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 18 min ago
Nasa-backed spacecraft to inspect dead space objects, test future repair and debris removal tech
NASA has launched a washing-machine-sized spacecraft to inspect up to four inactive satellites and rocket bodies in low Earth orbit. The SSPICY mission, launched on October 1, will begin inspections in early 2027. Using autonomous navigation, sensors and electric propulsion, the spacecraft will test technologies that could eventually help repair satellites or remove orbital debris.
Wild horses and donkeys dig desert wells in Arizona, supplying water to 57 vertebrate species
Researchers studied wild horses and donkeys in the Sonoran Desert, which dig wells that attract diverse wildlife. The wells serve as critical water sources for various vertebrate species during dry periods. Observations indicated that these wells significantly increase water accessibility and create favorable conditions for cottonwood seedlings. The study highlights the animals' role as ecosystem engineers in changing their environment.
A 100-kg green anaconda can disappear beneath Amazonian vegetation
Green Anacondas in Peru's Amazon rainforest were challenging to locate due to their hidden behavior. Researchers recorded observations across various habitats, mostly in floodplain forests. The snakes were often concealed among logs, submerged vegetation, and other natural cover. Basking conditions were primarily found in rivers and vegetation mats of oxbow lakes. The findings highlight the difficulty in assessing the presence and population trends of these snakes.
