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Phys.org / Complex life on planets orbiting the galaxy's most common stars may be unlikely

In a blow to anyone dreaming that complex life may exist elsewhere in the universe, a new study suggests we're unlikely to find it around many of the most common stars in the galaxy.

Jan 12, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / British redcoat's lost memoir reveals harsh realities of life as a disabled veteran

Archival discoveries including a 19th-century autobiography transform our understanding of Shadrach Byfield, an English veteran of the War of 1812 who buried his own amputated arm and designed a custom prosthesis.

Jan 14, 2026 in Other Sciences
Medical Xpress / Alternative RNA splicing tied to schizophrenia-like behaviors in animal models

In a new study, Chinese researchers have discovered the previously unrecognized role of alternative splicing of the DOC2A gene in schizophrenia.

Jan 16, 2026 in Genetics
Phys.org / Honeycomb lattice sweetens quantum materials development

Researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory are pioneering the design and synthesis of quantum materials, which are central to discovery science involving synergies with quantum computation. These ...

Jan 16, 2026 in Physics
Phys.org / Early humans relied on simple stone tools for 300,000 years in a changing east African landscape

Our prehistoric human ancestors relied on deliberately modified and sharpened stone tools as early as 3.3 million years ago. The selection of rock type depended on how easily the material could be flaked to the desired shape ...

Jan 17, 2026 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Massive impact could be the cause of our lopsided moon

Our nearest neighbor, the moon, is still something of a mystery to us. For decades, scientists have wondered why it appears so lopsided, with dark volcanic plains on the near side (the side we see) and rugged, cratered mountains ...

Jan 13, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Medical Xpress / Altered microbiome: Oral bacteria play a role in chronic liver disease, study reveals

Each year, more than two million people die from advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). Previous research has linked gut microbiome disruptions to this condition and suggested that bacteria typically found in the mouth may ...

Phys.org / Revealing the cell's nanocourier at work

An international group of researchers led by Pompeu Fabra University has discovered the nanomachine that controls constitutive exocytosis: the uninterrupted delivery of spherical molecular packages to the cell surface. This ...

Jan 16, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Mummified cheetahs found in Saudi caves shed light on lost populations

Scientists have uncovered the mummified remains of cheetahs from caves in northern Saudi Arabia.

Jan 15, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Nationwide racial bias shapes media reporting on gun violence, study suggests

Mass shootings in white-majority neighborhoods received roughly twice the news coverage of mass shootings in neighborhoods where a majority of residents were people of color, while coverage of police-involved shootings was ...

Jan 16, 2026 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Sharks are famous for fearsome teeth, but ocean acidification could make them weaker

Sharks are the most feared predators in the sea, and their survival hinges on fearsome teeth that regrow throughout their lives. But changes in the ocean's chemistry could put those weapons at risk.

Jan 16, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Indoor ozone reaction products can make blood thicker

Ozone that protects us from the sun's harmful UV rays, when in an indoor space, reacts with oils present on skin, wall paint, or even cooking oil to produce chemicals that negatively impact cardiovascular health.

Jan 14, 2026 in Earth