Phys.org news

Phys.org / The real reason states first emerged thousands of years ago: New research

Globalization, migration, climate change and war—nation states are currently under huge pressure on many fronts. Understanding the forces that initially drove the emergence of states across the world may help explain why.

Nov 25, 2025 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Looping long-necked dinosaur site reveals its secrets

An analysis of a unique looping trail of ancient footprints in the United States reveals the dinosaur which made it may have been limping.

Nov 25, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Adaptive method helps light-based quantum processors act more like neural networks

Machine learning models called convolutional neural networks (CNNs) power technologies like image recognition and language translation. A quantum counterpart—known as a quantum convolutional neural network (QCNN)—could ...

Nov 25, 2025 in Physics
Phys.org / Defining work and heat in quantum systems: Laser light coherence offers a consistent approach

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a new approach to applying thermodynamics to microscopic quantum systems.

Nov 25, 2025 in Physics
Phys.org / The mystery of hanging coffins: Are modern Bo people the genetic heirs of an ancient burial tradition?

A new study has uncovered a direct genetic link between ancient practitioners of the Hanging Coffin burial tradition and the modern Bo people in Southwest China. The findings published in Nature Communications offer unprecedented ...

Nov 25, 2025 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Quantum key distribution enables secure communication via hybrid and mobile channels

As part of the QuNET project, researchers have demonstrated how quantum key distribution works reliably via hybrid and mobile channels. The results are milestones for sovereign, quantum-secured communication in Germany and ...

Nov 25, 2025 in Physics
Phys.org / Covalent organic frameworks grown through coupling reactions unlock new class of semiconducting magnets

Chemists at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a methodology to enable coupling reactions for the growth of crystalline porous covalent organic frameworks, unlocking a new class of semiconducting magnets. ...

Nov 25, 2025 in Chemistry
Phys.org / The DEVILS in the details: How the cosmic landscape impacts the galaxy lifecycle

A team of astronomers from the International Center for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) has released new data from an extensive galaxy evolution survey that found a galaxy's "neighborhood" plays a major role in how it changes ...

Nov 25, 2025 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Ocean's upper 1,000 meters undergoing unprecedented, deep-reaching compound change

Earth's ocean, the planet's life-support system, is experiencing rapid and widespread transformations that extend far below its surface. A promising international study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that vast ...

Nov 25, 2025 in Earth
Phys.org / New X-ray method captures 3 image-contrast types in a single shot

University of Houston researchers developed a new X-ray imaging method capable of revealing hidden features in a single shot, a breakthrough that could advance cancer detection, disease monitoring, security screening and ...

Nov 25, 2025 in Physics
Phys.org / Microplastics pose a human health risk in more ways than one

A new study shows that microplastics in the natural environment are colonized by pathogenic and antimicrobial resistant bacteria. The study team calls for urgent action for waste management and strongly recommends wearing ...

Nov 25, 2025 in Earth
Phys.org / Urban natives: Plants evolve to live in cities

While urbanization has restricted and fragmented the natural ecosystems, it also creates new and diverse environmental conditions within towns.

Nov 25, 2025 in Biology