumulation of harmful mutations despite its isolation. However, higher inbreeding levels pose challenges for its long-term survival. Genomic research offers vital insights for protecting vulnerable butterfly populations.
AI has detected hidden slow movements beneath California’s San Andreas Fault earlier missed by scientists: Can it cause a massive earthquake?
Scientists used artificial intelligence to find hidden slow fault movements. These silent events occur beneath California's San Andreas Fault. Such movements release stress over hours or days, escaping traditional detection. Low-frequency earthquake activity increased after these slow slip events occurred. This suggests silent fault movements influence future seismic activity significantly.
Did the butterflies remember him? Japanese student's discovery uncovers astonishing insect memory, publishes 33 page report
A ten-year-old boy named Jo Nagai hand-raised swallowtail butterflies in Japan. He discovered these insects could remember him after metamorphosis and training. Nagai's experiment showed sense memories survived the caterpillar's complete body transformation. His trained butterflies passed this learned avoidance to their offspring and grandchildren. This groundbreaking research presented at an international congress shocked the scientific community.
Meet Abraham de Moivre: Mathematician who calculated his own death based on his sleep pattern and was proven right
Abraham de Moivre, a prominent figure in French mathematics, is best known for his contributions to probability theory. An intriguing aspect of his legacy lies in his unique prediction about the day he would die, derived from the careful monitoring of his daily sleep duration. This systematic approach led him to a chilling conclusion about his life expectancy, sparking ongoing debate among scholars about its validity.
Six helicopters will drop 550 tons of poison on this island in the Indian Ocean: Why a project is spending $10 million on the exercise
Marion Island faces a massive mouse eradication effort using helicopters and poison. This project aims to protect native seabirds from the invasive rodent population. Helicopters will distribute 550 tons of rodenticide across the island's terrain. An aerial test is planned for April and May 2027 to evaluate the strategy. The eradication is essential for preserving the island's unique biodiversity.
Scientists use AI to decode sperm whale communication, discovering a possible phonetic alphabet and revealing that Mediterranean sperm whales have different dialects by region
In a groundbreaking study, scientists harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to decode the intricate communication system of sperm whales. Through their research, they discovered a phonetic alphabet and combinations of clicks that resemble words, revealing a unique regional dialect among sperm whales in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. This revelation transforms our understanding of non-human communication and highlights the importance of these vocalizations for conservation efforts.
