Phys.org news

Phys.org / Highly stable Cu₄₅ superatom could transform carbon recycling

After years of trying, scientists have finally created a stable superatom of copper, a long-sought-after chemical breakthrough that could revolutionize how we deal with carbon emissions.

Jan 27, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Amazon Leo satellites exceed brightness limits, study finds

Seeing a satellite zip across the night sky can be a fascinating sight. However, what may be spectacular for people on the ground is becoming a major problem for astronomers. A new study published on the arXiv preprint server ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / The Great Mongolian Road: Japanese Imperial Army maps reveal first detailed documentation

In a study published in the Journal of Historical Geography, researchers Dr. Chris McCarthy and his colleagues have documented, for the first time, the Great Mongolian Road, a major yet understudied east-west caravan route ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / People are swayed by AI-generated videos even when they know they're fake, study shows

Generative deep learning models are artificial intelligence (AI) systems that can create texts, images, audio files, and videos for specific purposes, following instructions provided by human users. Over the past few years, ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / NASA's Juno measures thickness of Europa's ice shell

Data from NASA's Juno mission has provided new insights into the thickness and subsurface structure of the icy shell encasing Jupiter's moon Europa. Using the spacecraft's Microwave Radiometer (MWR), mission scientists determined ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Novel nanomaterial uses oxidative stress to kill cancer cells

Scientists at Oregon State University have developed a new nanomaterial that triggers a pair of chemical reactions inside cancer cells, killing the cells via oxidative stress while leaving healthy tissues alone. The study ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Ochre used in ancient graves in Finland reflects identity of deceased

Roughly 5,500–6,000 years ago, the area including present-day Finland was inhabited by hunter-fisher-gatherers living in small village-like clusters. Traveling via waterways, these people established permanent fishing systems, ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Thinking on different wavelengths: New approach to circuit design introduces next-level quantum computing

Quantum computing represents a potential breakthrough technology that could far surpass the technical limitations of modern-day computing systems for some tasks. However, putting together practical, large-scale quantum computers ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Physics
Phys.org / Ancient Martian beach discovered, providing new clues to red planet's habitability

New findings from NASA's Perseverance rover have revealed evidence of wave-formed beaches and rocks altered by subsurface water in a Martian crater that once held a vast lake—considerably expanding the timeline for potential ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Gold 'supraballs' nearly double solar energy absorption in tests

Sunbeams contain a lot of energy. But current technology for harvesting solar power doesn't capture as much as it could. Now, in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, researchers report that gold nanospheres, named supraballs, ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / 3D material mimics graphene's electron flow for green computing

University of Liverpool researchers have discovered a way to host some of the most significant properties of graphene in a three-dimensional (3D) material, potentially removing the hurdles for these properties to be used ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Physics
Phys.org / Massive star WOH G64 is still a red supergiant—for now

An international team of astronomers led by a researcher at Keele University has solved a long-standing cosmic mystery surrounding one of the most extreme stars ever observed. The star, known as WOH G64, is located in the ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Astronomy & Space