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 6 min ago
Australia launches A$28 million project to stop invasive cane toads from reaching Pilbara after 1935 introduction
A new project involving Curtin University and Rio Tinto seeks to establish a waterless barrier for cane toads. The initiative intends to protect Western Australia's Pilbara area from the ecologically damaging species. Researchers plan to modify water sources over a significant area to prevent the toads' survival. Traditional Owners have been engaged throughout the project to ensure cultural significance is respected.
NASA’s 3,200-pound Swift space telescope crashes back to Earth over Indonesia after failed $30 million rescue mission
NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory re-entered Earth's atmosphere after 22 years in orbit, ending its mission. Swift was crucial for understanding gamma-ray bursts and other cosmic events, detecting over 2,000 bursts. The spacecraft's orbit deteriorated due to increased solar activity, leading to its uncontrolled descent. NASA attempted a rescue operation, but it ultimately failed, resulting in its re-entry on November 4, 2026.
A teenager tending livestock near DeadSea threw a stone into a cave; discovering DeadSeaScrolls
In 1947, a Bedouin shepherd stumbled upon the Dead Sea Scrolls while searching for stray animals. This discovery consisted of numerous ancient manuscripts that greatly impacted historical and religious studies. The manuscripts date back to the Second Temple period, offering insights into diverse Jewish beliefs and practices. Researchers continue to piece together fragments to reveal their contents and historical significance.
A 3,800-year-old woman once wrote a frustrated letter to her husband complaining about a debtor
In a remarkable discovery, Anna-anna, an ancient Anatolian woman, documented her struggle to reclaim silver from her husband Ennum-Aššur's debtor, Laqēpum. Her poignant letter lay untouched for nearly 4,000 years until researchers utilized cutting-edge technology, revealing its secrets without causing damage. This innovative approach showcases the profound connections found in ancient communications, shedding light on economic and personal dynamics of the past.
