Top Science Headlines
Scientists identify 166,000 sq km of coral reefs that can survive climate change
Scientists have identified about 166,000 sq km of coral reefs capable of surviving climate change, three times more than previously estimated. These climate-resilient reefs are spread across 71 countries and 100 territories, including parts of the Caribbean, Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Scientists said the data can help governments decide where to deploy funds and protect these reefs.
Animals use movements & signals to communicate with different species: Study
A new study published in 'Animal Behaviour' said animals from different species use calls, body movements, visual displays, and other signals to work together. For example, lycaenid butterfly larvae use chemical and vibrational signals to encourage ants to protect them instead of eating them. Over time, simple cues can evolve into more specialised signals used for communication, the study said.
Star collapse could create tiny universes called Gravastars instead of black holes: Study
A study by physicists at Goethe University Frankfurt said the collapse of a massive star could create a tiny expanding universe called a Gravastar, instead of a black hole. Gravastars contain ordinary matter in their outer layers, while their interiors are filled with dark energy. This dark energy prevents them from collapsing into black holes, the study said.
Powerful heat dome over Europe triggers second heatwave of the year
England, France and Germany are facing the second European heatwave of 2026, driven by a powerful heat dome. A heat dome is created when a high pressure area stays over the same area for days or potentially weeks, trapping very warm air underneath it. Large parts of central and northwestern Europe will be covered by these conditions in coming days.
ATREE researchers uncover micro-mollusc life in Northeast India
Two new species of miniature, cave-dwelling micro-snails have been discovered deep inside Meghalaya's limestone cave systems by ecologists at ATREE. Published in the European Journal of Taxonomy, this finding highlights the rich but incredibly fragile subterranean biodiversity thriving inside the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
Odisha’s pristine delta under threat
An international collaborative study involving Indian scientists from Nalanda University, Nagaland University, MAHE, and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has scoured a 22-km stretch of the Brahmani river for microplastics. Their study found microplastics carrying a toxic cargo of chromium, copper, zinc, and cadmium straight into an ecologically sensitive delta.
Bird flu kills over 13,000 baby seals on remote Australian islands: Study
Bird flu has killed over 13,000 seal pups on Australia's remote Antarctic islands, study published in journal BioRxiv revealed. Using data collected between October 2025 and January 2026, researchers estimated H5N1 strain wiped out over 75% population on Heard and McDonald Islands. Drone surveys by Australian Antarctic Program captured "sobering" images of carcasses scattered across islands.
Tohoku earthquake moved Japan eastward by 5-6 mm, study finds
A study published in Science journal said that the 2011 Tohoku earthquake shifted parts of Japan by several millimetres. One seismic wave from the earthquake travelled 2,900 kilometres inside Earth, to the boundary between the mantle and liquid outer core, and then shot upwards. This triggered portions of Japan to shift eastward by up to 5-6 millimetres, the study said.
DRDO to close applications for 33 vacancies for scientists on June 19
DRDO will close online application process for 33 vacancies for posts of Scientist ‘C’, ‘D’ and ‘E’ on June 19 at 4 pm. Eligible candidates can submit applications at rac.gov.in. Applicants must possess at least a first-division Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology in the relevant discipline, or a first-division Master’s degree in the relevant subject from a recognised university.
Why is monsoon not advancing in India?
The southwest monsoon, which reached India on June 4, is experiencing a slowdown after an encouraging start earlier this month due to a developing El Niño and unusually weak activity over the Indian Ocean. Weak low-pressure formation over Bay of Bengal, dry winds from north, and the absence of favourable global weather conditions are also important factors, according to experts.