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: 52 min 39 sec ago
First animal in space! Brave stray dog whose 1957 space mission made history and never returned
Laika, a stray dog from Moscow, became the first living creature to orbit Earth aboard Sputnik 2 in 1957. Her one-way mission, intended to gather data on life in space, tragically ended within hours due to overheating. Despite her sacrifice, the vital information gathered paved the way for future human space missions.
Understanding male fertility and health: Why size doesn’t always matter in men according to science
New research challenges the 'bigger is better' mentality, revealing that increased male body size and fat mass are linked to declining reproductive health and fertility. Studies show higher body fat can suppress testosterone and reduce sperm quality, while moderate hormone levels and a balanced lifestyle are crucial for optimal male well-being and reproductive function.
Why the sound of chewing, tapping or clicking drives you mad, according to neuroscience
Certain everyday sounds trigger intense emotional and physical reactions in some individuals due to abnormal brain connections between auditory and emotional regions. This condition, misophonia, causes harmless noises to be perceived as threats, leading to involuntary anger or anxiety. Understanding this biological and psychological basis is the first step to managing these reactions.
US President Donald Trump re-nominates Jared Isaacman as NASA chief to strengthen partnerships and space economy
President Donald Trump has renominated billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator, reversing an earlier withdrawal. Isaacman, a seasoned pilot and private astronaut, is praised for his expertise and dedication to advancing space exploration and the space economy. This move signals a renewed focus on collaboration between NASA and private space companies.
Chucarosaurus diripienda: The dinosaur so massive it shattered roads and transformed how scientists study titanosaurs
A colossal titanosaur, Chucarosaurus diripienda, unearthed in Patagonia, measured 30 meters and weighed tens of tonnes. Its immense size even cracked a road during transport, highlighting its incredible bulk. This discovery offers new insights into how these giants evolved, moved, and survived, challenging previous notions of their agility and strength.
Watch: China’s astronauts grill chicken, steak in space — why it matters
China's space program has achieved a milestone with astronauts on Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 missions using a new space oven to barbecue chicken wings and cook steak. This advanced, smokeless oven significantly reduces cooking time compared to previous international experiments, enhancing astronaut living conditions and morale on long-duration missions.
Caught on camera: Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS reappears after solar swing — first optical image captured
Astronomers have captured the first optical image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS after its close pass by the Sun. This rare cosmic visitor, travelling at immense speed, is now visible through amateur telescopes. Scientists are eager to study its composition as it moves away, offering insights into its ancient origins.
November supermoon 2025: Witness the closest and brightest full moon of the year with tips on how and when to watch the Beaver Moon
Sky watchers will witness a spectacular celestial event on November 6, 2025. The Beaver Moon will be the closest full moon of the year. It will appear larger and brighter than any other moon in 2025. This event offers a rare chance to see the moon in its full glory. Another supermoon will occur on December 6, 2025.
Your zodiac sign is 2,000 years out of date
Your zodiac sign may be inaccurate. Ancient astronomers based signs on constellations. Earth's wobble has shifted these star patterns over 2,000 years. Today, Western astrology uses seasonal signs, not star positions. Indian astrology aligns with star movements. Astronomy and astrology separated long ago. Belief in astrology persists due to its adaptability.
Gsat-7R: Isro launches heaviest communication satellite from India
India's ISRO successfully launched the 4,410kg CMS-03 satellite, also known as Gsat-7R, on its heaviest LVM3 rocket. This advanced communication satellite will significantly boost the Indian Navy's telecommunication coverage across the Indian Ocean Region, enhancing secure connectivity for maritime operations with indigenous technology.
November Supermoon: When you can see it in New York, Washington, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, and other cities
Earth witnesses its closest lunar rendezvous of 2025 on November 5-6, a supermoon appearing larger and brighter. This 'Beaver Moon' offers a spectacular, free celestial event. While astronomers explain its elliptical orbit, poets find inspiration. Best viewed around moonrise or moonset, it's a reminder of our place in the cosmos.
Scientists have finally solved the 'tiny' T-Rex mystery
A groundbreaking study has settled a 40-year debate: the 'tiny tyrant' fossil is not a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex but a distinct species, Nanotyrannus lancensis. Researchers analyzed the 'dueling dinosaurs' specimen, revealing it was a 20-year-old adult with unique skull and limb features, suggesting a more complex Cretaceous ecosystem than previously believed.
Scientists discover 42,000-year-old ‘crayon’ — colouring a new picture of early humans
Archaeologists have discovered a 42,000-year-old yellow ochre stick in Crimea and Ukraine, suggesting Neanderthals possessed artistic capabilities. This ancient tool, meticulously shaped and reused, indicates symbolic behavior and creativity, challenging the long-held perception of Neanderthals as less sophisticated than early humans. The find suggests a rich Neanderthal art scene predating Homo sapiens.
What does 3I/ATLAS stand for? Where is it from? Everything you need to know to geek out about our interstellar guest
A rare cosmic visitor, 3I/ATLAS, the third confirmed interstellar object, was discovered in July 2025. This object, on a hyperbolic orbit, originated from beyond our solar system and will depart permanently. Visible only through powerful telescopes as a faint blue-green dot, it offers a unique opportunity to study material from another star system.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX unveils bold ‘simplified’ Starship plan to accelerate Artemis 3 Moon mission and ensure astronaut safety
SpaceX has submitted a simplified Starship mission plan to NASA, aiming for a faster and safer lunar landing. This comes amid NASA's concerns about the rocket's readiness for Artemis III, with the agency reportedly facing internal pressures. SpaceX highlighted its development milestones and upcoming tests, including crucial in-space refuelling demonstrations.
How to watch interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS passing through the solar system: When, where and tips to spot this rare cosmic visitor
A rare interstellar visitor, comet 3I/ATLAS, is currently traversing our solar system, offering scientists a unique chance to study an object from another star. This comet, unlike those orbiting our Sun, follows a one-time hyperbolic path. Best viewing opportunities are in the eastern predawn sky mid-to-late November 2025, requiring at least an eight-inch telescope.
NASA reimagines space junk as an economic equation: How a new cost lens could save the future of orbit
NASA's new research reframes orbital debris as a financial risk, quantifying the economic impact of collisions and mission losses. This cost-benefit analysis prioritizes efficient mitigation strategies like rapid deorbiting. Furthermore, studies reveal space debris holds latent resource potential, suggesting a dual approach of removal and in-space recycling for metals like aluminum and titanium.
3I/ATLAS may be the oldest comet ever seen in 7 billion years, carrying secrets from before the solar system began
Astronomers have identified 3I/ATLAS, an ancient, ice-rich interstellar comet potentially older than our solar system. Discovered by the University of Oxford, its origin in the Milky Way's thick disk offers a unique glimpse into early galactic processes. Scientists anticipate studying its composition as it nears the Sun, providing vital clues about the formation of stars and planetary systems.
