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 39 min ago
Georgia begins 10-year forest restoration at 132-acre Towaliga Preserve with data-centre partnership
The Towaliga Preserve is about to launch an ambitious 10-year forest restoration project, backed by QTS Data Centres. This significant initiative aims to revitalize 132 acres, focusing on ecosystem management and biodiversity enhancement. Throughout the decade, contractors will engage in tasks like invasive species control and planting native trees. After the project, the Southern Conservation Trust will ensure the area remains cared for and healthy.
Michigan commits $89 million to restore polluted Detroit and Kalamazoo rivers by 2040
Michigan's Reclaim the Rivers initiative is set to invest $89 million to tackle pollution in the Detroit and Kalamazoo rivers. This funding is dedicated to sediment removal, restoring habitats, and increasing public access for recreation. State officials envision a significant transformation by 2040, working to reverse years of industrial damage and improve water quality and ecological health across communities and the Great Lakes.
57 new deep-sea species discovered in Argentina’s Mar del Plata Canyon, including ‘Loki’ sea cucumber
In a groundbreaking deep-sea voyage off Argentina, scientists uncovered 57 brand new marine species alongside five previously unclassified genera. Using a remotely operated vehicle, they pulled samples from the Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon. Among these marine marvels was a unique and translucent sea cucumber whimsically dubbed Loki. A subsequent collaborative workshop was instrumental in accelerating the species identification process, highlighting the astonishing biodiversity of the South Atlantic's deep ecosystems.
Adult Homo erectus fossil confirms species appeared in Africa 2 million years ago
Researchers have described 18 previously unpublished hominin fossils from South Africa, including an adultHomo erectusfossil dated to 2 million years ago. The findings support the species’ first appearance in southern Africa at that time and provide evidence of microevolution inP. robustus.
RHS Rocket Science Experiment: ISS flight slows seed growth; Mars food plans still viable
In 2015, ESA astronaut Tim Peake carried rocket seeds to the International Space Station, launching a groundbreaking research project. Upon his return, 8,600 UK schools engaged in a citizen science experiment analyzing the seeds. The outcomes indicated that while the seeds' growth and aging were influenced by space conditions, they remained viable.
London sent 3 million tonnes of railway soil to rebuild Essex wetlands; bird numbers hit 39,000
More than three million tonnes of soil excavated for London’s Elizabeth line were transported to Wallasea Island in Essex to help create coastal wetlands. Ten years after seawalls were breached, the restored RSPB reserve has recorded a record 39,000 wintering birds, including thousands of Knot, Avocets, Grey Plovers and Bar-tailed Godwits.
