Science Alert

Subscribe to Science Alert feed Science Alert
Latest news, top updates and current developments from the world of Health, Science and technology along with tips on physical & mental health and fitness.
Updated: 2 hours 54 min ago

Solar Eclipse August 2 will bring 6 minutes of total darkness; Check, date, time, and visibility areas for a once-in-100-years phenomenon

18/07/2025
Get ready for a celestial spectacle. On August 2, 2027, a total solar eclipse will grace Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The Moon will completely block the Sun for up to six minutes. This event is the longest total solar eclipse visible from land in over a century. Prime viewing spots include Libya and Egypt.

Starry nights ahead: Celestial spectacle to light up skies through August - check details

18/07/2025
The Perseid meteor shower, active from July 17 to August 23, peaks on August 12-13, potentially offering 50-75 meteors per hour. Caused by Earth traversing Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle's debris, optimal viewing requires dark locations away from city lights, focusing on the Perseus constellation. While UK visibility may be affected by cloud cover, clearer skies are anticipated the following week.

Blood samples to heart scans: How NASA monitors astronaut health aboard the ISS through human research

18/07/2025
NASA is rigorously studying the effects of spaceflight on astronauts' health aboard the ISS through diverse medical tests and wearable technology. Astronauts like Ayers and McClain are participating in studies ranging from immune function to cardiovascular health. Simultaneously, crews maintain vital space station systems and conduct botanical research, ensuring both crew well-being and system reliability for future deep space missions.

Solar Eclipse on August 2 will bring 6 minutes of total darkness; check, date, time, and visibility areas for a once-in-100-years phenomenon

18/07/2025
On August 2, 2027, a remarkable total solar eclipse will grace Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, plunging regions into darkness for up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds. Dubbed the "Great North African Eclipse," this celestial event promises an extended period of totality, making it a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle for millions, with ideal viewing conditions expected in North Africa.

Japan found $26 billion treasure under ocean but an innovation could keep it buried forever

18/07/2025
Japan's $26 billion deep-sea mining project near Minami-Tori-shima, aimed at extracting cobalt and nickel for EV batteries, faces disruption. Scientists have developed a next-generation battery cathode using disordered rock-salt particles, eliminating the need for these rare metals. This innovation threatens the economic viability of Japan's mining plans while offering environmental benefits by avoiding deep-sea ecological damage.

Nisar, $1.5billion Indo-US mission enters last leg, Isro eyes July-end launch

18/07/2025
The joint mission between Nasa and Isro, Nisar, is nearing its launch date. The launch is expected from Sriharikota by the end of July. This Earth-observing satellite will provide a detailed view of Earth. It will detect movements of land and ice surfaces. The satellite uses two different radar frequencies.

Shubanshu Shukla healthy, on a medical routine to restore baseline health

18/07/2025
Indian astronaut Shubanshu Shukla (Shux) safely returned from the ISS after the Axiom-4 mission and is undergoing post-flight rehabilitation in Houston. Initial medical evaluations show no immediate health concerns as he begins a week-long recovery program. The mission facilitated international cooperation in space and supported over 60 scientific experiments from 31 countries, contributing to a thriving low-Earth orbit economy.

First time astronomers capture earliest signs of planet formation around a young star | Watch video

17/07/2025
Astronomers have captured the first direct signs of planet formation around the young star HOPS-315, offering a glimpse into the early stages of planetary system development. Using the James Webb Space Telescope and ALMA, researchers observed the protostar, revealing the moment dust begins to coalesce into the building blocks of planets.

Nasa to preview US-India radar mission: What is NISAR, when will it launch, why it matters

17/07/2025
NASA is set to reveal its collaborative Earth-observation mission with ISRO, named NISAR, which will provide a detailed three-dimensional view of our planet. Launching no earlier than late July, NISAR will employ dual-frequency radar to monitor Earth's dynamic surfaces, including ecosystems and natural hazards.

