Explore the Latest in Science at South Africa Buzz News
Science isn’t just for labs or textbooks — it’s happening all around us and it impacts how we understand the world. Here, you’ll find clear updates on the coolest new discoveries and research that really matter.
The Ancient Visitor: Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS
Imagine a comet that has been traveling in space for millions of years before it even passed near our solar system. That’s what astronomers believe about 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar comet that may be the oldest ever seen. This comet likely came from the center of our galaxy, carrying clues about the early material that formed stars and planets. Scientists are watching it closely until September 2025, when it will disappear behind the Sun. Observing 3I/ATLAS helps us learn about the building blocks of our universe in a very real way.
Wild Wisdom: Orangutans Using Medicinal Plants
Did you know some wild animals can treat their own injuries with natural remedies? In Indonesia’s Gunung Leuser National Park, a Sumatran orangutan named Rakus showed exactly that. He used a plant called Akar Kuning, known for its healing properties, to treat a wound. This is the first clear proof of wild animals using specific plants for self-medication, showing how smart and resourceful they can be. It also opens up new ideas about how animals interact with nature and take care of themselves.
Science stories like these remind us how much there still is to discover about our world and beyond. Keep checking back for updates on fascinating subjects that explain life in simple, relatable ways. Whether it’s a space traveler or a clever animal, science never stops surprising us.
3I/ATLAS: Interstellar Comet May Be the Oldest Relic Ever Observed
The newly spotted interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS could be the oldest comet ever seen, possibly predating our solar system by millions of years. Scientists think it comes from the galaxy's distant center and say it will offer clues about the makeup of early interstellar material. The comet will be observable until September 2025 before disappearing behind the Sun.
Breakthrough Observation: Sumatran Orangutan Uses Medicinal Plant to Heal Wound
A groundbreaking observation in Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia, features a Sumatran orangutan named Rakus, who used a medicinal plant, Akar Kuning, to treat his wound. This marks the first documented instance of a wild animal using specific medicinal flora for self-healing. Such behavior underscores the intelligence of orangutans and enhances understanding of natural medicinal practices.