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 26 min ago
In 2009, Minnesota treated Pickerel Lake with fish poison to remove common carp; water clarity rose nearly 600% and plant cover climbed from 4.6% to 90%
Pickerel Lake, Minnesota, has battled significant water quality and algal bloom problems for decades, primarily due to invasive common carp taking over the shallow waters. After their removal in 2009, the lake underwent a remarkable ecological revival, with water clarity significantly improving and native aquatic plants flourishing once more. This successful restoration highlights the pivotal role of addressing invasive species in revitalizing ecosystems.
Viking woman’s clothes preserved by her jewellery for 1,300 years
Danish archaeologists discovered rare Viking textile remains near Varde. Corrosion from jewelry preserved these ancient wool and linen fragments. This discovery offers a rare glimpse into Viking dress from 1,300 years ago. Researchers will analyze the fibers and teeth for more information. Dating the textiles will reveal if ornaments were new or inherited.
McDonald's-backed grants unlock $99.1m for conservation across 100,650 US acres
McDonald's and its partners are actively funding conservation easements throughout the United States. With these grants, they will preserve over 100,000 acres of essential grasslands, providing support for ranching communities and a variety of wildlife. The initiative seeks to secure important habitats and migration paths for numerous species while promoting sustainable practices in beef cattle production.
Three forgotten kings may change the accepted timeline of ancient Assyria
Research indicates that ancient Assyrian king lists could have neglected to mention several ephemeral rulers. Evidence points to three monarchs who temporarily ascended the throne amid turbulent political times. Their short reigns might have been intentionally omitted from the official historical timeline, raising questions about the accuracy of Assyria's established chronology.
Scientists spent 100 years discovering animals, reshaping where we see Earth’s biodiversity hotspots
A groundbreaking study has unveiled that taxonomic advancements have reshaped worldwide biodiversity maps over the last century. While reptile and amphibian diversity has markedly changed, bird and mammal distributions have remained mostly unchanged. Australia and Southeast Asia have been identified as key biodiversity hotspots for these groups. Moreover, factors influencing species richness are also shifting, with precipitation emerging as more crucial.
The Dead Sea has been building a salt floor for years; scientists reveal how it happens
Scientists have uncovered a double diffusion process explaining Dead Sea salt accumulation. Warm, salty upper waters interact with cooler, less salty layers below. This creates salt fingers which carry salt downwards to the lakebed. Numerical simulations confirmed this asymmetric fingering mechanism drives salt deposition. This process explains the continuous thickening of the Dead Sea floor with salt.
