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: 32 min 11 sec ago
Meet Subhasish Mitra and Tathagata Srimani: Indian-origin professors build America’s first monolithic 3D AI chip
Indian-origin professors have pioneered America's first monolithic 3D AI chip, fabricated in a US foundry. This breakthrough, developed by a multi-institutional team, significantly boosts AI performance and energy efficiency by stacking memory and processing units vertically. The innovation tackles the 'memory wall' bottleneck, paving the way for faster, more powerful AI systems and strengthening domestic chip manufacturing.
'Alien life will be found by 2075': UK’s top space scientist claims we are not alone
Renowned space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock is 'absolutely convinced' life exists beyond Earth, predicting confirmation by 2075. She highlights the universe's vastness and recent technological advances, like the James Webb Telescope, enabling detailed planet atmosphere analysis. While microscopic life is the most likely discovery, the search itself fosters global cooperation and a broader perspective on humanity's place.
This ancient fish has a genome so massive it dwarfs humans by 30 times
The South American lungfish genome, the largest animal genome sequenced at 91 billion base pairs, has been fully decoded. This breakthrough offers insights into evolutionary biology, revealing that genome size doesn't equate to organismal complexity. The lungfish's genetic makeup provides a glimpse into the transition of vertebrates from water to land.
Isro LVM3-M6 mission: US BlueBird Block-2 satellite to launch on December 24 - check details
Isro's LVM3-M6 mission will launch the BlueBird Block-2 satellite on December 24 for AST SpaceMobile, aiming to provide global high-speed mobile connectivity directly to smartphones. This next-generation satellite, the largest and heaviest commercial payload for LEO by Isro's LVM3, will enable 4G and 5G services worldwide, bridging connectivity gaps for billions.
10 must-know facts about Venus and its mysteries
Venus, often called Earth's twin, hides extreme conditions and secrets. It is the solar system's hottest planet due to a dense atmosphere. Its atmosphere rotates faster than the planet itself. Venus also rotates backwards and is covered in volcanoes. The atmospheric pressure is immense. It shows phases like the Moon and is the brightest planet in the night sky.
What lies beneath Africa? Two enormous structures that appear not to belong to Earth
Two massive, unusual structures, dubbed low shear velocity provinces, have been discovered deep beneath Africa. Scientists believe these formations, hundreds of kilometers thick, are composed of ancient oceanic crust that subducted into the mantle millions of years ago. Their unique composition and density cause seismic waves to slow, influencing volcanic activity and heat flow on the surface.
Indian mathematician's genius formula from a century ago might explain the dark secrets of black holes
Indian scientists have unearthed a surprising connection between Srinivasa Ramanujan's 1914 pi formulas and modern physics, particularly theories describing black holes and turbulent fluids. These extraordinary mathematical insights, previously unexplained, now appear to mirror the underlying mathematics of systems exhibiting scale invariance and extreme change, offering new avenues for scientific discovery.
Oldest known evidence of parent-child incest found in 3,700-year-old bones in Italy
Archaeologists unearthed the oldest known evidence of incest in Italy's Grotta della Monaca cave. Genetic analysis of a Bronze Age burial revealed a teenage boy born from a father-daughter union, a first-degree incestuous relationship. This exceptionally rare finding challenges our understanding of prehistoric social practices and family structures.
Solar eclipses in 2026: Dates, timings, visibility and where to watch
Get ready for two spectacular solar eclipses in 2026! An annular 'ring of fire' event on February 17 will grace parts of South America and Africa. Later, on August 12, a breathtaking total solar eclipse will sweep across Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, with partial views for much of Europe. Remember to use certified eye protection for safe viewing.
Comet 3I/ATLAS: Facts by NASA about the interstellar object that briefly passed Earth
Comet 3I/ATLAS, a rare visitor from another star system, is passing through our solar system. Discovered in July 2025, this interstellar object is the third of its kind. Scientists are studying its speed, trajectory, and composition. The comet is not dangerous to Earth. Its brief visit provides a unique opportunity to learn about the universe beyond our Sun.
20,000 Triassic dinosaur footprints found in Italy reveal rare clues to prehistoric group life
A wildlife photographer's chance observation in Italy's Stelvio National Park led to the discovery of thousands of dinosaur footprints from the Late Triassic period. These 210-million-year-old tracks, attributed to large herbivores like Plateosaurus, reveal insights into their calm group movements and potential social behaviors. The extensive find offers a rare glimpse into prehistoric life on the European continent.
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS makes its closest approach to Earth tonight: When, where and how to watch
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is about to make its closest appearance to Earth today. This event is significant for astronomers studying the object. The comet offers a rare opportunity to examine matter from another star system. Scientists are observing how it behaves when exposed to sunlight. The comet poses no danger to Earth.
Ring of fire in 2026: Why the Sun will briefly disappear from view
A spectacular 'ring of fire' solar eclipse is set to grace the skies on February 17, 2026. This annular event occurs when the Moon, further from Earth, partially obscures the Sun, creating a fiery halo. While visible as a partial eclipse globally, the full spectacle will be seen along a narrow path over remote southern regions.
Meet Michaela Benthaus: First wheelchair user to travel to space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard mission; when, where and how to watch live
German aerospace engineer Michaela Benthaus, a wheelchair user since 2018, is set to make history as the first person with a disability to travel to space. She will join five others on Blue Origin's 37th New Shepard mission, a suborbital flight offering a glimpse of Earth from above. This flight highlights increased accessibility in space exploration.
A solar storm may trigger a satellite disaster in 2.8 days, says research
Space is becoming a dangerous place due to more satellites. A new CRASH Clock shows a critical risk of collisions. Solar storms can disable satellites, leading to potential chain reactions. Scientists warn urgent action is needed to prevent a space disaster. The situation is dire, with less than three days' warning possible.
Meet Jared Isaacman: NASA’s new administrator confirmed to lead the Artemis Moon and Mars missions
Jared Isaacman is now NASA's 15th administrator. The Senate approved him, paving the way for crucial missions. Isaacman will lead the Artemis program, aiming to land humans on the Moon again. He also plans for Mars exploration. His experience in private spaceflight is expected to boost collaboration. NASA faces challenges including budget cuts and personnel reduction.
Albert Einstein’s eyes were stolen after his death and hidden in a New York safe-deposit box
Albert Einstein's dying wish for cremation and secret ash scattering was partially ignored. While his body was cremated, pathologist Thomas Harvey removed his brain and eyeballs. The eyes, given to his ophthalmologist, remain in a New York safe deposit box, their purpose unclear and their existence a quiet contradiction to Einstein's rejection of physical veneration.
