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: 1 hour 8 min ago
AI cameras watched birds for 17,000 hours at solar farms with no collisions
Argonne National Laboratory developed an AI camera system to monitor birds near solar farms. This technology tracks bird movements and classifies their activities with high accuracy. Over 17,000 hours of footage revealed no bird collisions with solar panels. Birds were observed using the underside of panels for foraging and nesting. Researchers are now expanding this system to more solar sites across the United States.
Massachusetts removed a dam that had blocked the Town River for more than 100 years
Demolition teams successfully took down the High Street Dam, reestablishing a ten-mile stretch of river access. This pivotal development has revitalized critical spawning and habitat areas for migratory fish species. The ambitious river restoration initiative was financially backed by both federal and state resources. Additionally, a newly designed bridge will facilitate flood management and enhance fish movement, promoting improved water flow and public access to the Town River.
Vanished Texas bird island is back, with 2,500 pairs of birds
After years of erosion and extreme weather, Dickinson Bay's lost islands have seen a remarkable revival. Spearheaded by the Galveston Bay Foundation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, habitat restoration efforts have successfully created new nesting habitats for over 2,500 pairs of waterbirds. This revitalization not only boosts local biodiversity but also creates job opportunities and enhances economic activity through recreational fishing and improved oyster reefs.
Ishanvi Sakharpe builds Dolphin Guard to protect Dolphins from human threats
Ishanvi Sakharpe, a dedicated Virginia student, has designed Dolphin Guard to safeguard marine life. Her remarkable science project has been honored with the 2026 Virginia State Merit Winner award. This accolade emphasises the role of young innovators leveraging technology for wildlife protection. With dolphins threatened by boating and fishing pressures, Sakharpe's initiative shows how determination and creativity can lead to effective conservation strategies.
Scientists uncover how oysters survive while carrying deadly bacteria
Oysters are known to harbor bacteria capable of causing serious infections in humans, frequently without showing any symptoms. They employ immune cells called haemocytes that attempt to engulf and eliminate harmful microbes. Yet, the virulent bacterium Vibrio vulnificus has developed a protective capsule that helps it escape the oyster's immune response, leading to critical public health risks for oyster consumers.
Quote of the day by Edwin Hubble: "Equipped with his five senses, man…"
Science is ignited by the quest for knowledge and the longing to understand mysteries beyond our grasp. Through our senses and advanced tools, we delve deeper into the cosmos. Edwin Hubble’s groundbreaking discoveries unveiled an ever-expanding universe, transforming our understanding of space. Each finding paves the way for new questions and explorations, encapsulating the spirit of scientific pursuit.
Spanish vineyard thrives for more than 20 years without irrigation or pesticides, boosting soil organic matter
A Spanish vineyard study revealed significant soil health improvements over two decades. Long-term vegetation cover doubled topsoil organic matter compared to tilled areas. This practice enhanced soil porosity and biological activity in dry conditions. The findings suggest reduced soil disturbance benefits water-limited vineyards. Allowing plants to remain strengthens soil function under challenging climates.
Once used for canal dredgings, this English site now shelters 35 pairs of rare grebes
A former dumping ground for Manchester Ship Canal dredgings in Cheshire has been restored into a wetland. Black-necked grebe breeding pairs rose from four in 2023 to 35 in 2025, with the site now supporting 64% of the UK's average breeding population.
China’s solar panels reduced young sea cucumbers’ inactivity by 12 days
Solar panels placed over sea cucumber ponds in China have effectively lowered water temperatures, leading to a significant reduction in the summer dormancy period for young sea cucumbers by twelve days. Alongside this, the panels changed the distribution of plankton and minimized organic material in the pond sediments. These insights highlight the potential of aquavoltaics to enhance aquaculture practices while promoting sustainable energy solutions.
Centuries-old plaque on eight people’s teeth preserved a surprisingly detailed menu of what they ate in Osaka
Dental plaque analysis revealed diverse diets for Edo-period Osaka commoners. Researchers found proteins from 17 food types, including luxury red sea bream. This suggests developing markets made once-exclusive foods accessible to ordinary people. Salmon proteins indicated food traveled long distances via extensive shipping networks. Even cottonseed oil and terrestrial animal meat were consumed by these individuals.
