Phys.org news

Phys.org / Oyster larvae and addictive drugs: Study finds exposure affects behavior and survival rates

The discharge and prevalence of psychoactive drugs in surface waters has raised concerns about potential risks to ecosystems and public health. Yet there is limited information on the ecotoxicity of these compounds in marine ...

Dec 9, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / 2025 on track to tie second hottest year on record: EU monitor

The planet is on track to log its second hottest year on record in 2025, tied with 2023 after a historic high in 2024, Europe's global warming monitor said Tuesday.

Dec 9, 2025 in Earth
Phys.org / Mitotic stopwatch pathway shows how cancer loses its sense of time to avoid stress responses

When cell division (mitosis) takes too long, it can be a sign that something is wrong with the cells, for example, DNA damage or chromosomal instability. That's why our cells come with an innate ability to tell the time, ...

Dec 9, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Inequalities exist in even the most egalitarian societies, anthropologists find

There is no such thing as a society where everyone is equal. That is the key message of new research that challenges the romantic ideal of a perfectly egalitarian human society.

Dec 8, 2025 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / NASA-JAXA XRISM finds elemental bounty in supernova remnant

For the first time, scientists have made a clear X-ray detection of chlorine and potassium in the wreckage of a star using data from the Japan-led XRISM (X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission) spacecraft.

Dec 8, 2025 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Axolotls regenerate functional thymus after complete removal

The axolotl, a type of salamander that stays in the tadpole form throughout its life, is a master of regeneration. Axolotls have been observed to regrow several body parts, including limbs, eyes, and even parts of their brains.

Dec 8, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Quantifying unknown quantum states: Study explores effectiveness of existing methods

Reliably quantifying and characterizing the quantum states of various systems is highly advantageous for both quantum physics research and the development of quantum technologies. Quantifying these states typically entails ...

Dec 8, 2025 in Physics
Phys.org / Implantable sensor uses engineered bacteria for wireless molecular tracking

Scientists from Turkey have designed a next-generation implantable biosensor using genetically engineered E. coli for molecular-level monitoring within the body that runs on its own, wirelessly, with no external batteries ...

Dec 8, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / First Andean trophy head with cleft lip/palate identified from southern Peru

In a recent study, Dr. Beth Scaffidi analyzed the images of a unique trophy head from southern Peru. The study diagnosed the individual as having had a cleft lip/palate (CLP), making him the first case of an Andean trophy ...

Dec 8, 2025 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Peculiar supernova SN 2021ukt transitions from Type IIn to Type Ib

Astronomers from the University of California (UC), Berkeley and elsewhere have performed spectroscopic and photometric study of a peculiar supernova designated SN 2021ukt, which underwent a transition from Type IIn to Type ...

Dec 8, 2025 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Archaeologists use lasers to locate ancient settlements and artifacts on Greek Islands

A group of scientists are studying the Cyclades, an island group in Greece's Aegean Sea, looking for signs of early human activity. They are using technology such as laser scanning and magnetometry, which may be more effective ...

Dec 8, 2025 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / How microtubules take part in cellular signal processing

Microtubules perform an active role in communication within the cell by transmitting received signals to the cell's functional units. Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI and the Department of Biomedicine at the ...

Dec 8, 2025 in Biology