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: 4 min 53 sec ago
Scientists studied 30 Sierra Nevada ponds that can swing 20°C in a day. Shrinking snowpack may make them smaller, warmer and more nutrient-rich
Mountain ponds in California's Sierra Nevada show significant daily temperature changes. Winter snowpack profoundly influences pond size and water temperature throughout summer. Less snowfall leads to warmer, smaller ponds with concentrated nutrients. Climate change projections indicate reduced snowpack, impacting these delicate ecosystems. These small water bodies play a crucial role in mountain biodiversity and nutrient cycling.
Japan’s abandoned rice fields are being restored into year-round wetlands to replenish groundwater and bring back frogs, dragonflies and endangered aquatic wildlife
Abandoned rice fields in Japan's Aso region are being restored into permanent wetlands to help refill groundwater and provide a safe habitat for frogs, dragonflies and other freshwater wildlife. The community-led project brings together local residents and researchers, showing how unused farmland can support biodiversity while helping restore water resources for the future.
Chicago-sized iceberg A-84 breaks away from Antarctica: Scientists warn melting ice could raise sea level and threaten coastal cities from New York to Mumbai
A massive iceberg named A-84 calved from Antarctica, revealing a hidden marine ecosystem. Scientists investigated the newly exposed seafloor using a high-tech underwater robot. This discovery showed a colourful landscape of diverse marine life thriving for centuries. The iceberg's breakaway also highlights the alarming rate of Antarctic ice melt. Understanding these changes is critical for predicting future sea level rise.
Scientists find two tiny frogs living together in a misty Peruvian forest above 3,000 metres
Scientists discovered two new tiny frog species in Peru's elfin forests. These unique frogs belong to the Phrynopus group and hatch as miniature adults. One frog displays bright red patches, while the other shows bold black markings. Their elfin forest habitat is rare and faces threats from human activities. These discoveries highlight the ongoing exploration of unexplored natural environments.
Scientists find microplastics in one of Earth's most isolated ecosystems: Indian Ocean hit hardest with up to 14.7 times more particles than Pacific specimens
Microplastics have infiltrated remote deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems globally. A recent study found microplastics in ninety-two percent of examined deep-sea animals. Polystyrene was the most frequently detected polymer among the plastic particles found. Feeding behavior influenced microplastic accumulation within the animals' bodies. Animals from the Indian Ocean showed significantly higher microplastic concentrations than Pacific specimens.