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: 25 min 14 sec ago
In 1895, Wilhelm Rontgen noticed a glowing screen in a dark lab, tested it on a hand, and launched modern medical imaging
A chance observation in a late 1895 lab led to Wilhelm Röntgen's discovery of X-rays, revolutionizing medicine. Initially used to locate fractures and foreign objects without surgery, the technology quickly moved from labs to hospitals. Röntgen's iconic image of his wife's hand showcased the power of seeing inside the body, transforming diagnostics and patient care forever.
This newly developed technology is successfully turning carbon dioxide into 110 pounds of daily fuel
The 5 biggest meteorites on Earth, and the largest one, was too heavy to move from where it crashed
Discover the colossal meteorites that dwarf typical museum displays, with some weighing up to 60 tons. These massive iron and nickel fragments, like the immovable Hoba in Namibia and Argentina's El Chaco, offer insights into the early solar system. Their survival is attributed to the durability of iron meteorites during atmospheric entry.
In 1967, a Cambridge student spotted a ‘scruffy’ printout blip that revealed the universe’s mysterious ticking stars
A young scientist discovered a strange signal in 1967. This signal came from a rapidly rotating stellar corpse, a pulsar. Pulsars are collapsed stars that emit powerful energy rays. Their discovery confirmed theories about neutron stars. These cosmic clocks help scientists test physics and study space-time. The discovery changed our understanding of the universe.
In 1978, a Mexico City street dig unearthed a colossal Aztec stone disk that reopened the sacred heart of the ancient empire
In 1978, utility workers in Mexico City unearthed the massive Coyolxauhqui Stone, a significant Aztec artefact. This discovery revealed the Templo Mayor, the empire's religious and political centre, buried beneath the modern city. The find initiated a major archaeological dig, uncovering a vast complex and demonstrating that Aztec history remains present beneath the urban landscape.
Scientists looked inside Bolivia’s zombie volcano, and the reality eased everyone’s fears
Mount Uturuncu, a Bolivian volcano, is not on the brink of a massive eruption as previously feared. New research reveals its 'zombie' behaviour stems from migrating hydrothermal fluids and gases, not an imminent magma buildup. While still active and hot, this discovery reduces immediate eruption concerns, suggesting the volcano is expelling steam rather than preparing to explode.
Neanderthal Dental Surgery Found: Study reveals drilled molar and survival; reshapes view of empathy
Ancient Neanderthals practiced sophisticated dental care, performing effective procedures around 60,000 years ago. Archaeological findings reveal a molar with an intentionally drilled hole, suggesting a deliberate attempt to relieve pain from infection. This discovery highlights a deep-seated human drive for healing and mutual support, predating modern medicine and challenging outdated perceptions of our ancient relatives.
High-Tech Solves Doorless Church Puzzle: study recasts Krakow rotunda as private royal chapel; new scans overturn crypt-and-ladder theories
A 2,000-year-old Polish church, long baffling historians with its lack of an entrance, has revealed its secret. New research suggests the rotunda wasn't a standalone structure but part of a royal palace complex. An enclosed walkway likely connected it to royal residences, making an external door unnecessary and preserving privacy.
Scientists drilled 1.5 miles deep into Canadian rock and found water older than animals
Canadian scientists unearthed ancient water, potentially 1.5 to 2 billion years old, trapped in rock fractures deep within the Kidd Creek Mine. This groundbreaking discovery challenges our understanding of underground life and Earth's history, suggesting isolated water systems can persist for eons, offering insights for astrobiology and the search for life on other planets.
What scientists found near Earth’s core could explain strange magnetic patterns
New research suggests giant structures beneath Earth's mantle significantly influence the planet's magnetic field over long periods. These Large Low-Shear Velocity Provinces (LLSVPs) affect heat transfer from the core, consequently altering the molten metal movements that generate the magnetosphere. This interconnected system implies deep Earth processes play a crucial role in geomagnetic field evolution.
The billion-year gap: Why the Grand Canyon is hiding a massive chapter of Earth’s missing history
The Grand Canyon reveals a significant geological gap, the Great Unconformity, representing 1.3 billion years of missing Earth history. Recent studies challenge the "Snowball Earth" theory, suggesting erosion occurred in multiple pulses, possibly linked to supercontinent cycles and tectonic plate movement. This absence of time offers valuable insights into Earth's past.
