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 44 min ago
The hidden planet beyond Pluto: Is Planet Y real
Astronomers are investigating a potential hidden planet, dubbed Planet Y, far beyond Neptune. Its gravitational pull is suspected to be causing unusual orbital tilts in distant Kuiper Belt Objects. This elusive world, estimated to be smaller than Earth but larger than Mercury, could revolutionize our understanding of the Solar System's formation and structure.
Aliens got bored: NASA scientist gives bizarre reason why aliens have stopped contacting us
A NASA astrophysicist proposes 'radical mundanity,' suggesting aliens haven't contacted us because they're not vastly superior, just slightly ahead. After exploring, they may have lost interest in making contact, finding Earth unremarkable. This theory offers a grounded explanation for the Fermi paradox, suggesting modest civilizations limited by physics and motivation.
4.5-billion-year-old traces of ‘proto-Earth’ discovered could rewrite our planet’s origin story
MIT scientists have discovered ancient rock samples from Greenland, Canada, and Hawaii exhibiting a rare potassium-40 deficit. This chemical signature suggests these rocks are remnants of "proto-Earth," predating the giant impact that formed the Moon. The findings challenge previous assumptions about the early Earth's complete remelting and offer a glimpse into the solar system's initial chemistry.
Why do we lose our appetite when we’re sick? Science explains what happens inside your body
When you're sick, your immune system releases cytokines that signal your brain to suppress hunger, redirecting energy to fight infection. This natural loss of appetite, coupled with fever and inflammation, makes food less appealing. While mild appetite loss aids recovery, staying hydrated and eating light meals is crucial until your body heals.
Scientists just made ice at room temperature — rewriting the rules of physics
Scientists have created a new ice form, ice XXI, at room temperature under immense pressure. This breakthrough, achieved using advanced X-ray facilities, reveals water's complex behavior under extreme conditions. The discovery challenges existing knowledge and offers crucial insights into the interiors of icy moons like Titan and Ganymede, hinting at further hidden complexities within H₂O.
NASA prepares to say goodbye to the ISS after 32 years in orbit as commercial space stations take over
The International Space Station is set for a controlled deorbit by 2030. This orbiting laboratory, a testament to global collaboration, has hosted thousands of experiments, significantly advancing science and technology. NASA is now transitioning to privately operated space stations to maintain human presence in orbit, fostering a new era of space exploration.