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 47 min ago
Philip Ii Tomb Identification: forensic study settles royal mystery; fascination enters new phase
A scientific study has solved a long-standing mystery. King Philip II of Macedon is confirmed to be buried in Tomb I at Vergina. This discovery uses modern forensics to identify skeletal remains. It reveals injuries matching historical accounts of Philip's life. The findings also identify other royal burials, including Alexander the Great's half-brother and son.
Discovery Of Nagatitan: Thai sauropod is region’s largest; find links giants to past warming
Scientists have unveiled Nagatitan Chaiyaphumensis, a colossal plant-eating dinosaur found in Thailand. This titan, the largest ever in Southeast Asia, roamed 113 million years ago. Its discovery sheds light on prehistoric ecosystems and the impact of a warmer Earth. Nagatitan's immense size offered protection from predators. This find adds a significant chapter to our understanding of ancient life.
New Extinct Koala Species: Cave skull reveals dimpled WA relative; extinction tied to habitat loss
A newly discovered koala species, Phascolarctos maxillaris, once roamed Western Australia, differing significantly from its eastern relatives. This prehistoric marsupial, identified by unique cheekbone grooves, possessed a more robust skull and slender build. Its extinction around 28,000 years ago, linked to drastic climate change and habitat loss, serves as a stark warning for modern conservation efforts.
Gold Sword Fitting Discovery: Norwegian hiker finds 1,500-year-old gold; rare find reveals crisis rituals
A hiker in Norway's Austratt area found a 1,500-year-old gold sword fitting. This artifact dates to Norway's Migration Period. It belonged to a 6th-century chieftain. The discovery offers insights into ancient craftsmanship and societal rituals. The piece shows signs of wear, suggesting frequent use by the chieftain. Archaeologists believe it was a votive offering.
Elite Roman Woman Burial: 1,700-year-old coffin reveals luxury rituals; frankincense signals far-flung trade
Colchester archaeologists unearthed a 1,700-year-old lead coffin, revealing a wealthy Roman woman's life. The burial, featuring exotic frankincense and valuable grave goods like jet hairpins and glass flasks, signifies her high status and international connections. This elaborate find, preserved with gypsum, offers a poignant glimpse into Roman elite life and community grief, with artifacts to be displayed soon.
Ancient Tunnel Discovery Near Kibbutz Rachel: Workers uncover vast quarry; Jerusalem plans archeological park
Construction workers near Kibbutz Rachel unearthed a 160-foot tunnel. Archaeologists are baffled by this ancient enigma. The tunnel is remarkably clean, offering no clues to its origin or purpose. Initial theories of it being a water system or military passage have been dismissed. Experts now believe it was an advanced quarry for high-quality limestone.
Wax Notebook Found In Latrine: medieval ‘iPad’ emerges from 13th‑century loo; silk wipes reveal elite life
Archaeologists in Paderborn discovered a perfectly preserved 13th-century wax notebook and silk scraps in a latrine, offering a glimpse into the life of a wealthy medieval merchant. This "iPad of the Middle Ages," used for notes and possibly as toilet paper, highlights the surprisingly high literacy among traders and the stark contrast between luxury and sanitation.
In 1839, Charles Goodyear dropped rubber on a hot stove, noticed it hardened, and this helped transform modern transportation
An accidental discovery by Charles Goodyear in 1839 revolutionized rubber. Heating rubber with sulfur created a stronger, more durable material. This process, called vulcanization, made rubber suitable for countless industrial uses. From tyres to machines and everyday items, vulcanized rubber became indispensable. This invention highlights how accidents can lead to significant technological advancements.
In 1895, Wilhelm Rontgen noticed a glowing screen in a dark lab, tested it on a hand, and launched modern medical imaging
A chance observation in a late 1895 lab led to Wilhelm Röntgen's discovery of X-rays, revolutionizing medicine. Initially used to locate fractures and foreign objects without surgery, the technology quickly moved from labs to hospitals. Röntgen's iconic image of his wife's hand showcased the power of seeing inside the body, transforming diagnostics and patient care forever.
This newly developed technology is successfully turning carbon dioxide into 110 pounds of daily fuel
The 5 biggest meteorites on Earth, and the largest one, was too heavy to move from where it crashed
Discover the colossal meteorites that dwarf typical museum displays, with some weighing up to 60 tons. These massive iron and nickel fragments, like the immovable Hoba in Namibia and Argentina's El Chaco, offer insights into the early solar system. Their survival is attributed to the durability of iron meteorites during atmospheric entry.
In 1967, a Cambridge student spotted a ‘scruffy’ printout blip that revealed the universe’s mysterious ticking stars
A young scientist discovered a strange signal in 1967. This signal came from a rapidly rotating stellar corpse, a pulsar. Pulsars are collapsed stars that emit powerful energy rays. Their discovery confirmed theories about neutron stars. These cosmic clocks help scientists test physics and study space-time. The discovery changed our understanding of the universe.
In 1978, a Mexico City street dig unearthed a colossal Aztec stone disk that reopened the sacred heart of the ancient empire
In 1978, utility workers in Mexico City unearthed the massive Coyolxauhqui Stone, a significant Aztec artefact. This discovery revealed the Templo Mayor, the empire's religious and political centre, buried beneath the modern city. The find initiated a major archaeological dig, uncovering a vast complex and demonstrating that Aztec history remains present beneath the urban landscape.
Scientists looked inside Bolivia’s zombie volcano, and the reality eased everyone’s fears
Mount Uturuncu, a Bolivian volcano, is not on the brink of a massive eruption as previously feared. New research reveals its 'zombie' behaviour stems from migrating hydrothermal fluids and gases, not an imminent magma buildup. While still active and hot, this discovery reduces immediate eruption concerns, suggesting the volcano is expelling steam rather than preparing to explode.
