Science Alert

Subscribe to Science Alert feed 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: 51 min 19 sec ago

Scientists reidentify Ireland’s “Kerry Cow” bones as bear and wild boar, challenging farming theory

25/08/2026
Ancient animal bones from Ferriters Cove are now identified as bear and wild boar. This reclassification challenges decades of evidence for early farming in Ireland. Previously thought to be cattle, these remains are now understood differently. Modern scientific techniques revealed the true identity of these ancient specimens. This discovery prompts a reconsideration of Ireland's prehistoric transition to agriculture.

Meet Jeremiah Bents, the Minnesota student who recreated Mars soil to test water cleanup

25/08/2026
Jeremiah Bents, a Minnesota student, explored water filtration using Mars soil simulant. His project examined ammonia removal from contaminated water in a laboratory setting. This innovative work earned him the Earth Systems Science Award at a state science fair. He received guidance from university researchers and a NASA scientist. Bents' experiment demonstrated a practical application for future space missions.

Scientists turn plastic waste into protein cookies; food can tackle hunger and feed space crews

25/08/2026
Researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are developing protein-rich cookies made using plastic waste and agricultural waste. Called µBites, the cookies use PET plastic from bottles and discarded corn stalks and leaves. Programmed yeasts convert processed waste into proteins, fats, acids and flavouring molecules. The NASA-linked project is aimed at developing food for resource-limited environments, including future deep-space missions.

17-year-old Leon Wang finds 2 FDA-approved drugs that reduced Alzheimer’s-linked cell damage

25/08/2026
A young student's research explored existing medicines for Alzheimer's disease protection. He identified two drugs, nintedanib and pirfenidone, showing protective effects in cell models. This drug repurposing approach offers a faster, less expensive research starting point. Wang's work highlights targeting APOE4 and brain blood vessel cell changes. His findings suggest further investigation into TGFβ pathway drugs is warranted.

NASA satellites revealed 14 active water areas beneath Antarctica; one lake drained 2 cubic km in 3 years

25/08/2026
Scientists discovered active subglacial lakes beneath Antarctica's ice sheet. NASA satellite data revealed ice surface changes indicating water movement. These hidden lakes were found to fill and drain over short periods. This dynamic water system influences ice stream speeds and mass balance. The findings showed a hidden, active world beneath the frozen continent.

Nasa's 2028 Mars mission will send a nuclear spacecraft and three helicopters to explore Mars

25/08/2026
NASA is planning an exhilarating mission for late 2028 that will test nuclear electric propulsion well beyond our planet. The SR-1 Freedom spacecraft will journey past Mars, releasing three helicopters similar to Ingenuity to explore the Martian landscape and locate potential subsurface ice reserves. The insights gained from this venture will not only refine our understanding of nuclear-powered spacecraft but also enhance future lunar energy systems and propulsion methods.

Brazil orange juice plant to turn citrus wastewater into renewable biogas

24/08/2026
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Louis Dreyfus Company is spearheading a remarkable project in Brazil, aiming to turn citrus wastewater into renewable energy. This ambitious plant will soon hold the title of the largest biogas production facility in the world, capable of generating an impressive fifty thousand cubic meters of biogas each day.

Nasa maps Moon's south pole regions where Earth microbes could survive for more than a day

24/08/2026
Recent research highlights that Earth microbes, including select bacteria and fungi, may endure in the shaded pockets of the lunar south pole for several days. Among them, Aspergillus demonstrates remarkable resilience, surviving in some conditions for over a week. These findings pose significant implications for future lunar exploration, particularly for NASA's Artemis missions, as understanding these organisms is vital for scientific advancements.

Researchers develop 3D-printed replacements for missing pottery parts, embed sensors in them

24/08/2026
Researchers at Koc University have developed a method that uses photogrammetry, 3D printing and embedded sensors to repair damaged ancient pottery. The customised 3D-printed sections can replace missing parts while monitoring temperature, humidity, pH and physical stress. Tested on maritime amphorae from Türkiye and Italy, the approach could help conservators track changes and support long-term preservation.

A black hole keeps tearing pieces off the same star, yet the star survives and comes back again

24/08/2026
Astronomers have made fascinating observations of stars that are caught in a gravitational dance with supermassive black holes. As these stars approach, they lose material in a series of light bursts that fade over time. New research indicates that the stars' rapid initial spin is key to this phenomenon, as it limits excessive rotation during subsequent encounters with the black holes.

Quote of the day by James Clerk Maxwell: "Happy is the man who can recognise..."

24/08/2026
James Clerk Maxwell viewed daily work as a bridge to the eternal, infusing everyday tasks with profound meaning. This mindset encourages us to see our present efforts as the groundwork for future advancements and wisdom. By pursuing our tasks with intention, we contribute to a legacy that reverberates long after our immediate actions, creating a ripple effect of purpose in the world.

Pages