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: 2 hours 11 min ago
Between 1969 and 1972, US released a weevil to fight musk thistle; it later attacked native thistles
A biological control initiative aimed at managing invasive thistles integrated a weevil specifically targeting musk thistle. Unfortunately, this insect extended its reach to native plant species, leading to detrimental effects on local thistles, including an endangered variety that experienced a decline in seed production. This situation underscores the critical importance of careful evaluation in invasive species control programs.
China becomes first to recover orbital rockets using two methods: How Zhuque-3 works
China's LandSpace company achieved a significant milestone in reusable rocket technology. The Zhuque-3 rocket's first stage successfully landed vertically on land after launch. This achievement demonstrates a key step towards reducing space launch costs for China. The successful recovery follows modifications after a previous mission's failure. This development supports China's expanding satellite internet ambitions and global space market competition.
Why Nataraja Statue Stands At CERN: India’s gift meets particle physics
In 2004, India presented CERN with a statue of Shiva Nataraja, a powerful symbol of cosmic creation and destruction. This statue serves as a metaphor for the essence of scientific exploration. At CERN, researchers delve into the universe's tiniest components and its earliest moments, viewing Shiva's dance as a representation of the ever-changing behavior of subatomic particles, weaving together ancient mythology and contemporary scientific knowledge.
