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 31 min ago
Japan is building a system to beam wireless electricity from space directly to Earth: Inside the OHISAMA mission that could change how we power our homes
Japan's OHISAMA project aims to launch a satellite by 2026. This mission will demonstrate beaming solar energy from space to Earth. The project seeks to overcome limitations of land-based solar power generation. Success could lead to larger orbital power stations by 2050.
China’s giant sinkholes are protecting an endangered tree, but they may also be trapping its future
In China, vast sinkholes provide a refuge for the rare Magnolia aromatica trees, buffering them against the harsh realities of climate change. These subterranean havens create stable microclimates that support these endangered species. However, this isolation can limit genetic diversity and hinder the trees' adaptability to future environmental changes. To ensure their survival, conservation efforts must focus on safeguarding habitats while facilitating gene flow between populations.
Scientists studied 30 Sierra Nevada ponds that can swing 20°C in a day. Shrinking snowpack may make them smaller, warmer and more nutrient-rich
Mountain ponds in California's Sierra Nevada show significant daily temperature changes. Winter snowpack profoundly influences pond size and water temperature throughout summer. Less snowfall leads to warmer, smaller ponds with concentrated nutrients. Climate change projections indicate reduced snowpack, impacting these delicate ecosystems. These small water bodies play a crucial role in mountain biodiversity and nutrient cycling.
Japan’s abandoned rice fields are being restored into year-round wetlands to replenish groundwater and bring back frogs, dragonflies and endangered aquatic wildlife
Abandoned rice fields in Japan's Aso region are being restored into permanent wetlands to help refill groundwater and provide a safe habitat for frogs, dragonflies and other freshwater wildlife. The community-led project brings together local residents and researchers, showing how unused farmland can support biodiversity while helping restore water resources for the future.
Chicago-sized iceberg A-84 breaks away from Antarctica: Scientists warn melting ice could raise sea level and threaten coastal cities from New York to Mumbai
A massive iceberg named A-84 calved from Antarctica, revealing a hidden marine ecosystem. Scientists investigated the newly exposed seafloor using a high-tech underwater robot. This discovery showed a colourful landscape of diverse marine life thriving for centuries. The iceberg's breakaway also highlights the alarming rate of Antarctic ice melt. Understanding these changes is critical for predicting future sea level rise.
Scientists find two tiny frogs living together in a misty Peruvian forest above 3,000 metres
Scientists discovered two new tiny frog species in Peru's elfin forests. These unique frogs belong to the Phrynopus group and hatch as miniature adults. One frog displays bright red patches, while the other shows bold black markings. Their elfin forest habitat is rare and faces threats from human activities. These discoveries highlight the ongoing exploration of unexplored natural environments.
Scientists find microplastics in one of Earth's most isolated ecosystems: Indian Ocean hit hardest with up to 14.7 times more particles than Pacific specimens
Microplastics have infiltrated remote deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems globally. A recent study found microplastics in ninety-two percent of examined deep-sea animals. Polystyrene was the most frequently detected polymer among the plastic particles found. Feeding behavior influenced microplastic accumulation within the animals' bodies. Animals from the Indian Ocean showed significantly higher microplastic concentrations than Pacific specimens.
Quote of the day by Neil deGrasse Tyson: "When students cheat on exams it's because…"
Neil deGrasse Tyson suggests school systems value grades more than learning. This emphasis can push students towards cheating on important exams. When marks become the primary goal, genuine understanding may be neglected. The system's focus on results over process encourages optimizing for scores. Curiosity and true learning are vital for students' long-term development.
This ordinary pen helped save Apollo 11 astronauts, now it has sold at auction for an $857,600
A crucial felt-tip pen, famously utilized by Buzz Aldrin during the Apollo 11 mission, fetched an astonishing $857,600 at Sotheby's Space Exploration auction. This ordinary pen played a vital role in fixing a circuit breaker on the Moon, ensuring the lunar module's safe return to Earth. It exemplifies the ingenuity and urgent problem-solving that marked space exploration history.
Scientists create human organs in space for the first time in a microgravity environment
In an extraordinary milestone, researchers have managed to cultivate liver and kidney tissues in outer space. This innovative mission, a collaboration between Auxilium Biotechnologies and the Wake Forest Institute, leveraged cutting-edge bioprinting techniques to achieve impressive scalability. The unique microgravity environment facilitated optimal cell distribution and tissue growth, paving the way for potential future advancements in organ repair and replacement therapies.
Scientists tracked 6,000 penguin dives beneath Antarctic sea ice and found that...
In recent times, penguins face challenges in sourcing food due to altered prey behaviors. As krill and fish migrate deeper or spread out to elude predators, penguins must dive greater depths and swim longer distances in search of sustenance. Thus, it's crucial for conservation initiatives to take into account these changing hunting dynamics in our evolving oceans.
Scientists drilled 1.3 km beneath the Atlantic and found superheated water that may fuel one of Earth’s strangest sunless ecosystems
Scientists found superheated water deep beneath the ocean floor. This water's chemical makeup matches the Lost City's vent fluids. The discovery suggests a hidden source of hot, hydrogen-rich water. This helps understand life surviving without sunlight and potential extraterrestrial life. Further research will clarify underground fluid interactions and energy transport.
Nasa reveals why the Black Sea changes from dark blue to Turquoise each year
Nasa's PACE satellite captured striking images of the Black Sea's seasonal transformation. Tiny marine organisms called coccolithophores cause the water to appear milky blue. These blooms are visible from space and spread across vast ocean areas. Astronauts also photographed similar turquoise water spreading through the Bosphorus strait. These blooms help scientists monitor ocean ecosystems and carbon movement.
Scientists showed horses silent videos of wolves and found their hearts raced even when...
Horses exhibit an intriguing phenomenon when identifying predators on video screens—they experience heightened heart rates indicative of internal stress while showing no outward signs of fear. Notably, male horses and dominant herd members trigger stronger responses, challenging traditional views of prey animals' panic-driven behavior. Grasping this psychological disconnect is essential for improving horse welfare and ensuring rider safety.
