Science Alert

Latest news, top updates and current developments from the world of Health, Science and technology along with tips on physical & mental health and fitness.
Updated: 1 hour 32 min ago
Scientists discover oldest rocks on Earth, over 4.16 billion years old
A groundbreaking discovery in northern Quebec has confirmed the existence of Earth's oldest known rocks, dating back 4.16 billion years. These ancient rocks offer a rare glimpse into the Hadean eon, a period of intense volcanic activity and Earth's chaotic beginnings. Scientists used radiometric dating techniques to accurately determine the rocks' age, providing valuable insights into the planet's formation.
NASA alert! 120-foot airplane-sized asteroid 2025 MM to make closest flyby on Earth today; should we be concerned
Space enthusiasts are tracking Asteroid 2025 MM. It is airplane-sized. It will safely pass by Earth this week. The asteroid will travel at a distance of 1.29 million kilometers. It is not a threat. Scientists will continue monitoring its path. This is because asteroid orbits can change. Continuous monitoring is essential for planetary defense. Sky surveillance is important.
CNSA releases images of Earth and Moon by Tianwen-2 from 590,000 km in deep space
China's Tianwen-2 probe has commenced its decade-long deep space mission, capturing a stunning image of Earth and the Moon from 590,000 kilometers away. Launched on May 29, the probe will collect samples from asteroid Kamo’oalewa by 2027 and later investigate comet 311P/PANSTARRS. This dual-target mission aims to unlock secrets about the origin of the Moon, water, and life.
Axiom-4: Shubhanshu Shukla starts microgravity research with experiment on skeletal muscle degradation
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is conducting vital microgravity research aboard the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission. He's leading experiments, including a study on muscle degradation, to understand how space affects the human body. This Indo-international collaboration, involving ISRO, NASA, and Axiom Space, marks a significant step for India in space-based life sciences.
NASA+ to launch on Netflix this summer with live rocket launches, spacewalks, and real-time views from the ISS
NASA is partnering with Netflix to stream NASA+, its ad-free streaming platform, starting summer 2025. This collaboration will bring live rocket launches, astronaut spacewalks, and Earth views from the ISS to Netflix's global audience. The goal is to make space exploration more accessible, educational, and inspiring for millions of viewers worldwide, expanding NASA's digital reach.
Lava bursts from Earth's mantle are creating a new ocean in Africa
In East Africa's Afar Depression, scientists have discovered that fresh lava from deep within the Earth's mantle is driving the continent's split. The mantle upwellings pulse with distinct chemical signatures, fueling volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. This activity weakens the crust, potentially leading to a new ocean separating the Horn of Africa.
NASA observes brightest black hole blasts since the Big Bang
NASA, ESA, and ground observatories have detected powerful space explosions caused by black holes tearing apart massive stars. These extreme nuclear transients, like the event nicknamed “Barbie,” release energy exceeding 100 supernovae. These outbursts reveal previously hidden black holes in distant galaxies, offering insights into black hole behavior and galaxy formation.
Catalhoyuk: 9,000-year-old city ruled by women, DNA reveals story of matriarchal civilization
Genetic analysis of skeletons at Catalhoyuk, a Neolithic settlement in Turkey, suggests a matriarchal society where women were central figures. Maternal lineage shaped family organization, with women remaining in their households while men married in. Furthermore, women's graves contained significantly more goods, indicating elevated social roles and challenging assumptions about early human societies.
Why bats are a global concern for pandemics: A look at their role in past and emerging viruses
Scientists have discovered 20 new bat viruses in China, including strains related to Nipah and Hendra, raising global health concerns. Bats' unique immune systems allow them to carry viruses asymptomatically, making them reservoirs for diseases like SARS, MERS, Ebola, and COVID-19. Habitat loss and farming practices increase human-bat contact, driving outbreaks.
SpaceX launches 27 Starlink satellites to expand global internet coverage
Despite severe weather warnings, SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 27 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral. The launch coincided with the 10th anniversary of a Falcon 9 explosion, highlighting SpaceX's progress. The mission featured a reusable booster flying its fifth mission, landing successfully on the drone ship, demonstrating SpaceX's commitment to sustainable space travel.
Millions of children at risk as global vaccination rates decline, new study warns
A new study shows a worrying global trend. Vaccination rates are falling in many countries. This puts millions of children at risk of diseases. Measles vaccinations have declined in about 100 countries. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted vaccination services. Misinformation also plays a role. Experts call for action to improve healthcare access. They want to restore routine immunization services.
Dog-sized dinosaur fossil that roamed among giants, discovered by scientists
Scientists found fossils of a new, small dinosaur. This dinosaur, Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae, was about the size of a dog. It lived 150 million years ago with giant dinosaurs like Stegosaurus. The discovery shows how diverse dinosaur ecosystems were. It also challenges old ideas about dinosaur dominance. The dinosaur is now at the Natural History Museum.
NASA’s Mars rover captures first close-up of bizarre 'spiderwebs' on the Red Planet
NASA's Curiosity rover finds strange rock formations on Mars. These look like spiderwebs. The rover spots these on Mount Sharp. Scientists think these formations formed from old groundwater. The mineral-rich ridges may hold clues about Mars' past. The discovery could help understand if Mars once supported microbial life. Curiosity will study the formations further.
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope discovers new planet TWA 7b orbiting a young star 111 light-years away
The James Webb Space Telescope has made a groundbreaking discovery. It has found its first new planet named TWA 7b. This planet is the lowest-mass planet ever directly imaged outside our solar system. TWA 7b orbits a young star CE Antliae. Scientists used infrared imaging to spot the planet hiding in a dusty ring.
Mice with two fathers? Scientists create fertile mice using DNA from two fathers
Scientists achieved a breakthrough. They bred healthy, fertile mice using DNA from two sperm cells. This was done through epigenetic programming. Previous attempts had limited success. This study yielded viable pups. Researchers edited methylation using epigenetic programming. This advancement enhances understanding of genetic inheritance. It may enable epigenetic programming use. The team is trying to replicate this with human cells.
Axiom Mission 4: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s playlist adds Bollywood touch to historic launch with SRK’s Swades song ‘Yuh Hi Chala Chal’
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the pilot of the Axiom Mission 4, shared his favourite song ahead of the launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. Unveiling his launch day playlist, the Indian pilot revealed that he loves to listen to Shah Rukh Khan's 'Swades' movie song 'Yuh Hi Chala Chal'.
Axiom-4 mission: From launch to ISS docking and return; Shubhanshu Shukla's 14-day mission explained
Axiom Mission is set to launch carrying astronauts, including India's Shubhanshu Shukla, to the International Space Station (ISS) for a two-week research mission. Docking is scheduled for Thursday, initiating an extensive scientific program with studies from 31 nations. The crew will conduct experiments in microgravity, focusing on areas like cancer research, 3D printing, and DNA repair, contributing to global scientific advancement.