Phys.org news

Phys.org / Female earwigs may also use their forceps as weapons in battles for mates

A new study from Toho University reveals that female earwigs exhibit a similar pattern of exaggerated forceps growth as males, suggesting that both sexes may have evolved these traits through sexual selection.

Jun 4, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Life from oceans to savannas explained with one single rule

A simple rule that seems to govern how life is organized on Earth is described in a new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution.

Jun 4, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / First genetic 'toggle switch' for plants paves the way for smarter farming

Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a tool that can be used to switch a plant's key genetic traits on or off at will. The breakthrough was recently published in ACS Synthetic Biology and represents the ...

Jun 4, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Magnetism in new exotic material opens the way for robust quantum computers

The entry of quantum computers into society is currently hindered by their sensitivity to disturbances in the environment. Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, and Aalto University and the University ...

Jun 4, 2025 in Physics
Phys.org / Graphene foam supports lab-grown cartilage for future osteoarthritis treatments

Boise State University researchers have developed a new technique and platform to communicate with cells and help drive them toward cartilage formation. Their work leverages a 3D biocompatible form of carbon known as graphene ...

Jun 4, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Engineered nanostructures boost CAR T-cell potency and longevity for cancer therapy

Our immune system is designed to protect us by recognizing and attacking infected or abnormal cells. However, cancer cells often manage to "cheat" the immune system by pretending to be healthy cells and thus disabling immune ...

Jun 4, 2025 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / 'String breaking' observed in 2D quantum simulator

An international team led by Innsbruck quantum physicist Peter Zoller, together with the US company QuEra Computing, has directly observed a gauge field theory similar to models from particle physics in a two-dimensional ...

Jun 4, 2025 in Physics
Phys.org / Ancient DNA analysis reveals regional migration patterns and local interactions in coastal Papua New Guinea

In the rugged landscapes of Papua New Guinea—where more than 800 languages echo across valleys and coasts—a remarkable discovery has brought new clarity to one of humanity's greatest migrations.

Jun 4, 2025 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Symmetry breaking in meniscus splitting: Boundary conditions reveal surprising behavior

Everything in nature has a geometric pattern—from the tiger's stripes and spirals in flowers to the unique fingerprints of each human being. While these patterns are sometimes symmetrical, most of such patterns lack symmetry, ...

Jun 4, 2025 in Physics
Phys.org / Wild cockatoos in Western Sydney learn how to drink from water fountains

A team of animal behaviorists at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany, working with a colleague from Western Sydney University, in Australia, has discovered that wild cockatoos in Australia have figured ...

Jun 4, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Microbes that extract rare earth elements can also capture carbon

A small but mighty microbe that can safely extract the rare earth and other critical elements for building everything from satellites to solar panels has another superpower: capturing carbon dioxide.

Jun 4, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / AI uncovers hidden airport hotspots that support global wildlife trafficking

A study recently published in Communications Earth & Environment reveals how AI and network science can help authorities and conservation organizations combat the illegal wildlife trade by identifying trafficking hubs—even ...

Jun 4, 2025 in Earth