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 56 min ago
Nasa's 2028 Mars mission will send a nuclear spacecraft and three helicopters to explore Mars
NASA is planning an exhilarating mission for late 2028 that will test nuclear electric propulsion well beyond our planet. The SR-1 Freedom spacecraft will journey past Mars, releasing three helicopters similar to Ingenuity to explore the Martian landscape and locate potential subsurface ice reserves. The insights gained from this venture will not only refine our understanding of nuclear-powered spacecraft but also enhance future lunar energy systems and propulsion methods.
Brazil orange juice plant to turn citrus wastewater into renewable biogas
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Louis Dreyfus Company is spearheading a remarkable project in Brazil, aiming to turn citrus wastewater into renewable energy. This ambitious plant will soon hold the title of the largest biogas production facility in the world, capable of generating an impressive fifty thousand cubic meters of biogas each day.
Nasa maps Moon's south pole regions where Earth microbes could survive for more than a day
Recent research highlights that Earth microbes, including select bacteria and fungi, may endure in the shaded pockets of the lunar south pole for several days. Among them, Aspergillus demonstrates remarkable resilience, surviving in some conditions for over a week. These findings pose significant implications for future lunar exploration, particularly for NASA's Artemis missions, as understanding these organisms is vital for scientific advancements.
Researchers develop 3D-printed replacements for missing pottery parts, embed sensors in them
Researchers at Koc University have developed a method that uses photogrammetry, 3D printing and embedded sensors to repair damaged ancient pottery. The customised 3D-printed sections can replace missing parts while monitoring temperature, humidity, pH and physical stress. Tested on maritime amphorae from Türkiye and Italy, the approach could help conservators track changes and support long-term preservation.
A black hole keeps tearing pieces off the same star, yet the star survives and comes back again
Astronomers have made fascinating observations of stars that are caught in a gravitational dance with supermassive black holes. As these stars approach, they lose material in a series of light bursts that fade over time. New research indicates that the stars' rapid initial spin is key to this phenomenon, as it limits excessive rotation during subsequent encounters with the black holes.
Quote of the day by James Clerk Maxwell: "Happy is the man who can recognise..."
James Clerk Maxwell viewed daily work as a bridge to the eternal, infusing everyday tasks with profound meaning. This mindset encourages us to see our present efforts as the groundwork for future advancements and wisdom. By pursuing our tasks with intention, we contribute to a legacy that reverberates long after our immediate actions, creating a ripple effect of purpose in the world.
Meet Vick Tan: The Minnesota student who turned a teabag into a low-cost arsenic filter
In a groundbreaking initiative, a student has engineered a teabag designed to extract arsenic from polluted water. This clever pouch incorporates eggshells and magnetic iron oxide, successfully removing over ninety-eight percent of arsenic during rigorous laboratory assessments. Researchers are also investigating possibilities for its reuse and economical manufacturing. This innovation represents a significant leap towards providing accessible and safe drinking water.
