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: 10 min 3 sec ago
Norway’s largest Viking hoard yields rare King Olaf coin not found in country since 1924
A rare coin minted during King Olaf Haraldsson's reign around 1025 has been identified in Norway's Morstad Viking hoard. It is only the second coin of this type found in Norway, the previous one dating back to 1924. The coin also offers clues about the king's use of Christian symbols and its circulation in commercial transactions.
Canada has protected more than 81,400 hectares of Ontario taiga forest and peatlands
A significant investment of $64 million is underway to safeguard over 81,400 hectares of taiga forests and peatlands in Ontario. This project focuses on preserving habitats for wildlife, including vulnerable species such as the red-headed woodpecker and the bobolink. It represents Canada's commitment to conserving 30 percent of its lands and waters by 2030 through a collaborative effort involving various organizations, government entities, and private donors.
Idaho reconnected 8 acres of floodplain and built 2,000 feet of side channels
Warm Springs Preserve in Ketchum is currently undergoing significant habitat restoration, aimed at reviving local ecosystems. The initiative includes reconnecting floodplains and building new channels to support aquatic species. An enhanced irrigation system is projected to conserve roughly 50 million gallons of water annually. Furthermore, the project will introduce accessible trails and improved public facilities for the community, marking a commendable step towards better environmental management and habitat preservation.
After surveys found only dead oil beetles in 2022 and 2025, volunteers discovered larvae
Exciting news from Pembrokeshire, Wales: conservationists have unearthed short necked oil beetle larvae, a positive sign of the species' reproduction in its sole habitat in the country. Surveys just a year ago had only identified deceased adults. Thanks to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust's diligent monitoring, efforts are in place to safeguard this beetle's ecosystem, emphasizing the vital need to protect its environment for lasting survival.
In 2019-20, fires burned nearly half of Australia's Kangaroo Island;120 honey samples analysed
In the wake of the Black Summer bushfires, researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of honey samples from Kangaroo Island, revealing a significant decline in specific honey varieties while highlighting the emergence of new floral resources for the local honeybee populations. Through detailed chemical evaluations, this study tracked the evolution of honey groups over time, suggesting that bees are increasingly diversifying their floral sources.
River otters had not been known on California’s San Mateo coast since the 1800s
In an astonishing discovery, researchers have spotted a North American river otter at the Cloverdale Ranch Open Space Preserve for the first time in a century. Initially aimed at monitoring foxes, the wildlife cameras revealed this rare sighting, the first for the San Mateo coast since the 1800s. Conservationists are optimistic about the positive effects on local ecosystems.
How ancient Peruvians responded to climate disasters
Researchers examined over 1,500 ancient Peruvian skeletons to understand societal responses to climate disasters. Findings reveal that violence was rare even during El Niño flooding events that severely impacted food availability. Interestingly, mass human sacrifices were observed without corresponding everyday violence among the population. This suggests that ancient societies may have adapted creatively to ecological crises. Overall, the study highlights the choices societies make in response to environmental challenges.
Volunteer divers take on invasive corals near Rio de Janeiro
Bright orange sun corals, native to the Indo-Pacific, have invaded Brazilian waters for decades and threaten native coral species. The invasive species compete for space and damage surrounding coral colonies, posing risks to marine ecosystems. A national plan was launched in Brazil in 2018 to control and monitor these invaders. Volunteer divers, led by marine biologist Adriana Gomes, are removing sun corals from Cagarras Islands.
Doctors are using bacteria-killing viruses against superbugs that drugs cannot beat
Amidst the rising concern over antibiotic resistance, doctors are turning to phage therapy, a novel approach that employs viruses to target and eliminate dangerous bacteria. A recent Belgian study found that over 77% of patients showed significant clinical improvement. To enhance the application of personalized bacteriophage treatments, new international guidelines have been introduced, though researchers underline the importance of further studies to comprehend the therapy's potential fully.
Peat from ancient forests off Mozambique dates back up to about 5,000 years
Submerged ancient peat forests off Mozambique's coast have transformed into vibrant marine ecosystems, offering vital habitats for diverse marine life. As rising sea levels allowed these forests to sink, they have now integrated with coral reefs, enhancing local biodiversity. The carbon-rich legacy of these underwater realms also holds significant implications for climate strategies, highlighting the necessity of including peat reefs in conservation initiatives.
South Carolina permanently protected more than 62,000 acres of working forest
South Carolina has successfully protected over 62,000 acres of forestland with the Pee Dee Basin Initiative. This initiative represents a significant collaboration among various government and private organizations, totaling an investment of $70 million. The protected areas will support sustainable timber production while preventing incompatible development that undermines ecological integrity. In addition, this initiative will enhance local wildlife habitats and strengthen natural flood defenses for surrounding communities.
Baby pufferfish inherit a nearly non-toxic chemical from their mothers
In a fascinating discovery, researchers have found that mother pufferfish provide their larvae with a nearly non-toxic chemical that effectively helps them escape predators. This chemical deters potential threats by making them unpalatable, thus improving the young fish's chances of survival. Additionally, this same chemical intriguingly attracts other pufferfish, revealing a unique dual role that aids in their survival strategies during vulnerable stages.
Stanford scientists have built a fingernail-sized chip that turns jumbled light into clean beams
Stanford University researchers have developed a groundbreaking chip that effectively segregates mixed light into its individual components. This novel technology facilitates the analysis of coherence modes of light that were once challenging to identify. Utilizing advanced photonic techniques, the chip can enhance applications in fields like imaging and astronomy, potentially transforming our understanding of microscopic particles and faraway celestial phenomena.
2,800-year-old Siberian tomb reveals 1,000 cannabis seeds and evidence of ritual intoxication
A groundbreaking archaeological find at Tunnug 1 in southern Siberia unveiled cannabis seeds within a prince's tomb, dating back 2,800 years. This tomb is tied to intricate funerary rites, including horse sacrifices. Notably, preserved human hair revealed traces of cannabis, hinting at its psychoactive use, which underscores cannabis's significant role in ancient burial customs. Researchers plan to conduct further DNA analysis to deepen the understanding of its historical relevance.
Birds flap their wings while landing even though it costs energy, new model explains why
Research shows that birds flap their wings while landing to enhance control and deceleration. The energy expended during flapping has tangible benefits for a safe landing. Mathematical modeling indicates that a zero-speed landing without flapping is impractical for most birds. Birds of prey may also swoop to manage touchdown speed and avoid stalling before landing.
