Phys.org news

Phys.org / Astronomers discover eight new cataclysmic variables
An international team of astronomers has analyzed the data from the latest phase of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). They discovered eight new cataclysmic variables (CV) systems. The finding is reported in a paper published ...

Phys.org / Hidden in plain sight: Windshield washer fluid is an unexpected emission source
Exhaust fumes probably come to mind when considering vehicle emissions, but they aren't the only source of pollutants released by a daily commute. In a recent Environmental Science & Technology study, researchers report that ...

Phys.org / China launches new crew for space station, with eye to putting astronauts on moon before 2030
China launched a new three-person crew for its orbiting space station on Tuesday, with an eye to putting astronauts on the moon before the end of the decade.

Phys.org / Humans evolved to walk with an extra spring in our step, shows foot arch study
A new study has shown that humans may have evolved a spring-like arch to help us walk on two feet. Researchers studying the evolution of bipedal walking have long assumed that the raised arch of the foot helps us walk by ...

Phys.org / One-third of galaxy's most common planets could be in habitable zone
Our familiar, warm, yellow sun is a relative rarity in the Milky Way. By far the most common stars are considerably smaller and cooler, sporting just half the mass of our sun at most. Billions of planets orbit these common ...

Phys.org / X-ray emissions from black hole jets vary unexpectedly, challenging leading model of particle acceleration
Researchers discovered only relatively recently that black hole jets emit X-rays, and how the jets accelerate particles to this high-energy state is still a mystery. Surprising new findings in Nature Astronomy appear to rule ...

Phys.org / Observers inspect complex magnetic field of the molecular cloud Lynds 43
Using the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT), an international team of astronomers has observed a nearby molecular cloud designated Lynds 43. Results of the observations, published May 18 on the arXiv pre-print server, ...

Phys.org / Vehicle stop study illuminates importance of officer's first words
Eugenia Rho believes in the importance of first impressions, especially during vehicle stops.

Phys.org / UAE announces groundbreaking mission to asteroid belt, seeking clues to life's origins
The United Arab Emirates unveiled plans Monday to send a spaceship to explore the solar system's main asteroid belt, the latest space project by the oil-rich nation after it launched the successful Hope spacecraft to Mars ...

Phys.org / Mapping the conflict between farming and biodiversity
It's well known that producing foods such as beef can have an outsized footprint when it comes to carbon emissions. But a new study shows that some of these same staples can have an equally huge effect when it comes to biodiversity ...

Phys.org / Even lawyers don't like legalese: Study
It's no secret that legal documents are notoriously difficult to understand, causing headaches for anyone who has had to apply for a mortgage or review any other kind of contract. A new MIT study reveals that the lawyers ...

Phys.org / 120-city study: 22% reduction in urban traffic emissions in 15 years without quality of life decline is possible
How do you make transport in the world's big cities more climate-friendly without putting too much pressure on people? A model-based study of 120 major cities around the globe now shows how these two major goals can be reconciled. ...