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 47 min ago
Worms turn human waste into compost, but parasitic eggs can survive the process
Research indicates that tiger worms did not decompose Ascaris eggs present in faecal waste during lab trials. The eggs remained intact and capable of survival following prolonged exposure to the worms. A majority of the eggs were discovered within the coir layer of the biodigesters. As a result, the produced vermicompost and effluent must not be deemed safe for farming, necessitating additional testing for products from tiger worm toilets.
Scientists fooled 11 bat species with fake water covered in clear plastic
Bats often confuse smooth artificial surfaces for water through their echolocation abilities. Researchers discovered that multiple bat species, including those still inexperienced with water, persistently tried to drink from these misleading surfaces. This intriguing behavior underscores the significant role of echolocation in shaping bats' environmental perceptions and suggests that artificial surfaces can emit deceptive acoustic cues that alter their natural behaviour.
In 1967, Nasa flew flour beetle pupae into space; wing abnormalities rose from 29.9% to 44.8%
Nasa's Biosatellite II experiment studied flour beetle pupae in space. Radiation exposure significantly increased wing abnormalities in these insects. Ground control beetles showed fewer developmental issues compared to flight samples. The mission also noted a longer pupal period for flight samples. This difference was attributed to temperature changes, not weightlessness itself.
After Brecksville Dam was removed, free-flowing habitat linked to Lake Erie more than doubled to 71 km
A restored Lake Erie wetland saw millions of aquatic animals after reconnection to waterways. High-resolution sonar tracked over 3.4 million fish movements into and out of the marsh. Fish utilized the habitat throughout the day and night, showing continuous usage patterns. This research provides clear evidence of how aquatic species use restored coastal habitats. The findings inform management decisions for Great Lakes coastal wetland restoration efforts.
