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 39 min ago
Scientists planted 40,000 seedlings in Yosemite; 3 years later, meadow is still losing carbon
Scientists planted 40,000 native sedge seedlings in Yosemite National Park's Tuolumne Meadows to restore soil damaged by sheep grazing over a century ago. After three years, researchers found improvements in soil organic matter, but the meadow continued to lose more carbon than it gained. Scientists estimate that full recovery could take 25 to 50 years.
Florida restored a degraded oyster reef in 2018; density rose to 91 per sq m in six months and 244 by year five
Florida’s Lone Cabbage Reef, once a vibrant oyster habitat, faced severe decline before restoration efforts. Researchers rebuilt the reef in 2018 using dolomite limestone to create suitable surfaces for oyster larvae. Subsequent studies documented significant increases in oyster populations over five years, reaching densities of 244 oysters per square metre. The restoration benefited local fisheries, generating substantial economic impact and employment opportunities.
How an Indian professor’s research connects to the 2026 Medicine Nobel
During his doctoral research, Prof Suneel Kateriya made significant contributions to the understanding of light-sensitive proteins, specifically channelrhodopsins found in Chlamydomonas. His pioneering work not only clarified the DNA sequences encoding these proteins but also formed a crucial basis for the field of optogenetics, enabling the manipulation of nerve cells with light.
Pennsylvania awards $277,200 to protect 27 acres; woodland can absorb 22.5M gallons of rainwater
In a significant move for environmental conservation, a 27-acre forested area near Pittsburgh will receive lasting protection thanks to $277,200 in funding. This investment will facilitate the Lowries Run Expansion Project, essential for forest preservation. The woodland is expected to manage 22.5 million gallons of rainwater each year and eliminate more than 100,000 pounds of carbon.
Kris Tompkins’ group bought a 174,500-acre Chilean ranch in 2004; it became a park in 2018
In 2004, Kris Tompkins played a pivotal role in securing a Chilean ranch aimed at ecological restoration. This significant initiative targeted the revival of native ecosystems, minimizing livestock grazing impacts, and dismantling barriers that hinder wildlife. By 2018, the successful culmination of these efforts led to the formation of Patagonia National Park, enhancing the conservation footprint to cover 15 million acres combined across Chile and Argentina.
