Phys.org news
Phys.org / Humans prefer to put more effort into empathizing with groups than with individuals, study shows
What makes us care about others? Scientists studying empathy have found that people are more likely to choose to empathize with groups rather than individuals, even though they find empathizing equally difficult and uncomfortable ...
Phys.org / New microwave-to-optical transducer uses rare-earth ions for efficient quantum signal conversion
Quantum technologies, which leverage quantum mechanical effects to process information, could outperform their classical counterparts in some complex and advanced tasks. The development and real-world deployment of these ...
Phys.org / Striking intelligence of Neanderthal stone knappers revealed
University of Wollongong researchers have experimentally confirmed that changes in hammer strike angle significantly affect the fracture path and form of stone flakes produced by Neanderthals during the Middle Paleolithic.
Phys.org / Tandem heat-wave-drought events across Eurasia amplified by global warming, new study finds
Summers are getting hotter and drier in the Eurasian landmass due to an atmospheric circulation pattern further aggravated by anthropogenic factors. The recent tandem heat-wave-drought events in the region stretching from ...
Phys.org / Programmable double-network gels: Interspecies interactions dictate structure, resilience and adaptability
A new study uncovers how fine-tuning the interactions between two distinct network-forming species within a soft gel enables programmable control over its structure and mechanical properties. The findings reveal a powerful ...
Phys.org / A recently-discovered termite terminator is better, more targeted and won't harm humans
Drywood termites, the ones that hide in wooden structures, molt about seven times in their lives. UC Riverside researchers have found that a chemical preventing them from growing new exoskeletons will also end their infestation ...
Phys.org / Astronomers observe the cooling process of a young stellar object following an accretion burst
Using the NOrthern Extended Millimeter Array (NOEMA) and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), Chinese astronomers have observed a young stellar object known as G24.33+0.14 in the process of cooling after ...
Phys.org / Heat and drought are quietly hurting global crop yields
More frequent hot weather and droughts have dealt a significant blow to crop yields, especially for key grains like wheat, barley, and maize, according to a Stanford study published this week in Proceedings of the National ...
Phys.org / Okra and fenugreek extracts remove most microplastics from water, finds research
The substances behind the slimy strings from okra and the gel from fenugreek seeds could trap microplastics better than a commonly used synthetic polymer. Previously, researchers proposed using these sticky natural polymers ...
Phys.org / NICER maps debris from Ansky's quasi-periodic eruptions
For the first time, astronomers have probed the physical environment of repeating X-ray outbursts near monster black holes thanks to data from NASA's NICER (Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer) and other missions.
Phys.org / Bridging worlds: Physicists develop novel test of the holographic principle
Exactly 100 years ago, famed Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger (yes, the cat guy) postulated his eponymous equation that explains how particles in quantum physics behave. A key component of quantum mechanics, Schrödinger's ...
Phys.org / Exploring cyborg cicada bioacoustic modulations for insect-based communication
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba in Japan have invented a method to manipulate the musical scales of cicadas' chirps by using electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). A hybrid biological-electronic speaker was produced ...