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 27 min ago
The Amazing Spider-Decorator: Why arachnids are nature's best interior decorators
Sardinian spiders are decorating their webs with elaborate patterns, baffling scientists for years. New research suggests these 'stabilimenta' aren't just for show but act as acoustic architecture, redirecting vibrations to help spiders detect prey faster. This discovery could inspire advanced vibration sensors for human technology.
6-million-year-old Antarctic ice reveals how Earth once heated; know what it warns about tomorrow
Scientists have discovered the oldest directly dated ice and air on Earth in East Antarctica, dating back six million years. This ancient ice, found near the surface, offers unprecedented insights into Earth's past climate, revealing significantly warmer temperatures and higher sea levels. The findings provide crucial context for understanding modern global warming by showcasing natural climate fluctuations.
Hidden life beneath our feet: How deep-Earth microbes might be colonising the surface
Microscopic life thrives kilometers beneath Earth's surface, surviving on chemical reactions in rock and water. These deep-Earth microbes, once thought impossible to exist, are now believed to migrate to the surface, influencing ecosystems and potentially holding clues to the origins of life. Their discovery revolutionizes our understanding of Earth's interconnected biosphere.
First ‘mummified’ hooved dinosaur in Wyoming Badlands discovered, redefining prehistoric evolution
Wyoming's badlands have yielded two mummified duck-billed dinosaur fossils, revealing the first-ever evidence of hooves in dinosaurs. These 66-million-year-old Edmontosaurus specimens, preserved with remarkable detail including skin texture and limb structure, offer unprecedented insights into their anatomy and how they navigated their environment, significantly advancing our understanding of prehistoric life and adaptation.
Is 3I/ATLAS more than a comet? This rare interstellar visitor might become Earth’s silent protector from asteroid threats
A rare visitor from deep space, comet 3I/ATLAS, is now in our solar system. Scientists worldwide are observing this interstellar comet. It offers a unique chance to study material from other star systems. This observation will help improve our ability to detect and track potential threats from space. Lessons learned will strengthen Earth's planetary defence.
