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 4 min ago
University of Glasgow develops £20 ultrasound device to produce fertiliser from air and water
Researchers at the University of Glasgow have developed an affordable ultrasound device to produce nitrate for agriculture. This device uses sound waves, air, and water to create nitrate without industrial production reliance. While current experiments show potential, energy consumption remains high compared to the Haber-Bosch process. The team plans to refine the design over the next year for practical agricultural use.
Thousands of rare grasshoppers released in Norfolk after 86 years
After a long absence, the large marsh grasshopper has been reintroduced to Norfolk's Broads region. The successful conservation effort involved raising grasshoppers and releasing them into restored wetland areas. Following 86 years of population decline, the grasshoppers have hatched for the first time since 1939. The project received significant funding and support from various conservation partners and volunteers.
Nasa-backed spacecraft to inspect dead space objects, test future repair and debris removal tech
NASA has launched a washing-machine-sized spacecraft to inspect up to four inactive satellites and rocket bodies in low Earth orbit. The SSPICY mission, launched on October 1, will begin inspections in early 2027. Using autonomous navigation, sensors and electric propulsion, the spacecraft will test technologies that could eventually help repair satellites or remove orbital debris.
Wild horses and donkeys dig desert wells in Arizona, supplying water to 57 vertebrate species
Researchers studied wild horses and donkeys in the Sonoran Desert, which dig wells that attract diverse wildlife. The wells serve as critical water sources for various vertebrate species during dry periods. Observations indicated that these wells significantly increase water accessibility and create favorable conditions for cottonwood seedlings. The study highlights the animals' role as ecosystem engineers in changing their environment.
A 100-kg green anaconda can disappear beneath Amazonian vegetation
Green Anacondas in Peru's Amazon rainforest were challenging to locate due to their hidden behavior. Researchers recorded observations across various habitats, mostly in floodplain forests. The snakes were often concealed among logs, submerged vegetation, and other natural cover. Basking conditions were primarily found in rivers and vegetation mats of oxbow lakes. The findings highlight the difficulty in assessing the presence and population trends of these snakes.
Wisconsin protects over 1,700 Lake Superior acres, restores wetlands and habitat
Wisconsin's Lake Superior shoreline has witnessed a transformative conservation effort, safeguarding over 1,700 acres through collaboration between the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Landmark Conservancy. By utilizing conservation easements, the project enabled landowners to retain property rights while preserving vital habitats. Key activities included the planting of conifers and the management of invasive species, fulfilling the environmental aspirations of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Restoration Ecology Study Findings: Tidal flows fuel Marsh Wren surge; broader marsh birds gain
California's initiative to revive the Dutch Slough wetlands has led to a stunning resurgence of Marsh Wren numbers. Recent bird surveys from 2020 to 2025 indicate significant increases in the density of various marsh-dwelling species. This restoration process involved planting indigenous plants and reinstating tidal flows to previous agricultural terrains. While some species saw a decline, overall avian diversity thrived in these rejuvenated areas.
US scientists test drones to track hidden Burmese pythons in the Everglades
Innovative scientists are deploying drones powered by radio-tracking technology to track the movements of Burmese pythons in the Everglades. This pioneering approach aims to deepen the understanding of how these invasive reptiles behave within their ecosystem. Given the threat they pose to local wildlife, gathering insight into their habitat patterns is vital for developing effective management solutions.
Scientists planted 40,000 seedlings in Yosemite; 3 years later, meadow is still losing carbon
Scientists planted 40,000 native sedge seedlings in Yosemite National Park's Tuolumne Meadows to restore soil damaged by sheep grazing over a century ago. After three years, researchers found improvements in soil organic matter, but the meadow continued to lose more carbon than it gained. Scientists estimate that full recovery could take 25 to 50 years.
