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 50 min ago
Scientists discover a new pink Sea Anemone that builds and expands shells for hermit crabs
Scientists found a new sea anemone species off Japan's coast. This anemone, named Paracalliactis tsukisome, builds shell-like homes for hermit crabs. The anemone gets stability and mobility. The crab gets a permanent, growing home. This partnership shows how species cooperate in deep-sea environments. The discovery highlights surprising ingenuity in marine life.
3I/ATLAS set to reappear on 11 November 2025: How to see the rare interstellar visitor and what it reveals about deep space
A rare interstellar comet, 3I/ATLAS, will grace the eastern pre-dawn sky on November 11, 2025. Discovered in July 2025, this celestial visitor, only the third of its kind, will require a telescope for viewing. Scientists are eagerly studying its composition and mysterious origins, hoping to unlock secrets from beyond our solar system.
Cat-sized dinosaur discovered in Colorado offers clues to how small species survived the Jurassic
A cat-sized dinosaur, Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae, unearthed in Colorado, is revolutionizing our understanding of small Jurassic herbivores. This swift runner, now in London, provides crucial insights into dinosaur evolution and the diverse ecosystems of the Morrison Formation. Its discovery, aided by 3D scanning, makes this remarkable find accessible to scientists globally, revealing how agility helped small creatures survive among giants.
Is this the real image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS? A viral post claims Japan’s space agency captured it
A viral image, allegedly from Japan's space agency, has sparked renewed global interest in interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. While unconfirmed, the depiction, based on imaging and spectral data, offers a realistic view of the rare celestial visitor. This has prompted astronomers to re-examine the comet's origins and its remarkable journey through our solar system.
Why is the Moon slowly moving away from Earth every year and what does it reveal about our planet’s future
Our Moon is slowly drifting away from Earth, not just due to tidal friction as previously thought. New research suggests ancient planetary impacts and Earth's internal cooling, causing contraction and faster rotation, are also significant drivers. This complex interplay reshapes our cosmic relationship and offers insights into other planetary systems.
Mystery deepens: Interstellar object 3I/ATLAS shows no comet tail and leaves scientists stunned
Interstellar object 3I/ATLAS has surprised scientists by showing no cometary tail after passing close to the Sun. This unexpected behavior challenges the assumption that it's a typical comet, fueling debate about its origin and the formation of objects from other star systems. Further observations are planned to unravel its true nature.
Meet Felicette: France’s first cat in space and historic feline astronaut
In 1963, France launched Félicette, the first cat into space aboard a Véronique AGI 47 rocket. Her 13-minute suborbital flight provided valuable data on weightlessness and neurological activity. Félicette's mission marked a significant milestone for France in early animal space exploration.
NASA launches ESCAPADE mission to find life on Mars: How does the mission work?
NASA's ESCAPADE mission is launching two satellites, Blue and Gold, on November 9th to investigate Mars' lost atmosphere. This pioneering project aims to understand how solar wind stripped Mars' atmosphere, offering insights into planetary climate history and protecting Earth. The mission also pioneers a new trajectory for future crewed missions.
Hundreds of Amazon dolphins were boiled to death after lake temperatures surged to hot-tub levels
A severe drought and heatwave turned Brazil's Lake Tefé into a deadly cauldron, with water reaching 41°C. Hundreds of endangered Amazon river dolphins, along with vast numbers of fish, perished as the lake's ecosystem collapsed. Scientists warn this event, driven by climate change, is a stark preview of future ecological crises.
If you fell into a black hole, would you survive? What new research says about spaghettification
Falling into a black hole means facing extreme stretching, known as spaghettification, due to immense tidal forces. While supermassive black holes might allow crossing the event horizon intact, destruction is inevitable near the singularity. Scientists study this process to test physics boundaries and understand cosmic events, revealing insights into gravity and information paradoxes.
