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 40 min ago
In 1748, a search for water led to the uncovering of Pompeii, a city frozen in time for 1,700 years
An accidental discovery in 1748 unearthed Pompeii, a Roman city preserved by volcanic ash. This find revolutionized archaeology, revealing intact streets and homes. The eruption preserved the city, offering a unique glimpse into ancient Roman urban life and its people. The excavation sparked a cultural shift, influencing art and design across Europe.
A biscuit tin secret comes to light as a former thief returns medieval tiles after sixty years
A man in England returned medieval floor tiles he took as a child over sixty years ago, stored in a biscuit tin. His act of repentance, driven by persistent guilt, has provided English Heritage with well-preserved artefacts, offering new insights into the history of Wenlock Priory and the Cluniac Order.
In 1947, a shepherd boy threw a rock into a desert cave and unearthed the scrolls that rewrote history
A shepherd boy's lost goat led to a monumental discovery in 1947. He found ancient pottery in a cave near Qumran. Inside, he discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls, a hidden library. These scrolls offer a unique window into ancient Jewish life and the Bible's history. Their preservation is a testament to nature and human effort.
Once-in-170,000-year comet is streaking across the sky with glowing blue-green light: Spot it over Australia and New Zealand
A rare long-period comet, C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS), is currently visible in southern skies for a limited time. Originating from the Oort Cloud, this ancient remnant is now moving away from the Sun, causing its brightness to decline. Observers in New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa have a brief window to view its blue-green glow with binoculars or telescopes.
Psychology explains why you randomly capitalise letters in words while writing
Writing with mixed capital letters is common. Experts say this quirk reveals emotions, personality, or stress. It can be an involuntary communication method. It may also signal a need for self-expression. Psychologists link it to impulsiveness, anxiety, or creativity. Emotions and stress often influence writing consistency. This style can also be a sign of individualism and artistic exploration.
Meet Janaki Ammal: The scientist whose research powers India’s sugarcane revolution and ethanol growth
Dr. E. K. Janaki Ammal's pioneering work in plant genetics significantly boosted India's sugarcane production. By developing hybrid varieties suited to local climates, she enabled higher sugar yields, transforming the sector. Her research laid the groundwork for India's current status as a major sugar producer and a key player in ethanol production, contributing to energy security.
Mexico City Subsidence Study: NISAR maps rapid sinking over 2 cm a month; data warn of global groundwater risk
Mexico City is sinking. New satellite technology from NASA is precisely measuring how much the city is sinking each month. This subsidence is caused by groundwater depletion. The problem has been known for a long time. The new data will help scientists understand the issue better and plan for the future. This is a global problem affecting many cities.
Backyard Ant-Wasp Discovery: 8-year-old spots oak galls with ants; study reveals seed-like chemical lure
A young boy's backyard discovery revealed a surprising connection. Wasps trick ants into moving oak galls, similar to how ants move seeds. This happens because galls have a special part that smells like seeds to ants. This clever adaptation helps protect wasp larvae. The finding highlights nature's hidden systems and the value of curiosity.
Ontario Spearhead Discovery: Farm family uncovers 12,500-year-old fluted point; hints at Paleoindian hunters
A routine farm cleanup in Ontario unearthed a remarkable 12,500-year-old fluted spearhead, a testament to early human ingenuity. This discovery offers a rare glimpse into the Paleoindian era, revealing sophisticated tool-making skills and the presence of ancient hunters adapting to a post-Ice Age landscape. The fragment, though partial, provides crucial archaeological insights.
Yawning Shifts Brain Fluids: MRI study finds CSF and blood flows change; hints at brain homeostasis
New research reveals yawning does more than signal tiredness. Scientists observed that yawning causes cerebrospinal fluid to move away from the brain. It also increases blood flow into the brain. This suggests yawning plays a role in brain pressure and circulation balance. Each person's yawn pattern is unique, like a fingerprint.
T. Rex Likely Had Lips: Science study challenges toothy movie image; models may be reworked
New research reveals T. rex likely had lips, a departure from popular images of exposed teeth. This finding, based on tooth structure and comparisons with modern reptiles, suggests these ancient creatures protected their teeth. This discovery reshapes our understanding of dinosaur anatomy and appearance, impacting scientific study and popular culture alike. The image of T.
Drug Trials To Regrow Teeth: Japanese team tests TRG-035 to regrow teeth; treatment could arrive by 2030
Japanese scientists are developing a drug, TRG-035, to regenerate missing teeth by inhibiting a protein that prevents adult tooth growth. Clinical trials are underway, building on successful animal tests, with the aim of offering a biological alternative to dentures and implants. This breakthrough in regenerative dentistry could revolutionize dental care within the next decade.