Elon Musk confirms next SpaceX Starship test flight coming soon after recent setbacks

17/07/2025
SpaceX is gearing up for Starship's tenth test flight in early August, as confirmed by Elon Musk on July 14, 2025. Despite a recent upper-stage explosion and previous flight failures, the Super Heavy booster has shown promise. This mission aims to improve reusability and reliability, crucial for lunar missions, space station resupply, and Mars colonization.

Shubhanshu Shukla’s emotional reunion with family melts millions of hearts online | Watch first pictures

17/07/2025
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS, has returned home after an 18-day mission. His emotional reunion with his wife and son, captured in heartwarming photos, has resonated deeply across India. Shukla's message emphasizes the importance of human connection, reminding everyone to cherish their loved ones amidst life's fast pace.

Astronomers capture birth of planets around a baby sun

17/07/2025
Astronomers have spotted the earliest stages of rocky planet formation around a young, sun-like star named HOPS-315. Using the Webb Space Telescope and ESO's Alma telescope, scientists detected solid specks condensing within the gas disk, revealing silicon monoxide gas and crystalline silicate minerals. This unprecedented glimpse into "time zero" suggests planet formation could be a common process.

Tortoises have feelings too: Study shows they experience long-term moods like humans

17/07/2025
A University of Lincoln study reveals that red-footed tortoises exhibit long-term mood states, indicating optimism and emotional resilience. Challenging the perception of reptiles as purely instinctual, the research used cognitive bias tests, showing that tortoises in enriched environments displayed more optimistic behaviors. These findings advocate for improved reptile welfare, urging consideration of their mental wellbeing in care and policy.

'Shubhanshu Shukla's mission an inspiration for new generation'

17/07/2025
The Cabinet lauded Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla for his triumphant 18-day ISS mission, recognizing it as a pivotal moment for India's space exploration. This achievement is expected to inspire young Indians to pursue careers in science and innovation. The mission marks a significant step forward, offering a promising vision for future space endeavors and igniting scientific curiosity across the nation.

How much did ISRO spend to send Shubhanshu Shukla to the ISS on historic 18-day Axiom-4 mission

16/07/2025
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned to Earth after an 18-day mission on the ISS, marking him as the first Indian to visit the station. As part of the Axiom-4 mission, his journey paves the way for India's Gaganyaan mission in 2027. Shukla underwent a rehabilitation program following his landing on July 15.

Elon Musk’s Mars plan is a dangerous illusion, warns astrophysicist Adam Becker

16/07/2025
Astrophysicist Adam Becker has strongly criticized Elon Musk's Mars colonization plan, labeling it as utterly unrealistic. In his recent book and interviews, Becker argues that billionaires' space settlement dreams are detached from scientific and ethical considerations. He insists that even a devastated Earth would be more habitable than Mars, citing the planet's harsh conditions.

NASA warns building-sized asteroid 2022 YS5 set for close Earth flyby on July 17; here’s why scientists are on alert

16/07/2025
Asteroid 2022 YS5, a building-sized space rock, will safely pass Earth on July 17, prompting NASA and ISRO to emphasize the importance of planetary defense. While not hazardous, this event underscores the need for continuous monitoring of near-Earth objects. ISRO is preparing for future asteroid encounters, particularly Apophis in 2029, through international collaborations and technology development.

454 hints that a chatbot wrote part of a biomedical researcher's paper

16/07/2025
A recent study reveals a growing trend of AI chatbot usage in writing biomedical paper abstracts. Researchers identified specific words favored by AI, like "delves" and "crucial," to detect AI-generated content. They estimate that at least 13.5% of biomedical abstracts show signs of AI assistance, sparking debate about the ethical use of AI in scientific writing.

NASA warns! 280-foot asteroid 2025 MA90 to make close Earth flyby today at 20,263 mph; here’s what you must know

15/07/2025
Asteroid 2025 MA90 is set to pass today, that is July 15, 2025; however,, it is reportedly to safely pass by Earth. Scientists are monitoring it closely. This event allows the study of near-Earth objects. NASA confirms no impact risk. ISRO focuses on asteroid Apophis's 2029 flyby. Global cooperation is essential for planetary defence. Agencies are developing missions for asteroid study. Vigilance against cosmic hazards remains crucial.

Pages