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 11 min ago
Meet Felicette: France’s first cat in space and historic feline astronaut
In 1963, France launched Félicette, the first cat into space aboard a Véronique AGI 47 rocket. Her 13-minute suborbital flight provided valuable data on weightlessness and neurological activity. Félicette's mission marked a significant milestone for France in early animal space exploration.
NASA launches ESCAPADE mission to find life on Mars: How does the mission work?
NASA's ESCAPADE mission is launching two satellites, Blue and Gold, on November 9th to investigate Mars' lost atmosphere. This pioneering project aims to understand how solar wind stripped Mars' atmosphere, offering insights into planetary climate history and protecting Earth. The mission also pioneers a new trajectory for future crewed missions.
Hundreds of Amazon dolphins were boiled to death after lake temperatures surged to hot-tub levels
A severe drought and heatwave turned Brazil's Lake Tefé into a deadly cauldron, with water reaching 41°C. Hundreds of endangered Amazon river dolphins, along with vast numbers of fish, perished as the lake's ecosystem collapsed. Scientists warn this event, driven by climate change, is a stark preview of future ecological crises.
If you fell into a black hole, would you survive? What new research says about spaghettification
Falling into a black hole means facing extreme stretching, known as spaghettification, due to immense tidal forces. While supermassive black holes might allow crossing the event horizon intact, destruction is inevitable near the singularity. Scientists study this process to test physics boundaries and understand cosmic events, revealing insights into gravity and information paradoxes.
The deadly lake that turns animals to stone: Unravelling the mystery of Lake Natron’s red glow
Lake Natron in Tanzania presents a striking paradox. Its vibrant red waters, heated by volcanic activity, are deadly to many creatures. Yet, this harsh environment is the sole breeding ground for East Africa's lesser flamingos. The lake's unique ecosystem, sustained by microorganisms, faces threats from mining and climate change. This natural wonder showcases life's resilience in extreme conditions.
Scientists just discovered a new kind of ice ‘XXI’ and it’s nothing like the one in your freezer
Researchers have discovered that water, under extreme pressure, can freeze and melt through multiple unexpected pathways, forming new, short-lived ice phases like ice XXI. This reveals that water molecules can organize in more ways than previously thought, even at room temperature, with implications for understanding icy planets and materials science.
Indian-origin researchers awarded prestigious Schmidt Sciences AI2050 Fellowship: Who are they?
Three brilliant Indian-origin researchers, Surya Ganguli, Surbhi Goel, and Krishna Pillutla, have earned prestigious Schmidt Sciences AI2050 Fellowships. This recognition, backed by over $18 million, supports their vital work in ensuring artificial intelligence benefits humanity by 2050, focusing on safety, transparency, and societal impact. Their selection underscores India's growing influence in shaping AI's ethical future.
‘Beaver Moon’ lights up November sky: Stunning views captured in photos around the world
The Beaver Moon, the largest supermoon of 2025, graced the night sky on November 5th, captivating observers globally. This celestial event, named for beaver activity signaling winter's approach, appeared significantly larger and brighter due to its proximity to Earth. Stunning images captured its glow worldwide, highlighting its cultural significance and natural beauty.
Earth is losing its spark! NASA uncovers alarming shifts in climate balance
New satellite data reveals Earth is absorbing more sunlight. The Northern Hemisphere is darkening faster than the Southern Hemisphere. This imbalance affects global weather patterns and climate stability. Researchers studied twenty-four years of NASA data. Changes in aerosols, clouds, and surface conditions contribute to this darkening. The northern subtropics show the most pronounced effect.
How volcanoes form under the sea: Formation, eruptions and environmental impact
Underwater volcanoes are powerful geological forces shaping our planet and oceans. These hidden giants form through tectonic activity and magma rising from Earth's depths. While most eruptions are undetected, they can trigger tsunamis and alter ocean chemistry. Studying these remote volcanoes presents challenges, but ongoing research reveals their profound influence on marine life and global environments.
A 480-million-year-old fossil changes what we know about the origin of parasites
Ancient fossils unearthed in Morocco reveal parasitic worms burrowing into mollusc shells approximately 480 million years ago, pushing back the known timeline for parasitism by 60 million years. This discovery in the Fezouata Shale formation offers a remarkable glimpse into complex early marine ecosystems, showcasing sophisticated host-parasite interactions much earlier than previously believed.
Astrophysicist Brian Cox shares ‘reliable’ sources amid ‘alien spaceship’ theories on comet 3I/ATLAS
Professor Brian Cox has dismissed claims that the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is an alien spacecraft, calling such theories “drivel.” He explained the comet is entirely natural, composed of carbon dioxide and water ices, and poses no threat to Earth. Cox urged people to trust verified scientific sources over speculation, countering Harvard physicist Avi Loeb’s alien-origin theory.
American physicist Brian cox shares ‘reliable’ sources amid ‘alien spaceship’ theories on comet 3I/ATLAS
Professor Brian Cox has dismissed claims that the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is an alien spacecraft, calling such theories “drivel.” He explained the comet is entirely natural, composed of carbon dioxide and water ices, and poses no threat to Earth. Cox urged people to trust verified scientific sources over speculation, countering Harvard physicist Avi Loeb’s alien-origin theory.
‘NASA shouldn’t be building rockets anymore’: Jared Isaacman calls for pursuing the ‘near impossible’
NASA nominee Jared Isaacman suggests a mission shift. He believes NASA should pioneer advanced technologies like nuclear propulsion. Private companies can then take over these proven systems. This approach avoids duplicating commercial efforts. NASA's focus would be on the truly challenging, frontier space exploration goals.
What Stephen Hawking said about God and what happens after we die
Stephen Hawking, one of the greatest minds of our time, often faced big questions about God and what happens after we die. His replies were calm but striking, he didn’t believe in heaven or an afterlife, seeing life as a precious moment shaped by science. Yet his curiosity showed a deep awe for the universe.
