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 29 min ago
Faya was brought to Hawaii for its berries and later used in reforestation
Faya, originally brought to Hawaii for ornamental purposes, has established itself as an invasive species in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This tree disrupts the native ecosystem by altering soil pH and shading native plants. Birds play a crucial role in spreading Faya's berries, furthering its invasion. Control efforts include girdling the trees and applying herbicide to manage its spread.
In 1993, California's pocket mouse was rediscovered; 33 years later, 530+ have been reintroduced
Conservationists have been working to revive the Pacific pocket mouse populations in Southern California since their rediscovery in 1993. Since 2006, more than 530 mice have been released into their native habitats through the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's efforts. The establishment of a third population in North San Mateo marks progress in their recovery. Additionally, genetic rescue efforts are being initiated to improve genetic diversity among the reintroduced populations.
In 1876, a New York artist sculpted Cleopatra’s death; 100 years later, it was found as a horse’s gravestone
Edmonia Lewis, a trailblazing artist of mixed heritage, crafted the striking sculpture The Death of Cleopatra in 1876, which initially garnered accolades. However, the piece disappeared for many years, only to be found in an unsuspecting salvage yard. Faced with systemic discrimination, Lewis relocated to Rome for greater artistic prospects.
France’s Henri Kagan, Japan’s Kenso Soai win 2026 Nobel Chemistry Prize
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry is awarded annually as part of the Nobel Prizes established under the will of Swedish inventor and industrialist Alfred Nobel. Nobel, who made his fortune through inventions including dynamite, specified that prizes should be awarded to those who had made the “greatest benefit to humankind” in five fields: Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature and Peace.
In 2014, ship with 32M illegal cigarettes was sunk off Ireland; 12 years later, marine life has colonised the wreck
In a fascinating move, the MV Shingle was purposefully submerged along Ireland's northwest coast, transforming into a thriving artificial reef. Legal challenges and its deteriorating state made scrapping impractical, leading to its sinking in 2024. As marine life increasingly flourishes around the wreck, the area has seen a spike in biodiversity and year-round visitor interest, highlighting the necessity of effectively managing these ecological projects for lasting benefits.
