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 36 min ago
Quote of the day by Albert Einstein: "If a cluttered desk is a sign of a…"
Albert Einstein questioned the assumption that a cluttered desk signifies a disorganised mind. He suggested that an empty desk does not automatically indicate clarity or productivity. People possess diverse thinking and working styles which influence their environments. Creative processes can appear chaotic, reflecting experimentation rather than a lack of discipline. Ultimately, a person's ability to think and create matters more than their workspace appearance.
Columbia engineers develop pigment-free coating that kept surfaces 6°C cooler under Arizona sun
Columbia Engineering researchers developed a porous polymer coating that can cool surfaces below the surrounding air temperature without using electricity. The coating replaces conventional white pigments with nano-to-microscale air voids that reflect sunlight and release heat towards the sky. Tests showed the surface stayed about 6°C below ambient temperature in Arizona and 3°C below it in Bangladesh.
Thousands of ancient brains survived for 12,000 years; scientists uncover why
Recent studies shed light on how some ancient brains manage to endure over time. The availability of oxygen is pivotal in influencing the survival of brain proteins post-mortem. In moist, low-oxygen environments, decomposition favors protein cross-linking, which fortifies these proteins against degradation. This explains the remarkable preservation of certain ancient brains while other bodily tissues succumb to decay.
1,500-year-old child burial unearthed in Peru with whistles, rattle and vessel
Archaeologists found a 1,500-year-old infant burial in northern Peru. The child was buried with whistles, a rattle, and a sculptural vessel. This burial displays patterns characteristic of the ancient Moche culture. The discovery occurred in a residential area, offering insights into daily life. Excavations continue to expand understanding of the Moche community.
In 1929, Benjamin and Estella Loomis gave Lassen Volcanic National Park 40 acres, a museum and a...
In 1914, homesteader Benjamin Loomis captured the dramatic eruptions of Lassen Peak through his photography. Along with his wife, Estella, he later established a museum and seismograph station on their land. This rich historical site was formally donated to the United States in 1929 and is now recognized as the Loomis Museum, serving to inform and engage visitors about the fascinating history of volcanic activity.
In 1867, New Zealand introduced brown trout for sport fishing; more than 60 million were released
In 1867, British settlers introduced brown trout to New Zealand, intending to enhance sport fishing. This decision led to the release of over sixty million trout, which had devastating effects on local fish populations, resulting in declines and even extinction of some native species. The presence of these invasive fish fundamentally changed stream ecosystems and insect behaviors, making their management a significant conservation challenge even today.
We are talking less to people than we used to; study finds drop in spoken words and social skills
From 2005 to 2019, the art of conversation has seen a notable decline, mainly due to the surge in digital interactions. This trend is particularly evident among younger generations who engage less in direct dialogue. While audio content offers entertainment, it lacks the personal touch of face-to-face communication. Rebuilding these small yet meaningful human connections is essential to enhancing our social bonds.
This coffee cup hid seeds in its paper; plant it after your last sip
In 2015, a groundbreaking proposal was unveiled for a coffee cup that can be planted. Made from recycled paper, this eco-friendly cup uniquely housed seeds intended for reforestation. Its innovative design protected the seeds from hot beverages while promoting biodegradation within 180 days. The Kickstarter campaign successfully attracted more than $21,000 from enthusiastic supporters, promoting a sustainable approach to disposable packaging by turning it into a planting resource.
Why everyone wants a rocket that comes back
China's LandSpace achieved a significant milestone by recovering its rocket's first stage after an orbital launch. This reusable rocket technology aims to drastically reduce spaceflight expenses and increase launch frequency. Several nations, including the US, Europe, Japan, and India, are actively pursuing similar advancements. India's approach involves a winged spaceplane-like vehicle designed for runway landings. This global competition is reshaping the future of space exploration and commercialization.
