A new study has revealed that dozens of species of coastal invertebrate organisms have been able to survive and reproduce on plastic garbage floating in the ocean. The research team found that coastal species were thriving in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and their findings suggest plastic pollution in the ocean might be enabling the creation of new floating ecosystems. The study has implications for the conservation of coastal species, as well as the management of plastic pollution in the ocean.
Posts published in “Science”
This stunning new image from the James Webb Space Telescope captures the collision of two galaxies 250 million light-years away, resulting in an enormous burst of star formation. The luminosity of the two galaxies combined is the equivalent of more than 1 trillion suns, and the amount of gas in the merging galaxies is equal to all of the gas in the entire Milky Way galaxy. The image is a testament to the power of the telescope and the beauty of the universe.
Key takeaways: The decision to phase out nuclear power began in the Cold War as a fight against atomic weapons. Germany has turned to coal,…
Beatriz Flamini, a Spanish extreme athlete, recently emerged from a 500-day challenge living 70 meters deep in a cave outside Granada with minimal contact outside. Accompanied by a support team, Flamini was part of a larger scientific study to understand the effects of long-term isolation on the human mind. Her emergence is a testament to her strength and determination, and the results of the study could have far-reaching implications.
NASA's Mars Helicopter, Ingenuity, has achieved a major milestone, completing its 50th flight and breaking a new record for altitude of 59 feet. This marks the first time a rotorcraft has achieved powered, controlled flight on another planet, and the 50th flight was a repositioning mission to explore the "Fall River Pass" near the planet's Jerezo Crater. Since its first flight on April 19, 2021, Ingenuity has surpassed all expectations, transitioning from a technology demonstration to an aerial scout for the red planet.
On Saturday, a fireball was seen cutting across the sky in New Brunswick, Canada, in broad daylight. NASA's Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Lab was able to calculate the "strewn field" where fragments of the meteor might be found near Calais, Maine. In response, the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum has announced a $25,000 reward for a kilogram of the meteorite and is asking anyone who witnessed the fireball to remember its path and contact them if they find any fragments.
Archaeologists have discovered an ancient stone scoreboard used in a soccer-like ball game at the Mayan Chichen Itza archaeological site in Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. The circular piece is decorated with hieroglyphic writing and two players standing next to a ball. It is believed to have been used for ritualistic events to settle disputes and honor the gods, and was a popular spectator sport. This discovery provides insight into the ancient Mayan culture and is a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting ancient sites.
The Biden administration has released an environmental analysis of competing plans for how seven Western states and tribes reliant on the Colorado River should cut their water use. The review did not state which option should be chosen, but defended the Interior Department's authority to make sure basic needs such as drinking water and hydropower are met. The White House has proposed new measures to dramatically cut how much water states can draw from the Colorado River, and the Interior Department is expected to make a decision soon.