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 36 min ago
Less than 30% of Earth’s ocean floor has been mapped while scientists still have clearer high-resolution data of Mars than most of the seabed covering our own planet
Despite the vastness of Earth's oceans, only about thirty percent of the seafloor is charted to modern specifications, revealing a stark difference with Mars, whose surface boasts complete mapping. The Seabed 2030 initiative has dramatically improved ocean coverage from six to nearly twenty-nine percent. This meticulous mapping relies on ships and sonar, a time-intensive endeavor crucial for effective tsunami predictions and maintaining submarine cables.
In 1847, a Vienna doctor discovered that handwashing with chlorine could cut childbirth deaths by 90 percent, but the medical world refused to believe him
In a radical move, Ignaz Semmelweis mandated handwashing in hospitals, drastically reducing maternal mortality rates. Despite evidence supporting his approach, he faced fierce opposition from fellow medical professionals, as he couldn't provide a scientific rationale for his findings. Much later, the establishment of germ theory validated his revolutionary work, leading to fundamental changes in medical practices that ultimately saved innumerable lives.
Largest Genetic Anxiety Map: study finds 74 genome regions; signals new treatment targets
A groundbreaking genetic study uncovered seventy-four genome regions associated with anxiety symptoms, significantly expanding on previous research. The findings suggest that numerous small genetic variations contribute to the risk of anxiety. Additionally, a connection was identified between anxiety-related genes and physical health conditions, paving the way for innovative treatment strategies for anxiety disorders.
300,000-year-old Homo naledi fossils from a South African cave suggest the ancient human relative may have been a female-only species, new study reveals
A recent examination of ancient dental remains from South Africa's cave systems has led to a striking conclusion. Proteomic analysis revealed solely female protein markers in the samples examined. This intriguing finding implies that all identified Homo naledi individuals could potentially be female. Researchers are currently delving into possible explanations for this unexpected trend, which raises significant questions regarding established beliefs about the species' gender distribution.
Seabird Crisis: Why California's mass seabird die-off could be more than a temporary tragedy
California's coast is witnessing a heartbreaking seabird crisis, with thousands of emaciated birds washing ashore. This alarming trend, driven by a prolonged marine heatwave and El Niño, is disrupting the ocean's food web. Scientists warn this could be a clear sign of climate change's severe impact on marine ecosystems, with potential long-term consequences for biodiversity and coastal economies.
For the first time, scientists have recovered ancient DNA left behind on cave walls and rock art, opening a new way to study the people who made prehistoric art thousands of years ago
In an extraordinary breakthrough, researchers have isolated ancient human DNA from prehistoric cave paintings found in Spain and Portugal. Published in Nature Communications, this pioneering work opens doors to identifying the creators of these works, including their gender and lineage. The DNA seems to have seeped through bodily fluids, giving us a fascinating link to the artists who crafted these enduring relics thousands of years ago.
China is building a different kind of AI and it is much more advanced and nuanced than classic chatbots and AGI
China is pioneering a distinct AI approach, prioritizing systems for real-time urban, industrial, and logistical coordination over Western chatbot and AGI focus. This strategy emphasizes prediction, management, and continuous adaptation within complex environments. By viewing AI as essential infrastructure, China aims to create intelligent systems that govern movement and respond dynamically to change, reflecting a broader, process-oriented understanding of intelligence.
