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 9 min ago
Black Eye Galaxy Image: Webb and Hubble reveal dusty star-forming band; traces ancient merger
Located roughly 17 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Coma Berenices, M64 is known for an unusual internal motion: gas in its outer regions rotates in the opposite direction to the gas and stars closer to the centre. NASA says this counter-rotation may be a remnant of a merger involving M64 and a smaller satellite galaxy more than a billion years ago.
Canada confirms first spotted lanternfly in Windsor, after invasive insect spreads across 18 US states
Canada confirmed its first spotted lanternfly detection in Windsor, Ontario. Movement restrictions are now in place to prevent further spread of this invasive species. Surrounding areas are under surveillance to assess the infestation's extent. This pest poses significant risks to agriculture and forestry industries. Early detection and reporting are crucial for managing its impact.
MIT robot builds working laser cavity in 50 maneuvers under 30 minutes, self-corrects after disruption
Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers developed a robotic optics laboratory. This system autonomously assembles and aligns laser cavities with precision. The robot can also correct experimental setups after they are disturbed. This technology could accelerate testing for various optical devices and materials. Future applications envision remote interaction with these automated research environments.
California buried a gas pipeline and removed its final barrier; salmon returned after 70 years
A decades-long barrier blocking fish migration in Alameda Creek was removed in 2025. This action reopened over twenty miles of upstream habitat for migratory fish. Chinook salmon were documented in the newly accessible area shortly after the construction. This marked the first access to this watershed section since the 1950s. The project is part of a larger, nearly thirty-year restoration effort.
PG medicos may get 6-month training in robotic surgery
In a significant move, government hospitals are set to broaden the scope of robotic surgeries by providing specialized training to postgraduate students. Several new robotic surgery centers are slated for establishment across Telangana, ensuring rural patients gain better access to advanced treatments. The health department has ordered fifteen robotic surgery systems to enhance these facilities and is seeking approval for this focused training initiative.
Fourteen tail vertebrae found in Spain replaces North America as the only Diplodocus site
A significant paleontological breakthrough has occurred in Spain, where researchers have identified the first confirmed Diplodocus fossils beyond North America. Found in Teruel, these tail vertebrae date back around 150 million years. The discovery implies that during the Late Jurassic era, declining sea levels could have permitted dinosaurs to migrate between continents.
Nasa’s Apollo-Soyuz pocket calculator reached the Smithsonian 37 years after its 1975 mission
The Apollo-Soyuz mission featured a remarkable pocket-sized Hewlett-Packard calculator, designed to serve as a safeguard for critical navigational calculations. Now housed at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, this innovative device holds the title of the first magnetic card programmable handheld scientific calculator. It stands as a testament to the early integration of portable technology in the exploration of outer space.
In 2019, Wisconsin turned 87,000 cubic yards of harbor dredge into 14 acres of shorebird habitat
After nearly five decades, piping plovers triumphantly return to Wisconsin Point, symbolizing a remarkable achievement in conservation. Thanks to a dedicated $4.5 million habitat restoration initiative, 14 acres of essential nesting and feeding grounds have been established from harbor sediment. Protective measures like seasonal closures and predator exclosures have been implemented to ensure the safety of these delicate birds.
To read 2,000-year-old Vesuvius scrolls, Berkeley scientists burned student-written papyrus; leaded ink stood out in X-rays
In a remarkable fusion of ancient and modern techniques, scientists have burned contemporary scrolls to unravel the secrets of ancient writings. The innovative use of leaded ink was highlighted through X-ray scans, providing insights into fragile scrolls from Herculaneum. By adapting advanced software, researchers achieved layer separation, paving the way for a more secure recovery of vanished historical texts.
Taiwanese students turn oyster shells and coral waste into 3D-printed reef structures
Taiwanese students developed Reefvive, using oyster shells and coral gravel for 3D-printed reef bases. These structures provide a stable foundation for coral fragments to grow. Underwater trials showed a perfect survival rate for all attached coral fragments. Marine creatures quickly inhabited the new reef structures, demonstrating their effectiveness. The project aims to make coral restoration more accessible and scalable.
From tens of millions to 1,000: 140 years after vanishing, America’s bison return to the prairie
Bison are revered as America's national mammal, symbolizing rich cultural and ecological traditions for indigenous communities. Throughout the 1800s, rampant hunting and westward expansion caused their near extinction. However, through dedicated conservation initiatives, bison populations have rebounded. Native tribes and conservation groups are now working to restore bison to their historic habitats, enriching the Great Plains and celebrating their ancestral legacy.
