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: 43 min 20 sec ago
Faya was brought to Hawaii for its berries and later used in reforestation
Faya, originally brought to Hawaii for ornamental purposes, has established itself as an invasive species in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This tree disrupts the native ecosystem by altering soil pH and shading native plants. Birds play a crucial role in spreading Faya's berries, furthering its invasion. Control efforts include girdling the trees and applying herbicide to manage its spread.
In 1993, California's pocket mouse was rediscovered; 33 years later, 530+ have been reintroduced
Conservationists have been working to revive the Pacific pocket mouse populations in Southern California since their rediscovery in 1993. Since 2006, more than 530 mice have been released into their native habitats through the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's efforts. The establishment of a third population in North San Mateo marks progress in their recovery. Additionally, genetic rescue efforts are being initiated to improve genetic diversity among the reintroduced populations.
In 1876, a New York artist sculpted Cleopatra’s death; 100 years later, it was found as a horse’s gravestone
Edmonia Lewis, a trailblazing artist of mixed heritage, crafted the striking sculpture The Death of Cleopatra in 1876, which initially garnered accolades. However, the piece disappeared for many years, only to be found in an unsuspecting salvage yard. Faced with systemic discrimination, Lewis relocated to Rome for greater artistic prospects.
France’s Henri Kagan, Japan’s Kenso Soai win 2026 Nobel Chemistry Prize
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry is awarded annually as part of the Nobel Prizes established under the will of Swedish inventor and industrialist Alfred Nobel. Nobel, who made his fortune through inventions including dynamite, specified that prizes should be awarded to those who had made the “greatest benefit to humankind” in five fields: Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature and Peace.
In 2014, ship with 32M illegal cigarettes was sunk off Ireland; 12 years later, marine life has colonised the wreck
In a fascinating move, the MV Shingle was purposefully submerged along Ireland's northwest coast, transforming into a thriving artificial reef. Legal challenges and its deteriorating state made scrapping impractical, leading to its sinking in 2024. As marine life increasingly flourishes around the wreck, the area has seen a spike in biodiversity and year-round visitor interest, highlighting the necessity of effectively managing these ecological projects for lasting benefits.
3,000-year-old horse buried inside ancient Egyptian fortress may have been a chariot animal
Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a 3,000-year-old young male horse inside Egypt’s ancient Abqaa’ fortress, suggesting it may have been used to pull a chariot. Nearby harness fittings point to its military role. Excavations also uncovered tablets bearing the names of Ramesses II and Merneptah, along with a depiction of a captured Libyan prisoner from the Meshwesh tribe.
Lake Hartwell Shoreline Cleanup: Drought exposes long-hidden trash; volunteers pull record 36 tires
In a remarkable display of community spirit, volunteers have gathered over 8,300 pounds of litter from the shores of Lake Hartwell, driven by an ongoing drought that has unveiled hidden debris. Amid concerns regarding the Clemson Lower Diversion Dam Saddle Dike, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has enforced specific restrictions.
Chang’e-6 soil reveals metallic iron in lunar samples; it may preserve clues to Moon’s lost magnetic field
Recent analysis of lunar soil samples returned by China's Chang’e-6 mission revealed a unique form of iron. This iron, γ-Fe, exhibits exceptional magnetic properties, which could provide insights into the Moon's ancient magnetic field. Researchers suggest that extreme impacts on the lunar surface caused the formation and preservation of this unusual iron. The findings could enhance our understanding of the Moon's geological history and its evolution over time.
New dating rewrites history of Oklahoma meteor crater
Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin have traced the Ames meteor impact to approximately 370 million years ago, presenting a significant revision to the previously accepted estimate of 467 million years. This research connects the impact with the Frasnian-Famennian mass extinction event, employing zircon crystals to establish a more precise timeline, thus providing deeper insights into pivotal moments in Earth's geological history.
In 1987, ancient glass sponge reefs were found alive off Canada's Pacific coast after 40 million years
In 1987, Canadian scientists discovered ancient glass sponge reefs alive in British Columbia’s Hecate Strait, overturning the belief that these reef-building animals had vanished 40 million years ago. More than 9,000 years old, the reefs survive today in Hecate Strait, Queen Charlotte Sound and Howe Sound, creating a rare underwater ecosystem often called the “Sea of Glass.”
