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: 27 min 58 sec ago
Quote of the day by Alexander Fleming: "You do not know what you will find, you may set out to find one thing and…” - why life's biggest discoveries are often unexpected
Great discoveries often arise from unexpected observations and accidents. Alexander Fleming's penicillin discovery exemplifies this principle of embracing the unforeseen. Curious minds transform surprises into significant breakthroughs by asking questions. The journey of exploration can yield more value than the original destination. Innovation thrives when individuals remain open-minded to new possibilities and uncertainties.
Zebra mussels spread across all Great Lakes within a decade of arriving in 1988
Zebra mussels, an aquatic invader from Eurasia, continue their continental spread after arriving in North America. These tiny shellfish are now infesting Lake Meredith in Texas, raising new concerns. Officials confirmed a reproducing population, marking the lake as a potential stepping stone. The mussels damage ecosystems and infrastructure by clinging to hard surfaces and multiplying rapidly. Preventative measures like cleaning boats remain crucial to slowing their ongoing invasion.
Two scientists want to touch Saturn's rings: NASA says this daring mission could actually work
For centuries, space has fascinated humans like no other. From the sun's glare to the moon's surface and even Saturn's shimmering rings, we have wanted to go up close and see it all. Now, two ambitious NASA-backed projects aim to truly touch Saturn's rings, venturing into what is known as one of the most dangerous environments in the solar system.
Scientists warn melting glaciers could form more than 50,000 new lakes in areas covered by ice
In a study published in Nature Communications, researchers from Sweden, US, Switzerland and Norway mapped what lies beneath all the glaciers on the planet and reached a shocking conclusion: when part of this ice disappears, Earth could gain 56,659 new lakes in areas currently completely frozen. This could increase the risk of flooding in Asia, Andes, Alaska and the Arctic
Scientists say current Antarctic ice loss can guide sea-level planning until mid-century
Governments need to proactively address rising sea levels expected within the next thirty to fifty years. Recent data on Antarctic ice loss provides a sound basis for this timeframe. Beyond this period, projections may grow less reliable as melting ice accelerates. This crucial window facilitates necessary improvements to monitoring systems and coastal defenses, particularly for Pacific island nations relying on timely information for critical adaptation strategies.
Scientists discover humidity may help control insects' biological clocks, not just light and temperature
New research suggests humidity influences insect biological timing. Daily dry and humid swings synchronize circadian rhythms in many species. Fruit flies adjusted activity to humidity shifts, showing internal clock adjustments. Mosquitoes, however, treated moisture as a short-term behavioral cue. This finding highlights humidity as a previously overlooked environmental time cue.
From Mars to your bicycle: NASA's puncture-proof tyre, built for Mars rovers, could replace rubber tyres
NASA developed non-rubber, airless metal tyres using Nitinol. These puncture-proof tyres adapts to harsh terrain and extreme temperatures without damage, offering a smooth ride. Future applications may include heavy-duty trucks and commercial aircraft landing gear.
