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: 41 min 25 sec ago
Nasa's Curiosity rover discovers evidence of an ancient sandstorm preserved in Mars rocks for billions of years
Nasa's Curiosity rover discovered ancient sandstorm evidence in Gale Crater. Delicate ripple-like layers reveal a single weather event from billions of years ago. This discovery indicates Mars once had a much denser atmosphere than today. These formations are the first definitive evidence of an ancient Martian sandstorm. The preserved event offers a rare glimpse into early Martian climate conditions.
Scientists discover heat-resistant coral reefs across 71 countries that could help protect oceans
A groundbreaking study has revealed the extensive mapping of over 64,000 square miles of heat-resistant coral reefs globally, empowered by artificial intelligence across 71 nations and 100 territories. These extraordinary underwater locales feature traits that help coral ecosystems endure and rebound from intense marine heatwaves. The outcomes of this research present an essential blueprint for focused conservation financing and the safeguarding of marine life during the alarming bleaching epidemic.
Quote of the day by Isaac Newton: "No great discovery was ever made without…"
Genuine scientific progress begins with a bold guess, a question without an immediate answer. This initial hypothesis, though unproven, provides a crucial starting point for investigation. Curiosity fuels the process, opening avenues for evidence to later confirm or refute ideas. Even if the attribution is uncertain, the sentiment reflects how discovery truly functions. Fear of being wrong often hinders people from proposing new concepts for testing.
Scientists played human voices near Alaska salmon streams and found that bears and eagles fled
New findings from Canadian researchers reveal that human sounds near Alaska's salmon streams significantly disturb wildlife, leading to grizzly bears avoiding feeding areas. This interference disrupts the natural nutrient transfer to surrounding forests, emphasizing the detrimental effects of human activity on essential ecosystem dynamics. Scientists propose enhanced land management practices to safeguard these critical ecological processes.
Chimpanzees climb hills, meerkats close ranks: Scientists tell what animals do before war
Social animals exhibit fascinating preemptive behaviors when anticipating conflicts with rival groups. They engage in various strategies such as gathering information and assessing risks prior to any altercation. Depending on the magnitude of the threat perceived, species might amplify their alertness, assert territorial claims, bolster social connections, or even embark on offensive actions against adversaries.
Japan is building a system to beam wireless electricity from space directly to Earth: Inside the OHISAMA mission that could change how we power our homes
Japan's OHISAMA project aims to launch a satellite by 2026. This mission will demonstrate beaming solar energy from space to Earth. The project seeks to overcome limitations of land-based solar power generation. Success could lead to larger orbital power stations by 2050.
China’s giant sinkholes are protecting an endangered tree, but they may also be trapping its future
In China, vast sinkholes provide a refuge for the rare Magnolia aromatica trees, buffering them against the harsh realities of climate change. These subterranean havens create stable microclimates that support these endangered species. However, this isolation can limit genetic diversity and hinder the trees' adaptability to future environmental changes. To ensure their survival, conservation efforts must focus on safeguarding habitats while facilitating gene flow between populations.
Scientists studied 30 Sierra Nevada ponds that can swing 20°C in a day. Shrinking snowpack may make them smaller, warmer and more nutrient-rich
Mountain ponds in California's Sierra Nevada show significant daily temperature changes. Winter snowpack profoundly influences pond size and water temperature throughout summer. Less snowfall leads to warmer, smaller ponds with concentrated nutrients. Climate change projections indicate reduced snowpack, impacting these delicate ecosystems. These small water bodies play a crucial role in mountain biodiversity and nutrient cycling.
Japan’s abandoned rice fields are being restored into year-round wetlands to replenish groundwater and bring back frogs, dragonflies and endangered aquatic wildlife
Abandoned rice fields in Japan's Aso region are being restored into permanent wetlands to help refill groundwater and provide a safe habitat for frogs, dragonflies and other freshwater wildlife. The community-led project brings together local residents and researchers, showing how unused farmland can support biodiversity while helping restore water resources for the future.
Chicago-sized iceberg A-84 breaks away from Antarctica: Scientists warn melting ice could raise sea level and threaten coastal cities from New York to Mumbai
A massive iceberg named A-84 calved from Antarctica, revealing a hidden marine ecosystem. Scientists investigated the newly exposed seafloor using a high-tech underwater robot. This discovery showed a colourful landscape of diverse marine life thriving for centuries. The iceberg's breakaway also highlights the alarming rate of Antarctic ice melt. Understanding these changes is critical for predicting future sea level rise.
Scientists find two tiny frogs living together in a misty Peruvian forest above 3,000 metres
Scientists discovered two new tiny frog species in Peru's elfin forests. These unique frogs belong to the Phrynopus group and hatch as miniature adults. One frog displays bright red patches, while the other shows bold black markings. Their elfin forest habitat is rare and faces threats from human activities. These discoveries highlight the ongoing exploration of unexplored natural environments.
Scientists find microplastics in one of Earth's most isolated ecosystems: Indian Ocean hit hardest with up to 14.7 times more particles than Pacific specimens
Microplastics have infiltrated remote deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems globally. A recent study found microplastics in ninety-two percent of examined deep-sea animals. Polystyrene was the most frequently detected polymer among the plastic particles found. Feeding behavior influenced microplastic accumulation within the animals' bodies. Animals from the Indian Ocean showed significantly higher microplastic concentrations than Pacific specimens.
Quote of the day by Neil deGrasse Tyson: "When students cheat on exams it's because…"
Neil deGrasse Tyson suggests school systems value grades more than learning. This emphasis can push students towards cheating on important exams. When marks become the primary goal, genuine understanding may be neglected. The system's focus on results over process encourages optimizing for scores. Curiosity and true learning are vital for students' long-term development.
