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 13 min ago
Scientists just created a Black Hole-like energy system in a lab without moving anything
In a groundbreaking experiment, scientists have successfully replicated the extreme conditions found around black holes in a controlled laboratory environment. This remarkable feat validates theories regarding energy harnessing from rotating black holes. By artificially inducing rotation in a fixed apparatus, they effectively simulated cosmic energy mechanisms. This pivotal advancement holds promise for innovations in communication technologies and quantum computing, bridging the gap between intricate astrophysical theories and tangible scientific application.
Two Asian praying mantises are spreading across Europe, and scientists warn they threaten wildlife
Two invasive species of Asian praying mantis are proliferating rapidly across Europe, posing a significant threat to local pollinators and endangered small wildlife. Urban areas and rising global temperatures enable their northward spread. Engaging in citizen science initiatives is essential for monitoring and managing these aggressive insect populations. Additionally, seasonal removal of egg cases can effectively mitigate their environmental impact.
A second pregnancy changes the brain in a different way from the first, new research suggests
Recent research indicates that a mother's brain undergoes distinct transformations during second pregnancies compared to the first. These adaptations enhance attention and sensory processing, facilitating the care of multiple children. Notably, brain scans clearly differentiated between first and second pregnancies, revealing connections to maternal bonding experiences and potential peripartum depression risks. This study sheds light on how maternal brains adapt and underscores the need for mental health support.
Japan does not use modern nails to repair centuries-old temples. Instead, master craftsmen rely on an ancient woodworking technique
Centuries-old Japanese temples are still repaired using an ancient woodworking technique. This method, called kigumi, involves precisely carved wooden joints that fit together without metal fasteners. The technique allows structures to withstand earthquakes and humid weather, which is crucial in Japan. Master carpenters, known as miyadaiku, pass down this skill which dates back over 1,400 years. This sustainable craft ensures the longevity of historic buildings and reduces construction waste
Scientists finally know why gold never tarnishes, and the secret lies in its self-protecting surface
Recent scientific research has revealed that the surface atoms of gold can rearrange themselves to create a protective barrier against oxidation. This extraordinary natural mechanism significantly reduces tarnishing rates by up to a trillion times, ensuring gold retains its radiant luster. This discovery opens up possibilities for industrial applications, allowing gold to be utilized as an even more efficient catalyst.
This routine US Navy training mission near California turned into one of the most discussed UFO cases in recent history
A 2004 US Navy training mission encountered an unexplained aerial object. Pilots and radar operators observed a peculiar "Tic Tac" shaped craft. Infrared video footage later surfaced, adding to the mystery. This incident gained widespread attention after a 2017 New York Times report. The Pentagon has not provided a definitive explanation for the sighting.
How floating solar panels created a new home for thousands of salmon at a Chile fish farm
A Chilean salmon farm replaced diesel generators with floating solar panels. This initiative significantly cut emissions and fuel consumption annually. The new system also created a quieter and more sheltered environment for the fish. Thousands of salmon have now gathered beneath the floating solar structures. This project demonstrates renewable energy's unexpected environmental benefits beyond emission reduction.
Space milestone for Japan as it successfully launches, lands reusable rocket
The successful trial marks another milestone in the global race to develop reusable launch systems that can significantly reduce the cost of sending payloads into space. Unlike conventional rockets, which are designed for a single mission before their components fall into the sea, burn up in the atmosphere or remain in orbit as debris, reusable rockets are designed to return safely for future launches.
Quote of the day by German physicist Carl Friedrich Gauss: "When a philosopher says something that is true then it is trivial. When he says something that is not trivial then it is false" - a simple explanation of why truth is often simpler than it seems
Carl Friedrich Gauss questioned complex philosophical claims. He believed true statements were often simple and obvious. Complicated ideas should raise suspicion, not admiration, he noted. True understanding simplifies complex observations into clear principles. This perspective remains a useful test for evaluating claims today.
