Phys.org news

Phys.org / Fast-moving wildfires may prevent western forests from recovering

The severe, drought-fueled fires now burning across much of the American West and Canada may be scorching forests so thoroughly that they cannot recover to the forests they once were, new research shows. A study by Colorado ...

Aug 12, 2026
Phys.org / Ultrafast flash Joule heating significantly reduces MXene manufacturing time

MXenes are two-dimensional materials made of very thin layers of metals, measured on the atomic scale. They conduct electricity well and have surfaces that can easily interact with other materials, making them excellent candidates ...

Aug 12, 2026
Phys.org / Hybrid bioprinter creates capillary networks narrower than 10 micrometers

More than 100,000 people are awaiting an organ transplant in the United States, with a new candidate added to the list every 10 minutes. Even if the transplant is carried out successfully, recipients must take immunosuppressive ...

Aug 12, 2026
Phys.org / DNA research highlights the genetic vulnerability of Asian elephants

The DNA of Asian elephants tells a concerning story. Although all four subspecies are under pressure, there are considerable differences in their genetic health. In an article published in the journal Genome Biology and Evolution, ...

Aug 12, 2026
Phys.org / History, not age, determines the genomic importance of ancient trees

Ancient trees—those that are remarkably old for their species—are declining worldwide, raising concerns about the loss of the ecological and evolutionary history they represent. Their exceptional longevity has long encouraged ...

Aug 12, 2026
Phys.org / Genetic switch could help tomatoes produce fruit in cold weather

Every tomato begins with a flower. But before a fruit can grow, an intricate sequence of events must happen in perfect order. The flower's male and female organs must develop together, pollen must be released at exactly the ...

Aug 12, 2026
Phys.org / When male suitors abound, female treefrogs have trouble picking mates

Much like an indecisive single person on a dating app, female treefrogs struggle to pick the most desirable mates when they have too many options to choose from. According to a new study published Aug. 12 in the journal iScience, ...

Aug 12, 2026
Phys.org / AI tool could help veterinarians track heart disease more precisely

For dogs with heart disease, a fraction of a centimeter can make a life-changing difference. Veterinarians often rely on chest radiographs to monitor subtle changes in heart size that help determine when treatment should ...

Aug 12, 2026
Phys.org / Californians are twice as likely as Louisianans to be childfree—but demographics tell more of the story

Across the United States, the number of people who do not have and do not want to have children is growing. While they are twice as likely to live in California as Louisiana, individual demographic characteristics are the ...

Aug 12, 2026
Phys.org / Wars between nations face persistent escalation risk, decades of conflict data suggest

Military leaders frequently underestimate how big the wars they engage in will get. Gen. Douglas MacArthur predicted U.S. troops could come home from the Korean War in time for Christmas, just months after the conflict started. ...

Aug 12, 2026
Phys.org / 20-year study finds pre-K impacts a child's academic future

Students who attended public school pre-K performed better academically through high school than those in family-based child care, according to new research from Florida International University.

Aug 12, 2026
Phys.org / How to design a space habitat that supports its residents' mental health

In extreme environments, habitats are built for survival. Submarines, Antarctic bases and post-disaster dwellings are designed to prioritize health and safety. This is especially the case for habitats in space, where room ...

Aug 12, 2026