Phys.org news

Phys.org / When order gives way to chaos—the turbulent birth of magnetic nanovortices

Magnetic switching processes are considered a prime example of controllable physics at the nanometer scale: in certain thin-film systems, a short electrical current pulse is sufficient to reverse the magnetization in a targeted ...

1 hour ago
Phys.org / Mathematicians solve decades-old mystery about the hidden order in high-dimensional randomness

Three mathematicians have laid out proof that solves a long-standing problem in mathematics. Even the mathematician—an Abel prize winner—that first posed the problem didn't believe it would ever be solved. The solution provides ...

5 hours ago
Phys.org / New 'AI scientists' are improving—but reveal their fundamental limits

Many of the most exciting discoveries in science involve highly specialized knowledge and making connections between far-flung facts. Scientists must combine deep analysis with broad reasoning strategies.

2 hours ago
Phys.org / Gold-coated optical fiber rapidly gathers microscopic targets for faster, more sensitive detection

Osaka Metropolitan University researchers have developed a light-driven technique that quickly amasses thousands of bacteria into a single spot, boosting detection speed and sensitivity. Their approach paves the way for earlier ...

4 hours ago
Phys.org / Heavily reddened quasars caught going through a 'blow-out' phase

At the center of most large galaxies sits a supermassive black hole (SMBH). When these black holes are actively consuming material, they become incredibly luminous quasars. But some quasars appear wrapped in thick clouds ...

9 hours ago
Phys.org / 'Patchwork families' existed more than 5,000 years ago, Neolithic DNA reveals

Children from previous relationships growing up as siblings in a new family, couples adopting or fostering children: So-called patchwork families are a widespread way of life today. It is considered modern, but is in fact ...

7 hours ago
Phys.org / Honeybees reveal Weber's law in flight when choosing paths

Honeybees are among the widely studied insects, due to their sophisticated, hierarchical social organization and their essential ecological role. Bees can move swiftly in natural environments, passing through narrow openings ...

May 23, 2026
Phys.org / Controlled experiments reveal how nuclear fallout particles form

In less than a millionth of a second after a nuclear detonation or a severe nuclear reactor accident, an enormous burst of energy heats the surrounding air and materials. Everything in the vicinity is vaporized into a hot, ...

May 23, 2026
Phys.org / 'Permanently wet' coating method could transform wastewater treatment by helping bacteria survive better

Living bacteria embedded in coatings could clean wastewater, capture carbon and generate biofuels—but only if they survive the manufacturing process. Researchers at the University of Surrey and the University of Warwick have ...

May 23, 2026
Phys.org / Quantum metasurface boosts terahertz detection sensitivity by exploiting in-plane photoelectric effect

Being able to see light and detect radiation is of utmost importance at any frequency. While this challenge has been solved in the visible range, radiation detectors in the far-infrared and terahertz regimes are either not ...

May 23, 2026
Phys.org / The first signs of human cremation may date back 100,000 years

The latest discoveries by an international research team, which includes Academy Research Fellow Ferhat Kaya from the University of Oulu, Finland, offer a detailed view of how early humans lived, moved, and adapted to their ...

May 23, 2026
Phys.org / Saturday citations: Two T. rexes and new exercise guidance that scientists are not calling 'easy'

John Hammond voice: "Welcome... to Saturday Citations." We're talking about different types of T. rexes today, along with some unwelcome news about cardiovascular health, but this week also brought news about the connection ...

May 23, 2026