Phys.org news
Phys.org / Peru's highest mountain confirms tropics were a major methane source before the industrial era
A new analysis of ice cores collected from the Andes in Peru has produced the first global record of historical tropical methane, filling a critical gap in our understanding of the origins of Earth's greenhouse gases.
Phys.org / AI prompts offer a new tool for mapping how emotion concepts relate
How similar are "joy" and "surprise"? Conversely, how far apart are "joy" and "sadness"? We naturally organize words that express emotions—such as "happy," "afraid," and "angry"—according to similarities and differences in ...
Phys.org / 'Ecology of fear' can dramatically change the behavior of blue mussels
For a blue mussel, a good meal does not come entirely without risk. Blue mussels feed by filtering microscopic algae from seawater. But some unwelcome guests can slip in along with their food. Tiny parasite larvae can hitch ...
Phys.org / Rye reference genome uncovers diversity that could strengthen wheat breeding
Rye is not only a hardy and high-yielding crop, but also possesses a valuable gene pool for wheat breeding. An international research team led by the IPK Leibniz Institute has significantly improved the foundations for research ...
Phys.org / Microbial clocks can accurately estimate time since death across different climates
New research reveals that microbial clocks—forensic tools that track the succession and development of bacteria and fungi involved in decomposition after death—are highly accurate for estimating time since death, or postmortem ...
Phys.org / Climate taxonomy tool turns risk assessments into practical adaptation guidance
As climate impacts such as heat waves, floods and fires intensify worldwide, there is an urgent demand for information on how to respond. IIASA researchers and partners have developed a new tool that meets that need, integrating ...
Phys.org / AI flood map reveals 11 million Americans may be omitted from official risk zones
Official flood maps shape disaster preparedness, insurance decisions and urban planning, but large parts of the United States remain unmapped or under-mapped. This means some communities may be left unaware of the risks they ...
Phys.org / Interacting with AI can make people act more like robots
As AI continues to develop at a rapid pace, social robots powered by AI are becoming more commonplace in customer service settings such as retail, hospitality, tourism and health care. But as these robots become smarter and ...
Phys.org / Genetic 'switches' could program 3D-printed bone tissue for blood vessel growth
An interdisciplinary team of engineers and chemists at Penn State has laid the groundwork for 3D printing spheroids—tiny clusters of living cells—capable of regenerating bone tissue in response to severe trauma or infections.
Phys.org / Neutron capture experiment sheds light on ancient stardust
Niobium-94, an isotope of niobium with 41 protons and 53 neutrons, is a critical crossroads in the complex nuclear processes that forge heavy elements under the intense pressures and temperatures of dying stars. In an article ...
Phys.org / Quantum simulators gain quantitative error bars in 51-ion test
In the coming years, increasingly larger and more powerful quantum systems are expected to tackle problems that are difficult or impossible to solve using conventional computers. However, the more powerful quantum simulations ...
Phys.org / Jellyfish reveal how rapid cell turnover may suppress early cancer growth
Although increased cell proliferation is a hallmark of cancerous tissues, in some cases it may actually protect against tumor growth, according to a new study by Caltech researchers. Using mathematical models, the work suggests ...
