Science News

Child-led citizen science helps Ecuadorian community tackle beach pollution and shape environmental decisions

Children in Ayangue, Ecuador, led a project to clean beach pollution between 2023 and 2024. The Amiguitos del Océano Foundation helped kids aged 7 to 12 monitor cigarette butts. Their work showed a 53.2% drop in litter. They used reused PVC collectors and exchange points to keep the sand clean.

This 150-million-year-old bird had dinosaur teeth and a strange secret

Scientists identified a 150-million-year-old bird species named Yuezhuornis yangyuanensis in China. This crow-sized creature had dinosaur teeth and a sickle-shaped claw. Dr. Min Wang said, "It shows us that early bird evolution was far more complicated than we previously realized." The fossil proves early birds adapted to many different environments.

Surveying the genetic battlefield to uncover the rules of rapid evolution

Harmit Malik and his team at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center study rapid evolution caused by genetic conflicts. They found that alphaviruses use a special stop codon to balance protein production and hide from immune systems. Malik said, "These rules also let us look forward and come up with strategies."

Isro likely to launch NVS-03 on GSLV on October 30. Why its critical

Isro will launch the NVS-03 satellite on a GSLV rocket from Sriharikota on October 30, 2026. This mission aims to fix a gap in India’s navigation system, which currently lacks enough satellites for independent positioning. Once operational, this new satellite will help strengthen the NavIC network for civilian and strategic use.

NASA lays out plan for Artemis 3 moon-lander test flight - but when will it launch?

NASA shared plans for the Artemis III moon-lander test flight on Oct. 23 at Kennedy Space Center. Jeremy Parsons said, "We're launching three of the most powerful rockets in the world." The mission uses SLS, Starship, and New Glenn rockets to test systems and prepare astronauts for future lunar exploration goals.

Glowing plants reveal immune responses around infection sites via two colors

Researchers at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences developed glowing plants that reveal immune responses using two colors. Published today in Nature Plants, the study helps scientists track gene activity accurately. Sarkisyan said, "By introducing a second color as an internal reference, we can separate those effects and obtain."

Juvenile fishing rampant, Keralam fishers call for revision of minimum size

Rampant juvenile fishing threatens the marine ecosystem along the Kerala coast as El Nino warms sea waters. Fishermen and scientists now demand a revision of the minimum legal size for fish. “The government should initiate strict measures to stop illegal fishing,” said Joseph Xavier Kalapurackal, citing risks to fish stocks.

Telangana: Study traces maternal ancestry of Konkanis

A study by Hyderabad’s CSIR-CCMB and Mangalore University traced the maternal ancestry of Konkani-speaking communities. Researchers analysed DNA from 295 individuals, finding a mix of South Asian and West Eurasian lineages. Dr K Thangaraj said, "West Eurasian and Steppe-associated maternal lineages among Sarasvata groups highlighted the complexity of ancient migrations."

For new drugs, scientists turn to the microbes inside the body

Scientists are studying microbes inside the human body to develop new drugs for heart disease. Dr. Ambuj Roy said, “There is data to show that only 20% of people who should be on a statin, take statin in the long term.” Researchers now hope these gut bacteria offer better treatment options.

IIT-Madras scientist part of team demonstrating electrically driven molecular rotation

An IIT-Madras scientist helped an international team show how electrical current drives single molecule rotation. This movement boosts electrical conduction by 100-fold. Assistant Professor Anil Kumar Singh said, "Molecular motion is not merely a consequence of electrical transport; it can also facilitate the passage of electrons through the molecule."

Astronaut Don Pettit Captures Earth's Auroras Through A Fisheye Lens

Astronaut Don Pettit shared a unique view of Earth’s auroras using a fisheye lens. The image shows the planet as a green sphere with the Soyuz spacecraft visible in the foreground. Pettit said, "these lenses are less popular for space photography but can produce interesting results" during his time in orbit.

Guam’s invasive snakes can 'swim for miles,' putting the last of the endangered ko’ko’ birds in grave danger.

In February 2026, an experiment in Guam showed invasive brown tree snakes can swim over 3 km. This discovery worries experts protecting endangered ko'ko' birds on nearby Cocos Island. While the study was informal, it proved these predators could potentially cross the water, threatening the birds' fragile new breeding grounds.