Phys.org news

Phys.org / Simulations show distinct ground motion signatures of supershear earthquakes

Sustained supershear earthquake ruptures produce distinct ground-motion characteristics compared with subshear earthquakes, according to a study published in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, with potential ...

Jul 21, 2026
Phys.org / Animals in prehistoric paintings reveal hidden pattern across nine Basque caves

Iñaki Intxaurbe, a researcher at the EHU-University of the Basque Country, analyzed the distribution of images in nine caves in the Basque Country using network-based analysis and statistical techniques.

Jul 21, 2026
Phys.org / Zoo elephant survival has improved substantially over 6 decades, international study finds

Elephants living in modern zoos are living significantly longer than they did half a century ago, according to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports. The research—led by ZSL (the Zoological Society of London) ...

Jul 21, 2026
Phys.org / Mysterious gas 'bullets' race from Milky Way's only known helium nova at up to 20 million mph

Mysterious high-speed "bullets"—clumps of possibly oxygen-rich gas traveling at up to 20 million miles per hour—have been discovered shooting out of the rarest stellar explosion in our galaxy.

Jul 21, 2026
Phys.org / Students unearth rare, centuries-old pot at Florida Spanish mission site

Some 400 years ago, a member of the Indigenous Potano-Timucua tribe scooped up some clay and carefully molded it into a modest vessel, small enough to rest in the palm of their hand. You can imagine their fingers pressing ...

Jul 21, 2026
Phys.org / New study into humans' closest ape relatives suggests physical touch can promote social harmony

Physical touch may be an important evolutionary tool to help manage social tension and keep the peace. That is according to a new study led by Durham University in the UK, analyzing behaviors of our closest ape relatives, ...

Jul 21, 2026
Phys.org / Birds flying in 'V' formation save energy with flatter flaps, new research shows

Scientists have known for years that birds like geese and ibises gain an aerodynamic advantage from flying in a "V" formation. Now, researchers from Brown University have provided new insights into the nature of that advantage.

Jul 21, 2026
Phys.org / Hawaiian stilt reclassified from endangered to threatened after 50 years of conservation efforts

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the reclassification of the Aʻeo, or Hawaiian stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni), from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act, a rare and hopeful milestone ...

Jul 21, 2026
Phys.org / Quantum sensing microscope illuminates transistor design

Artificial intelligence faces an energy crisis stemming from a physical traffic jam inside modern computer chips. Processors must continually shuffle data, such as the billions of parameters in complex models, between separate ...

Jul 21, 2026
Phys.org / Geophysics brings clarity to the potential of natural hydrogen

Natural hydrogen is considered a potential low-carbon energy source. But how much is generated underground—and how quickly? An international research team led by the LIAG Institute for Applied Geophysics in Hannover has published ...

Jul 21, 2026
Phys.org / Burnt wooden beams discovered in Jerusalem shed new light on the First Temple's destruction

A remarkable discovery has been made at the Givati Parking Lot excavations in the City of David, within Jerusalem Walls National Park. Excavations led by the Israel Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University uncovered ...

Jul 21, 2026
Phys.org / Ancient stone tools reveal complex nomadic lifestyles in Armenian Highlands

A team of international scientists led by Dr. Ariel Malinsky-Buller, together with Ph.D. students David Nora, Ioannis Oikonomou and Dominik Rogall from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has uncovered new insights into the ...

Jul 21, 2026