Phys.org news

Phys.org / 2025 was one of three hottest years on record, scientists say

Climate change worsened by human behavior made 2025 one of the three hottest years on record, scientists said.

Dec 30, 2025 in Earth
Phys.org / New dataset maps global city boundaries in high resolution from 2000 to 2022

A research team led by Prof. Liu Liangyun from the Aerospace Information Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (AIRCAS) has produced the first comprehensive, high-resolution map of global city and town boundaries, ...

Dec 30, 2025 in Earth
Phys.org / Ethylene and oxygen found to drive periderm regeneration after plant injury

Plants have an extraordinary ability to sense tissue damage and quickly rebuild their protective outer layers, a process vital for survival amid environmental stresses. The periderm—a specialized protective tissue found ...

Dec 30, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / The Star of Bethlehem might have actually been a comet described in an ancient Chinese text

Many researchers have spent decades attempting to decode biblical descriptions and link them to verifiable historical events. One such description is that of the Star of Bethlehem—a bright astronomical body that was said ...

Dec 29, 2025 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Biology-inspired brain model matches animal learning and reveals overlooked neuron activity

A new computational model of the brain based closely on its biology and physiology has not only learned a simple visual category learning task exactly as well as lab animals, but even enabled the discovery of counterintuitive ...

Dec 29, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Ancient Puebloans kept macaws and parrots in great houses for ceremonial use

In a recent study, Dr. Katelyn Bishop conducted a zooarchaeological and archival data reanalysis of macaws and parrots recovered from Chaco Canyon to better understand their depositional contexts, material associations, and ...

Dec 29, 2025 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Twisted light-matter systems unlock unusual topological phenomena

Properties that remain unchanged when materials are stretched or bent, which are broadly referred to as topological properties, can contribute to the emergence of unusual physical effects in specific systems.

Dec 29, 2025 in Physics
Phys.org / Sugar-derived crystals show stiffness approaching that of aluminum

Mucic acid crystals grown from a water-based solution achieved a record-breaking stiffness for an organic crystal.

Dec 29, 2025 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Using microwave pulses to plug leaks in quantum computers makes them more reliable

Scientists have developed a new approach to correcting common quantum computing errors, which could pave the way for more reliable systems.

Dec 29, 2025 in Physics
Phys.org / Aluminum cans are a viable alternative to bottles for red muscadine wine, new study finds

One of the main reasons wine traditionally comes in bottles is to protect its quality. Glass is nonreactive, and the cork or screw cap provides an airtight seal that prevents oxygen from spoiling the liquid. In recent years, ...

Dec 29, 2025 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Veritas explores the nature of a mysterious gamma-ray emitter

Astronomers have employed the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS) to observe a mysterious gamma-ray emitting source designated HESS J1857+026. Results of the observational campaign, published ...

Dec 29, 2025 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Men embodying women in VR report strong emotional reactions to verbal harassment

Unfortunately, many women and girls know all too well what it means to be victims of verbal harassment. They are familiar with its emotional and psychological impact. What about men? What would they feel if they were in the ...

Dec 29, 2025 in Other Sciences