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 45 min ago
Soldiers looking for land mines in South Korea have found the country's oldest gun dating back to more than 600 years
In a fascinating search for hidden landmines, South Korean troops discovered a small bronze gun buried beneath the earth. Dubbed a Hwangja Hwatong, this artifact dates back to the 14th or 15th century. The intricate details engraved on it can help historians piece together Korea's journey in firearm technology and military tactics from the times of the Goryeo and early Joseon dynasties.
Chocolate reached east of Mississippi 1,000 years ago; ancient pottery reveals cacao at feasts
Research conducted at the Etowah Indian Mounds has revealed cacao residue in 11th-century pottery, illustrating that the Mississippian culture actively consumed cacao as part of their lifestyle. This discovery suggests interconnected trade networks similar to those seen in Chaco Canyon, hinting at shared cultural exchanges. The distinct pottery styles from Etowah further emphasize this cultural interaction, prompting further investigation into these ancient societies.
D’Arros shearwater colony grew nearly 10-fold after rats were eradicated
D'Arros Island's Wedge-tailed Shearwater population rose dramatically after rats were eradicated in 2003. Researchers recorded 2,768 breeding pairs in 2016 and 2,406 pairs in 2021. The colony spread across a larger area and exhibited higher breeding burrow density during later surveys. The study utilized direct counts and area-based estimates to determine breeding pair numbers. Identifying the peak incubation period in November was crucial for future population comparisons.
After losing her mother to MS, J.K. Rowling gave £10m to research
J.K. Rowling opened the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic in memory of her mother, who died of multiple sclerosis. The clinic focuses on research and treatment of various neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. The funding aims to attract world-class researchers to develop new therapies and potentially find a cure. It has already hosted numerous clinical appointments and research projects since its inception.
Scientists found at least 10 likely new species of bizarre branching worms inside sea sponges
Researchers have identified ten likely new species of branching marine worms found within sea sponges. These unusual worms exhibit a unique tree-like body structure, which has evolved over time. Genetic analysis and museum specimens helped resolve the long-standing classification issues of these marine organisms. The study indicates these worms' diversification relates closely to their sponge hosts and geographic locations.
Scientists develop a living building material for Mars using engineered yeast
Researchers have developed an innovative living building material designed for potential use on Mars, integrating engineered yeast with sand. This breakthrough material operates with significantly lower energy requirements than traditional high-temperature construction methods. Tests indicate that existing bricks retain their integrity and the yeast's viability, promoting sustainability. While the engineered yeast does reinforce the material's strength and structure, additional evaluation is needed to determine its enduring durability in Martian conditions.
In 1925, a Yellowstone explosion reshaped Biscuit Basin; 101 years later, USGS found a sign mix-up
A captivating century-old enigma surrounds Yellowstone's Biscuit Basin, centering on the misplacement of Black Pearl Geyser. The confusion stemmed from a hydrothermal explosion in 1925, which not only reshaped the landscape but also displaced a key sign. Correspondence from 1926 highlighted the depth of this perplexity related to the geyser's position.
Ames crater, once linked to a 470-million-year-old event, may be nearly 370 million years old
Research indicates that the Ames impact structure may have formed during the Late Devonian period. This finding challenges earlier beliefs connecting the structure to the Ordovician Meteor Event. Scientists utilized radioisotopic dating on zircon and plagioclase from impacted granite for their study. The zircon analysis revealed a maximum age of nearly 370 million years. These results may link the impact event to significant extinction events of that era.
18 skulls excavated from Egypt’s First Dynasty cemetery offer evidence of retainer sacrifice
Researchers re-examininf 46 skulls excavated from Egypt’s First Dynasty royal cemetery at Abydos, found significant cranial trauma in 18 of them. The injuries provide new forensic evidence that some people buried around royal tombs may have been deliberately killed after a ruler’s death. The findings support the possibility of retainer sacrifice, although the exact cause of death remains uncertain for many others.
Your gut bacteria may reveal how quickly your brain is ageing; it effects memory, focus and mood
A groundbreaking study by UCLA Health highlights the intriguing link between gut bacteria and brain ageing in healthy adults. Analyzing brain scans and gut health of nearly 1,500 participants, researchers identified a correlation between the Brain Ageing Index and certain gut microbes. This suggests that optimizing gut health may be pivotal for preserving cognitive function and offers an early detection path for interventions aimed at promoting healthier brain ageing.
NASA spacecraft gains 3.5 km/s speed from Earth’s gravity assist without major engine burn
On September 28, 2026, Juice, the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, accomplished a successful gravity assist flyby of Earth. This maneuver was pivotal in adjusting the spacecraft's trajectory and significantly boosting its speed without the need for extensive engine thrust. Throughout its mission, Juice has strategically employed gravity assists, effectively conserving fuel.
NASA spacecraft gains 3.5 km/s speed from Earth’s gravity assist without major engine burn
On September 28, 2026, Juice, the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, accomplished a successful gravity assist flyby of Earth. This maneuver was pivotal in adjusting the spacecraft's trajectory and significantly boosting its speed without the need for extensive engine thrust. Throughout its mission, Juice has strategically employed gravity assists, effectively conserving fuel.
Antarctica’s 2 native flowering plants responded differently to 7 years of warming
Research on King George Island examined how two native Antarctic plants responded to long-term warming. Antarctic hairgrass displayed reduced hydraulic conductivity and photosynthesis compared to those in natural conditions. In contrast, Antarctic pearlwort increased both its hydraulic conductivity and photosynthetic capacity. This study provided insights into contrasting adaptive strategies of these plants under sustained environmental changes. These findings highlight the need to understand species-specific responses to climate change effects.
Meet Nathan, the Texas seventh-grader who turned shellfish waste into a water-cleaning project
Nathan Gael Montelongo, a seventh-grader from La Joya, Texas, created a project using chitosan. He collected discarded shellfish shells to produce chitosan powder and tested its effectiveness on polluted water. Studies showed that chitosan improved water clarity and benefited zebrafish embryos in experiments. Nathan designed a prototype raft that could automate water quality monitoring and treatment.
