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 49 min ago
America’s biggest science loss: Federal government loses over 10,000 STEM PhD scientists in 2025
America's scientific strength faced a major blow in 2025. Over ten thousand PhD scientists left federal agencies. This exodus represents a significant loss of expertise. Agencies like the National Institutes of Health and NASA saw substantial departures. Experts warn this could impact research and innovation for years to come. The nation's scientific capacity is now a key concern.
Spanish scientist finds cure for pancreatic cancer in major medical breakthrough
A Spanish research team has achieved a significant preclinical breakthrough, developing a triple-drug therapy that completely eradicated aggressive pancreatic cancer in mice. After extensive follow-up, treated animals showed no recurrence, offering immense hope against a notoriously difficult disease. While not yet a human cure, this discovery marks a promising step towards effective combination treatments.
Earth’s season timings shatter: Satellites reveal the planet no longer changing evenly
Satellite data reveals Earth's seasons are becoming fragmented and unpredictable, with neighboring regions falling out of sync. This breakdown in shared environmental timing disrupts agriculture and water cycles, leading to ecological consequences and accelerating biodiversity loss. The planet is no longer a single seasonal system but a patchwork of ecosystems on different clocks.
Scientists may have found a way to make old cells act young again
Scientists have discovered that old cells lose their coordinated gene activity. By resetting these internal control systems, researchers made aged human cells behave like younger ones. This approach showed promise in mice, improving liver function. The findings suggest a future where age-related decline could be slowed or reversed by fixing cellular organization, not replacing cells.
Why NASA releases half million gallons of water before every rocket launch
NASA's massive water deluge system, releasing nearly 450,000 gallons, is crucial for rocket launches. This powerful spray controls extreme sound, vibration, and heat generated at ignition, preventing catastrophic damage to the rocket and launchpad. Lessons learned from past missions underscore its vital role in ensuring successful liftoffs.
ChatGPT ‘nearly kills’ woman after giving confident advice about a poisonous plant
A YouTuber has warned of the dangers of trusting AI after ChatGPT repeatedly misidentified poison hemlock as harmless carrot foliage, nearly putting her friend at risk. Despite visual evidence, the chatbot doubled down with confident reassurances. The incident highlights how AI errors, especially in health and safety contexts, can have serious real-world consequences.
