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: 21 min 24 sec ago
Are Earth’s oceans nearing collapse? NASA’s 2025 prediction warns of a potential 2050 climate disaster
Decades after his initial climate warning, NASA scientist James Hansen now highlights an alarming acceleration in climate shifts. His team's research points to a potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) within 20-30 years, a critical system regulating global temperatures. This could trigger catastrophic weather changes, but solutions like carbon fees and public awareness offer hope.
‘Cannibal’ solar storm: Aurora australis puts on dazzling show across New Zealand & Australia
Australia and New Zealand witnessed a spectacular aurora australis, a 'cannibal' solar storm causing vibrant pink, violet, and green lights. This G4 geomagnetic storm, one of the strongest, was caused by colliding solar energy bursts. Another viewing opportunity is expected tonight, though geomagnetic activity is declining.
Solar storms delay the launch of Blue Origin's big new rocket with Mars orbiters for Nasa
An aggressive solar storm has caused Blue Origin to delay the anticipated launch of its colossal New Glenn rocket, meant to carry Nasa's Mars orbiters, from sunny Florida. After initially grounding the mission because of inclement weather, the launch has now been postponed due to fears of radiation spikes affecting the spacecraft's systems.
Humans have a secret ‘seventh sense’ — and it could let them feel things from a distance
Scientists have uncovered a remarkable 'remote touch' sense in humans, enabling detection of hidden objects beneath surfaces. Experiments show people can locate items buried in sand with surprising accuracy, a feat previously deemed impossible. This discovery, mimicking shorebirds, suggests our tactile perception is far more advanced than understood and has potential applications in robotics and exploration.
Interstellar object 3I/ATLAS mystery solved: Astronomers detect first radio signal revealing its origins
Scientists have detected the first radio signal from interstellar object 3I/ATLAS. This discovery confirms the object is a natural comet, not an alien probe. The signal revealed natural emissions from hydroxyl radicals, a sign of water activity. This finding settles debates about its origin. The object is an ancient comet from another star system.
Why are human babies so helpless? Scientists say it’s what makes us smart
Human babies are born remarkably helpless, a deliberate evolutionary advantage. This early dependence allows for extended brain development outside the womb, fostering exceptional intelligence and adaptability. Cooperative childcare and a long childhood are crucial for learning, social bonding, and the complex problem-solving that defines our species. Embracing this slow development nurtures crucial emotional and intellectual growth.
NASA explores mealworms and crickets as the next astronaut food source
NASA is exploring edible insects like mealworms and crickets for long-duration space missions to the Moon and Mars. These protein-rich creatures offer a sustainable food source, requiring minimal resources and converting waste into edible biomass. Scientists are developing methods to farm them in microgravity, aiming for self-sustaining food cycles that could revolutionize space exploration and even benefit Earth.
Northern Lights Stun America: Rare Aurora Borealis lights up skies from Texas to New York
A rare, powerful geomagnetic storm recently illuminated the American skies with vibrant auroras, captivating onlookers from coast to coast. This celestial spectacle, a beautiful byproduct of solar activity, momentarily united a divided nation in shared wonder. While the lights offered a breathtaking display, they also highlighted our technological vulnerability to such natural phenomena.
How ESA plans to make astronaut food from thin air for Moon and Mars missions
Europe's space agency is pioneering a groundbreaking project, HOBI-WAN, to generate protein from gases like hydrogen and carbon dioxide in space. This innovative technology, developed with Solar Foods, could provide astronauts with a sustainable food source, reducing reliance on Earth resupply missions for long-duration Moon and Mars journeys. The experiment aims to prove the viability of gas-based fermentation in microgravity.
Woodpeckers as nature’s living hammers: How they use their body for powerful, injury-free pecking
Woodpeckers are nature's engineers. They use their whole bodies, not just their heads, to peck trees. Their neck, torso, and tail work together. Even their breathing is timed for maximum force. This amazing coordination protects them from injury. Scientists are studying this to inspire new designs in engineering and sports.
Blue Origin postpones New Glenn Rocket launch due to weather: NASA ESCAPADE Mars Probes now set for 12 November 2025
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket launch carrying NASA's ESCAPADE Mars probes was postponed due to unfavorable weather at Cape Canaveral. The delay, initially set for November 9, 2025, was further complicated by new FAA restrictions on commercial launches during the ongoing government shutdown. The next launch attempt is now scheduled for November 12, 2025.
3I/ATLAS’ new image revealed! Giant core, strange sunward jets, twin anti-tails, and unseen cosmic secrets
A new image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS reveals unprecedented jet structures, including dual anti-tail jets pointing towards the Sun. These massive features, extending millions of kilometers, challenge current scientific understanding of interstellar objects and suggest a significantly larger nucleus than previously estimated. Experts are analyzing the data to unravel the comet's composition and dynamic behavior.
Ecuador, not Everest, is the closest place on Earth to outer space; here’s the reason
Ecuador's Mount Chimborazo is scientifically closer to space than Mount Everest, not due to sea-level height, but Earth's equatorial bulge. This bulge makes points near the equator farther from the planet's center. Chimborazo's summit extends 2.1 kilometers further from Earth's core than Everest's, making it the most distant surface point from the planet's center and thus closest to outer space.
Scientists discover a new pink Sea Anemone that builds and expands shells for hermit crabs
Scientists found a new sea anemone species off Japan's coast. This anemone, named Paracalliactis tsukisome, builds shell-like homes for hermit crabs. The anemone gets stability and mobility. The crab gets a permanent, growing home. This partnership shows how species cooperate in deep-sea environments. The discovery highlights surprising ingenuity in marine life.
3I/ATLAS set to reappear on 11 November 2025: How to see the rare interstellar visitor and what it reveals about deep space
A rare interstellar comet, 3I/ATLAS, will grace the eastern pre-dawn sky on November 11, 2025. Discovered in July 2025, this celestial visitor, only the third of its kind, will require a telescope for viewing. Scientists are eagerly studying its composition and mysterious origins, hoping to unlock secrets from beyond our solar system.
Cat-sized dinosaur discovered in Colorado offers clues to how small species survived the Jurassic
A cat-sized dinosaur, Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae, unearthed in Colorado, is revolutionizing our understanding of small Jurassic herbivores. This swift runner, now in London, provides crucial insights into dinosaur evolution and the diverse ecosystems of the Morrison Formation. Its discovery, aided by 3D scanning, makes this remarkable find accessible to scientists globally, revealing how agility helped small creatures survive among giants.
Is this the real image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS? A viral post claims Japan’s space agency captured it
A viral image, allegedly from Japan's space agency, has sparked renewed global interest in interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. While unconfirmed, the depiction, based on imaging and spectral data, offers a realistic view of the rare celestial visitor. This has prompted astronomers to re-examine the comet's origins and its remarkable journey through our solar system.
Why is the Moon slowly moving away from Earth every year and what does it reveal about our planet’s future
Our Moon is slowly drifting away from Earth, not just due to tidal friction as previously thought. New research suggests ancient planetary impacts and Earth's internal cooling, causing contraction and faster rotation, are also significant drivers. This complex interplay reshapes our cosmic relationship and offers insights into other planetary systems.
Mystery deepens: Interstellar object 3I/ATLAS shows no comet tail and leaves scientists stunned
Interstellar object 3I/ATLAS has surprised scientists by showing no cometary tail after passing close to the Sun. This unexpected behavior challenges the assumption that it's a typical comet, fueling debate about its origin and the formation of objects from other star systems. Further observations are planned to unravel its true nature.
