Phys.org news

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 / 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 / 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 / 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 / Chemical fingerprints reveal hidden binary pasts of massive stars

More than 70% of massive stars are born in close binary systems, where gravitational tugs and mass transfer between companions dramatically alter their evolution. Yet once the interaction ends—whether through mass transfer, ...

Aug 12, 2026
Phys.org / Tropical trees show unexpected drought adaptability across Puerto Rico's rainfall extremes

Tropical forests store enormous amounts of carbon and harbor most of the world's terrestrial biodiversity, but scientists fear that increasingly severe droughts threaten their ability to survive and continue absorbing carbon ...

Aug 12, 2026
Phys.org / Radiation vest tested on NASA moonshot can cut astronauts' exposure in solar storms, study suggests

A new study suggests a protective vest tested on a manikin during NASA's first Artemis moonshot could drastically cut the radiation exposure of lunar astronauts during severe solar storms.

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 / Immune 'reprogramming' could protect poultry from deadly diseases without antibiotics

University of Bristol–led researchers have identified a naturally occurring gut molecule that could strengthen chickens' immune response against a wide range of bacterial infections. This development, published today, Aug. ...

Aug 12, 2026
Phys.org / Rangers and scientists map vulnerable reefs in the remote Groote Archipelago

For thousands of years, the Anindilyakwa people have lived in deep connection with the waters surrounding Groote Eylandt, a remote island in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

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