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 19 min ago
'Hello from ISS': Indian-origin Nasa astronaut Anil Menon shares first space message
Nasa astronaut Anil Menon shared his first orbital message from the International Space Station. He expressed deep gratitude for the people who supported his journey to space. Menon also conveyed his appreciation for the beauty of Earth seen from orbit. His eight-month mission includes scientific investigations and station maintenance. This assignment marks a significant milestone in his career as a former flight surgeon.
Guam kingfishers vanished from their home after invasive snakes devastated their species: Now scientists are restoring them with four new chicks
The Guam Kingfisher, known as 'sihek', is extinct in the wild due to invasive brown tree snakes. These birds played vital roles in the island's ecosystem, controlling insect populations. Their disappearance has led to increased spider numbers and thinner forests on Guam. Conservation centers now house the remaining 140 birds, aiming for eventual reintroduction. Efforts focus on breeding pairs to save this species from complete extinction.
An ancient sea once divided North America from north to south; 70-million-year-old creatures from its waters still shimmer like gemstones
Millions of years ago, South Dakota was covered by a vast inland sea. This ancient seaway supported diverse marine life, including ammonites and marine reptiles. Today, fossils from this period are displayed at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. These ancient shells still shine due to their mother-of-pearl composition. Discoveries continue to reveal insights into prehistoric marine ecosystems and Earth's history.
Emperor penguins survive Antarctica's brutal winters by huddling together, but a maths study reveals the hidden system behind their remarkable teamwork
Emperor penguins in Antarctica form huddles to survive extreme cold temperatures. Each penguin moves to reduce its own heat loss, which benefits the entire group. This movement ensures every bird eventually experiences the warmer center of the huddle. The study modeled this behaviour, showing it explains even warmth distribution. Researchers found this natural movement is key to their survival strategy.
Scientists have finally explained why killer whales struggle to hear blue whales, and the answer may have helped the giants survive for millions of years
Some baleen whales use low-frequency songs to avoid killer whales. This acoustic crypsis helps flight species escape predators in open oceans. Blue whales, known for loud calls, sing at frequencies predators cannot hear. Natural selection favored these low-frequency calls over millions of years. This discovery reveals how predation shaped whale communication systems.
Quote of the day by Charles Darwin: "An American monkey, after getting drunk on brandy, would never touch…" - a witty observation on why humans often repeat the mistakes they already know can harm them
Charles Darwin noted monkeys learn from bad experiences, unlike many humans. People often repeat harmful habits despite knowing the negative consequences. Intelligence does not always guarantee wise decision-making in personal matters. Memory can distort past events, justifying the repetition of mistakes. Wisdom lies in changing behavior after a negative experience, not just knowing.
A scientist slipped into a pool beneath a US military base and found a 'demon cavefish'
In a remarkable finding, a scientist has uncovered a new species of eyeless fish in Bobcat Cave, aptly named the demon cavefish after a character from a popular TV series. This fascinating creature has evolved to thrive in complete darkness, displaying no eyes or pigmentation. Intriguingly, it cohabits with another sightless predator, showcasing the resilience of unique wildlife beneath humanity's constructed environments.
Scientists cut climbing vines from a damaged Borneo forest. Its canopy then grew three times faster
Trimming aggressive climbing vines from logged tropical forests can substantially expedite canopy recovery, providing a more economical alternative to new tree planting for ecosystem restoration. Areas where vines were cut exhibited a carbon storage rate three times quicker than those with newly planted trees, as confirmed by laser mapping. Effective vine management promotes forestry sustainability and preserves biodiversity.
Scientists warmed the same forest soil by 5°C for 37 years; in the fourth decade, microbes began releasing carbon once thought safely locked away
Forest soils are releasing more carbon than previously believed. Warming temperatures cause stable soil organic matter to decompose. This decomposition releases additional carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The process creates a stronger climate feedback loop for global warming. Updated climate models will now account for this slow carbon release.
A 1971 prediction by Stephen Hawking just came true with a cosmic collision 1.3 billion light-years away: Now scientists are trying to understand how
A cosmic collision of two black holes confirmed Stephen Hawking's fifty-year-old prediction. The observed increase in the merged black hole's area precisely matched theoretical calculations. This event provided the most accurate observational evidence for Hawking's black hole area law. Scientists collaborated across LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA to analyze the gravitational wave signal. The precise data reinforces fundamental principles of modern physics and cosmology.