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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 33 min ago

Nasa's NISAR satellite captures a striking 'hummingbird' pattern hidden in Antarctica's ice

23/07/2026
Nasa's NISAR satellite captured Antarctica's unique hummingbird ice formation. This striking pattern resulted from a mountain interrupting the slow movement of glacier ice. Advanced radar technology mapped hidden details within the icy terrain, revealing cracks and shifting patterns. The image shows how Antarctica's glaciers respond to the landscape beneath them. This joint mission between Nasa and Isro uses sophisticated radar systems.

Empty seashells became the ocean’s first ready-made homes 470 million years ago

23/07/2026
Approximately 470 million years ago, ancient mollusc shells started to serve as habitats for small sea creatures, initiating a profound ecological transformation across global ocean ecosystems. These empty shells offered safe havens and surfaces for tiny marine animals to cling to, with their shapes playing crucial roles in determining the size and variety of these diverse communities, an ancient behavior that laid the groundwork for today's oceanic life.

Scientists turned used coffee grounds into a high-energy charcoal-like fuel in just 90 seconds

23/07/2026
South Korean scientists have developed a novel method for converting wet coffee grounds into fuel. Their plasma pyrolysis technique uses moisture as an advantage, transforming waste in just ninety seconds. This process creates a porous biochar with a heating value comparable to coal. The technology could also be adapted for other wet organic waste streams. This innovation offers a practical solution for energy recovery from abundant discarded materials.

Scientists drill 33 feet into a vanishing glacier to recover a 2,000-year old record of...

23/07/2026
A remarkable ice core from the Alps has revealed a comprehensive climate timeline spanning 2,000 years. It documents early instances of metal smelting, extensive forest fires, and even volcanic ash from distant eruptions. This icy archive acts as a vital record of air quality in Europe before industrial contaminants took hold. As glaciers retreat, scientists are in a race against time to safeguard these precious climate memories for future generations.

Scientists uncover 500 plus new bacterial species hidden in Great Barrier Reef

23/07/2026
Scientists have created the first comprehensive map of the Great Barrier Reef's open-water microbiome by analysing DNA from 48 reefs. The study identified 584 previously unknown bacterial species and more than 362,000 viruses. Researchers say the database could help monitor reef health and detect environmental changes before visible damage appears.

China is building a 'Mach 26 asteroid hammer' to strike space rocks before they hit Earth

23/07/2026
China is developing an ambitious planetary defense strategy to protect Earth. The mission utilises a powerful Long March 5 rocket for significant impact velocity. This high-speed approach aims to reduce the time needed for asteroid threats. China's strategy contributes to a global safety net against cosmic dangers.

Australian agronomist Tony Rinaudo's FMNR revives Niger's dry landscapes with 200 million trees

23/07/2026
An Australian agronomist's simple idea transformed Niger's dry landscapes into a success story. Tony Rinaudo helped farmers regenerate over 200 million trees by reviving existing root systems. This low-cost approach restored millions of hectares of degraded farmland and improved food security. Indigenous trees regenerated, providing shade, preventing soil erosion, and enriching the soil. The technique is now a global model for restoring degraded land worldwide.

Thousands of idle ships trapped near the Strait of Hormuz could become floating nurseries for invasive marine species

23/07/2026
Ships lingering in the Persian Gulf could unintentionally facilitate the spread of harmful marine invaders worldwide. Extended anchorage allows marine organisms to thrive on the hulls, creating significant biofouling concerns that threaten global maritime commerce. These invasive species can inflict extensive ecological and economic harm on coastal areas. It is imperative for nations to join forces to address biofouling issues and prevent future outbreaks of invasion.

Orcas filmed tearing apart giant Sunfish with new hunting technique

23/07/2026
Researchers have documented a previously unknown hunting behaviour in orcas in the Gulf of California. The animals were filmed working together to hold and ram giant sharp-tail sunfish until the carcass broke into thousands of pieces. Scientists believe the behaviour may help younger orcas feed more easily or could simply be play.

Climate change is driving beavers into Canada's Arctic, where they are reshaping the landscape

23/07/2026
A new study has traced the northward expansion of North American beavers into Canada's Arctic by analysing shrub growth scars and satellite images. Researchers found evidence of colonisation beginning in 2008 and say the method can help track wildlife spread, landscape changes and the effects of climate change in remote Arctic regions.

Scientists claim Moon is drifting away from Earth at 3.8 centimetres a year. What will happen to the planet as it goes further?

23/07/2026
The Moon is gradually distancing itself from Earth, which has significant implications for our planet. Over millions of years, this migration will result in extended daylight hours and the end of total solar eclipses. Furthermore, the weakened tides will disrupt coastal ecosystems and marine life. As the Moon ascends to a higher orbit, Earth's rotation continues to decelerate, marking a slow but profound transformation in our natural environment.

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