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: 2 hours 5 min ago
Cleopatra’s eye makeup secret? Ancient Egyptians used lead-based kohl
In ancient Egypt, kohl was more than just a cosmetic; it served dual purposes, enhancing beauty while protecting the eyes. Studies indicate that its ingredients could boost immune responses, making it a valuable tool for health. Both men and women embraced the use of black and green powders, and ancient texts highlight the fusion of cosmetics with medicine, revealing the intricate beliefs surrounding beauty and wellness in that era.
Common daily fiber supplement was found to significantly reduce knee pain and improve strength
A recent study from the University of Nottingham unveils exciting findings regarding inulin supplementation for knee osteoarthritis. Participants not only experienced a reduction in joint pain, but they also enhanced their grip strength and sensitivity to pain. This research underscores the intriguing link between gut health and joint management, suggesting that dietary strategies might positively affect physical capabilities beyond just the painful areas.
Normal blood pressure may not tell the whole story: Scientists discover a brain ‘switch’
Hypertension impacts approximately 1.4 billion adults across the globe, with numerous individuals unaware of their status. A recent study by the University of Virginia uncovers essential brain cells responsible for maintaining stable blood pressure. These cells contribute to consistent blood pressure levels during daily activities and may mitigate abrupt changes.
3,700-year-old man buried with stone in his mouth beneath a hearth may have been part of magical ritual
Approximately 3,700 years ago, a man in southeastern Spain underwent a burial unlike any other. Researchers suggest that this ritual may have been intended to symbolically overcome a threat rather than inflict punishment. The discovery of his body underneath a hearth, with a stone in his mouth, implies an effort to silence him.
Antipodes Island Sees Ground Beetle Numbers Surge 40-Fold After Mice Eradication
The successful removal of invasive house mice from Antipodes Island has spurred a remarkable resurgence in ground beetle populations, which have increased to around 40 times their former numbers. This ecological transformation highlights the beneficial effects of eradicating invasive species, fostering a healthier food web and aiding in the survival of native bird species. Long-term observation is crucial for comprehending the recovery dynamics of island ecosystems.
Taking antibiotics? Eating a lot of sugar at the same time may make the damage to your gut worse, scientists have found, suggesting that what you eat during a course of antibiotics could affect how well your body recovers
Research findings indicate that a diet high in sugar can significantly affect the diversity of gut bacteria in patients undergoing antibiotic therapy. The study monitored the food intake and gut microbiome of hospitalized cancer patients treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, revealing a strong connection between elevated sugar levels and shifts in gut bacteria.
In 1987, an amateur fossil hunter found a T. rex in South Dakota; the $31.8 million skeleton now stands in Abu Dhabi
In 1987, Stan Sacrison found a T. rex skeleton in South Dakota, which was later sold for $31.8 million. Initially misidentified, the bones were correctly recognized as belonging to a T. rex in 1992. After years at the Black Hills Institute, the skeleton was auctioned and purchased for a museum in Abu Dhabi. Stan is now displayed in a dramatic scene depicting conflicts with another T. rex.
Newly identified bird like dinosaur from Cretaceous period may be first dinosaur eating fruit
Scientists have recently uncovered a small dinosaur named Infernogallus jamesi, believed to have predominantly dined on fruit. By examining its skull and jaw muscles, researchers gained insights into its dietary habits. Existing during the Cretaceous period, as flowering plants flourished, this dinosaur displays anatomical traits akin to modern fruit-feeding parrots, deepening our comprehension of the varied lifestyles in the era of dinosaurs.
Why do some people stay mentally sharp even when their brains show clear signs of Alzheimer’s disease? Scientists have found an important clue hidden in a rare group of resilient brains
Recent research from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience has revealed intriguing findings about Alzheimer's disease. Scientists examined brain tissues from different groups, including those with and without dementia symptoms. They discovered that immature neurons acted differently in cognitively healthy individuals despite Alzheimer's brain changes. This suggests that these neurons may play a role in supporting brain function rather than simply replacing damaged cells.
Wildlife traffickers may have killed her family to capture her; rescued baby gorilla Bili begins a second life in Congo
Bili, the young gorilla saved from wildlife trafficking in Nigeria, has embarked on a fresh journey in the Republic of the Congo. After three years of dedicated care and rehabilitation, she is now set for a quarantine period at the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve. Here, Bili will undergo health assessments and prepare for her introduction to fellow gorillas, with hopes of eventually reintegrating her into the wild.
US releases rare image of China's secretive space plane docked to another spacecraft
A US military intelligence agency has released a rare photograph of China's secretive Shenlong space plane, showing it attached to another spacecraft in orbit. Taken in May 2024 and made public in October 2026, the image reveals its open payload bay and another satellite with extended solar panels. However, the purpose of the connection remains unknown.
An animal-borne virus called Shamonda, which normally circulates in livestock, has infected and killed a human for the first time
A 61-year-old man in France has tragically lost his life to the Shamonda virus, a disease previously only observed in animals. The man, who was battling leukaemia, contracted the virus likely through a midge bite. With documented cases of infected animals in Europe and previous outbreaks in Africa and Asia, health officials are investigating how the virus spreads and its possible risks to humans.
North Carolina city restores 27 acres of wetlands to reduce flood risks for 93 properties
Hendersonville celebrates the successful completion of the first phase of its Lower Mud Creek Floodplain Restoration Project. This significant endeavor aims to mitigate flood risks for surrounding properties, boosting community safety. Key efforts include reconnecting Mud Creek with its floodplain to enhance water quality and flood management. Financial support from various organizations has been crucial in the project's design and construction.
Researchers cast a 163-kg ancient warship weapon after 1,500 years
A team of researchers has successfully reconstructed an ancient bronze naval ram, utilizing experimental archaeology techniques over 1,500 years old. By referencing ancient texts and creating a beeswax model, they employed traditional Greek and Roman methods. Documenting each phase of the process revealed valuable insights into how these historical weapons were produced, thus enhancing our understanding of ancient naval warfare and the demands of that era.
