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: 12 min 51 sec ago
A teenager tending livestock near DeadSea threw a stone into a cave; discovering DeadSeaScrolls
In 1947, a Bedouin shepherd stumbled upon the Dead Sea Scrolls while searching for stray animals. This discovery consisted of numerous ancient manuscripts that greatly impacted historical and religious studies. The manuscripts date back to the Second Temple period, offering insights into diverse Jewish beliefs and practices. Researchers continue to piece together fragments to reveal their contents and historical significance.
A 3,800-year-old woman once wrote a frustrated letter to her husband complaining about a debtor
In a remarkable discovery, Anna-anna, an ancient Anatolian woman, documented her struggle to reclaim silver from her husband Ennum-Aššur's debtor, Laqēpum. Her poignant letter lay untouched for nearly 4,000 years until researchers utilized cutting-edge technology, revealing its secrets without causing damage. This innovative approach showcases the profound connections found in ancient communications, shedding light on economic and personal dynamics of the past.
Just 11 survived after a predator introduced to fight garden pests nearly wiped them out: Hawaii’s rare tree snails return to the wild after 33 years
After years of dedicated conservation work, the O‘ahu tree snail has made a triumphant return to Hawaii's stunning Ko‘olau Mountains. Since rescuing the last of the species in 1991 and breeding them to over 1,000 individuals, conservationists have created a safe habitat that shields them from invasive threats. Despite this success, the long-term survival of these snails remains uncertain, necessitating continuous monitoring and further breeding efforts.
He tracked down over 60 poachers and followed a blood trail for 1.5 km: Meet Zorba, the dog who protected Assam’s rhinos
Zorba, a Belgian Malinois esteemed for his exemplary contributions to wildlife conservation in Assam, was instrumental in tracking more than 60 poachers within Kaziranga National Park. His remarkable ability to retrieve vital evidence and follow scent trails showcased the invaluable role of trained dogs in environmental protection. Honored for his unwavering service, Zorba passed away in November 2022, leaving a lasting impact on both his handlers and the conservation community.
A butterfly disappeared from Ontario in 1988 and has not been recorded there since
In an exciting conservation effort, scientists are set to reintroduce the frosted elfin butterfly to Ontario, a species that vanished nearly forty years ago. Adult butterflies and their eggs are being moved from New York for breeding in captivity before their release. The initial reintroduction is planned for spring 2027 in Port Rowan, where habitats have been carefully restored.
A vampire burial: A Polish woman was buried with a sickle to stop her rising from the grave
Unveiled by time, Zosia's grave in Pień offers a glimpse into 17th century Polish traditions regarding death and the supernatural. Archaeologists found an iron sickle and a toe-bound padlock alongside her remains, suggesting efforts to prevent her from rising as a vampire. This peculiar burial practice hints at Zosia's affluent background, compelling researchers to dive deeper into her life and the cultural fears that shaped her final resting place.
113-million-year-old fossil reveals new dinosaur species named after Dooly
A remarkable discovery has unveiled a new dinosaur species named Doolysaurus huhmin in South Korea, with fossils tracing back approximately 113 million years. Found on Aphae Islands, the juvenile skeletal remains are significant due to the scarcity of dinosaur fossils, typically overshadowed by more common footprints and eggshells. Researchers employed a micro-CT scanner for detailed analysis of the fossil, enhancing knowledge about the diverse dinosaur history in the region.
Canadian scientists find dark colours and stripes could make buildings safer for seabirds
A study conducted at a seabird colony in Canada found that darker colours and patterned surfaces could reduce bird collisions caused by artificial lighting at night. Researchers discovered that vertically striped sheets recorded 2.8 times fewer bird collisions than plain sheets, while black sheets performed better than white ones. The findings could help make coastal buildings, ships and offshore facilities safer for seabirds.
Meet Ramya Manjunath Anche, the Bengaluru-born astronomer leading NASA's PUFFINS telescope mission
Ramya Manjunath Anche, an enthusiastic researcher based in Bengaluru, is at the forefront of NASA's groundbreaking PUFFINS mission dedicated to exploring the enigmatic realm of interstellar dust. With a generous funding of $20 million and a launch projected in 2030, Anche, who holds degrees in engineering and astrophysics, collaborates with a diverse team of 40 researchers from various institutions.
DNA from 30,000-year-old woman in France challenges beliefs about Ice Age populations
Scientists have discovered genetic links between eastern and western European populations after analysing DNA from a woman who lived around 30,000 years ago in southwestern France. The study, led by the University of Vienna, challenges earlier assumptions that Ice Age populations remained largely isolated. Researchers also recovered ancient human DNA from cave sediments in Spain, revealing long-term population continuity and connections across Europe.
