A new study suggests humanity lacks the technology to rule out the presence of extraterrestrial probes or artifacts in the Solar System. Current observations cover only a tiny fraction of space in sufficient detail, making detection difficult.
SCMP's science reporting highlights include a PLA plan to target US carrier groups from 3,000km, SpaceX's IPO, and images of Nvidia and Apple HQs released by a Chinese firm.
Australia's Bureau of Meteorology has declared an El Niño active, predicting hotter and drier conditions. Scientists warn climate change makes predicting the weather pattern's impacts harder, potentially intensifying extreme weather events like heatwaves and droughts.
Australia's Bureau of Meteorology has declared an El Niño, predicting hotter, drier conditions. Scientists warn climate change makes its impacts harder to forecast, potentially intensifying effects like heatwaves and droughts.
New research offers a framework to predict powerful turbidity currents, which can damage underwater infrastructure. Findings could aid in managing reservoirs and protecting cables.
A conspiracy theory about scientists dying or disappearing is traced back to a 1977 British mock-documentary called 'Alternative 3', created by David Ambrose. Despite being a fictional drama, it was taken seriously by many and has since fueled various conspiracy narratives.
A report from Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew highlights how AI and digitisation are accelerating the identification and conservation of plant and fungi species, offering a crucial tool in the fight against extinction. Despite significant progress, vast numbers of species remain unanalysed, with climate change impacting flowering times and disrupting ecosystems.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has proposed a social media ban for under-16s, aiming to enhance online safety. While welcomed by many parents, scientists question the evidence for bans' effectiveness, and campaigners argue it lets social media firms evade platform changes.
Russian scientists have created an AI algorithm that predicts extreme weather events in the Arctic with five times higher resolution than global climate models. The AI, trained on ERA5 data, can forecast wind fields and wave heights in the Barents Sea with remarkable speed and accuracy, aiding maritime safety and wind power applications.
An area of Antarctica comparable to France has failed to form winter sea ice in the Bellingshausen Sea, alarming scientists. This unusual event, coinciding with a heatwave, raises concerns for penguins, marine ecosystems, and sea-level rise.
Researchers in China have developed plants that glow autonomously using biotechnology and material sciences. One method integrates fungal bioluminescence pathways into plant cells, while another uses phosphors in succulents to emit stored light, potentially offering sustainable lighting solutions for urban environments.
New research indicates the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland was formed by intense volcanic activity around 60 million years ago over 5.5 million years, linked to a global event. Scientists have connected the lava flows to formations in Scotland and other North Atlantic locations, revising previous timelines.
DNA from 2,000-year-old grape seeds in Tuscany shows Roman-era vineyards were part of a sophisticated agricultural network. Research revealed white grapes dominated the Chianti site, contrary to today's red wine fame, suggesting continuity from Etruscans to Romans.
Wes Streeting is preparing a Labour leadership bid focused on attracting global talent through a "global talent programme" and using North Sea oil and gas tax revenues to cut energy bills. He criticizes the US for deterring scientists and AI experts, vowing to welcome them to Britain.
Scientists express concern over the Bellingshausen Sea in West Antarctica, which is missing a 'France-sized' chunk of winter sea ice, approximately 650,000 sq km. This area, typically ice-covered in June, remains largely ice-free, raising fears it may not reform.
Cuban scientists and conservationists are facing significant challenges in protecting the island's marine ecosystems due to economic scarcity, US sanctions, and the climate crisis. Despite limited resources, they are employing innovative methods like coral farming and relying on local volunteers to mitigate damage from pollution, invasive species, and coral diseases.
Scientists have discovered that some microbes found on and inside Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummy, may still be alive. A new study analyzed the mummy's DNA, identifying fungal species adapted to cold environments that likely colonized his body before he died and froze. The research suggests these microbes could remain active for thousands of years, offering insights into ancient human microbiomes and posing challenges for preserving organic remains.
Scientists have discovered one of the largest and deepest whale graveyards in the southeastern Indian Ocean, containing hundreds of fossils, including a potentially new species. The site, located in the Diamantina Fracture Zone southwest of Australia, spans approximately 1,200 kilometers and has been receiving whale carcasses for at least 5 million years.
A new study suggests trees might not store as much planet-heating carbon as previously thought. Researchers found that tree growth stops months before photosynthesis does, meaning not all absorbed carbon is converted into wood. This could impact climate models and the effectiveness of forests as carbon sinks.
Scientists have developed a new non-invasive maternal blood test, NIFS, capable of detecting thousands of serious genetic conditions in a fetus. This advanced sequencing technique identifies fetal DNA fragments in the mother's blood, potentially replacing invasive procedures like amniocentesis and offering earlier diagnosis for a wider range of disorders.
Chinese defense scientists have published a step-by-step guide on how to destroy a US carrier group from 3,000km away. The research, led by associate professor Gao Tianyun and published in Tactical Missile Technology, details how to target US Navy ships operating near China.
A Chinese study published in Nature Genetics found differences in vaginal microbiomes between American and Chinese women, noting higher prevalence and virulence of a bacterium linked to bacterial vaginosis and preterm birth in American women, emphasizing the need for localized treatments and filling a knowledge gap for Asian populations.
Chinese scientists have identified significant differences in vaginal microbiomes between American and Chinese women. A bacterium linked to bacterial vaginosis and preterm birth is more prevalent and virulent in American women, highlighting the need for localized treatments and advancing global microbiome research.
Analysis of health records shows emergency hospital admissions in central London decreased by 3% per year after the introduction of the T-charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez), with significant reductions in heart and breathing problem admissions.
