Phys.org news
Phys.org / How humans took over the planet: The role of cultural evolution
Humans really do rule the world. We took over fast and far, more than any other wild vertebrates. We inhabit nearly every corner of the world, and can thrive in deserts, tropical rainforests and even extremely cold climates. ...
Phys.org / Quantum-inspired laser system delivers distance measurements with sub-millimeter accuracy
A new laser range-finding technique, inspired by quantum physics, that can measure distances under strong solar background has been demonstrated by researchers at the University of Bristol. The team has proved their hypothesis ...
Phys.org / Computational bio tool automates and standardizes genome sequencing analysis
In a single experiment, scientists can decipher the entire genomes of many patient samples, animal models, or cultured cells. To fully realize the potential to study biology at this unprecedented scale, researchers must be ...
Phys.org / Charcoal records reveal 'unprecedented' wildfires in tropical peatlands during 20th century
A new study reveals an unprecedented increase in wildfires in tropical peatlands during the 20th century. "Unprecedented burning in tropical peatlands during the 20th century compared to the previous two millennia" is published ...
Phys.org / Ultrafast laser pulses bring diamond-based quantum internet closer to reality
The controlled generation of single photons is an essential element of numerous quantum technology applications, such as quantum networks and quantum computing. A research team has now demonstrated the successful application ...
Phys.org / Experiment observes quantum radiation reaction as electrons hit an ultra-intense laser
For the first time, a quantum radiation reaction in strong electromagnetic fields has been demonstrated experimentally by allowing electrons to collide with an extremely intense and powerful laser beam. The research findings ...
Dialog / What happens to cigarette butts after 10 years in the environment
Cigarette butts are the most common form of litter worldwide. Trillions are discarded every year in cities, parks, beaches, along railway tracks and roadside environments. Despite their small size, these remnants of smoked ...
Phys.org / 'Rock clock' refines time measurement of Earth's early complex animal life
How can we measure time more than 500 million years into the past? A study recently published in Nature Communications by researchers at the University of Lausanne presents a new geological "rock clock" that allows major ...
Phys.org / AI model predicts chemical effects on gene expression, speeding drug discovery
Inside a diseased cell, the genes are in chaos. Some are receiving signals to overproduce a protein. Others are reducing activity to abnormal levels. Up is down and down is up. The right molecule could restore order, reversing ...
Phys.org / Physicists trace the sun's magnetic engine, 200,000 kilometers below its surface
Every eleven years, the sun's magnetic field flips. Sunspots—dark, cooler regions on the sun's surface that mark intense magnetic activity and often trigger solar eruptions—appear at mid-latitudes and migrate toward the ...
Phys.org / Light-activated material offers new approach to carbon dioxide conversion
Scientists have developed a new material that can use sunlight and water to convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) into carbon monoxide (CO)—a key building block for making fuels, plastics, pharmaceuticals and other everyday chemicals. ...
Phys.org / Endangered smalltooth sawfish make a comeback in a historical Florida nursery
During the winters of 2024 and 2025, widespread "spinning fish" events swept through the Florida Keys, impacting more than 80 marine fish species and likely killing hundreds of endangered large juvenile and adult smalltooth ...