Phys.org news

Phys.org / Potentially distinct structure in Kuiper belt discovered with help of clustering algorithm

A vast region of our solar system, called the Kuiper belt, stretches from the orbit of Neptune out to 50 or so astronomical units (AU), where an AU is the distance between Earth and the sun. This region consists mostly of ...

Nov 21, 2025 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Final experimental result for the muon still challenges theorists

For experimental physicists, the latest measurement of the muon is the best of times. For theorists there's still work to do.

Nov 21, 2025 in Physics
Phys.org / Gelada baboons fake fertility to protect their young from infanticide when new males take over

In nature, it is not usual for animals to be deceptive, as evolution has typically favored communication that benefits both the sender and receiver by conveying reliable information. But, there are exceptions, particularly ...

Nov 21, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Nanoflowers rejuvenate old and damaged human cells by replacing their mitochondria

Biomedical researchers at Texas A&M University may have discovered a way to stop or even reverse the decline of cellular energy production—a finding that could have revolutionary effects across medicine.

Nov 21, 2025 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Mirror symmetry prompts ultralow magnetic damping in 2D van der Waals ferromagnets

Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) ferromagnets are thin and magnetic materials in which molecules or layers are held together by weak attractive forces known as vdW forces. These materials have proved to be promising ...

Nov 21, 2025 in Physics
Phys.org / Maybe that's not liquid water on Mars after all

Ancient Mars boasted abundant water, but the cold and dry conditions of today make liquid water on the Red Planet seem far less probable. However, the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding (MARSIS) detected ...

Nov 21, 2025 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Atoms passing through walls: Quantum tunneling of hydrogen within palladium crystal

At low temperatures, hydrogen atoms move less like particles and more like waves. This characteristic enables quantum tunneling, the passage of an atom through a barrier with a higher potential energy than the energy of the ...

Nov 21, 2025 in Physics
Phys.org / Biodegradable mulching film can protect plants without pesticides or plastics

Whether you're a home gardener or an industrial farmer, you might be familiar with mulching films—plastic sheets laid over the soil to protect seedlings and promote crop growth. But like many other plastic materials, these ...

Nov 21, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Unlocking the genome's hidden half with new DNA sequencing technology

Cornell researchers have found that a new DNA sequencing technology can be used to study how transposons move within and bind to the genome. Transposons play critical roles in immune response, neurological function and genetic ...

Nov 21, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / New membrane sets record for separating hydrogen from CO₂

When designing membranes that separate industrial gases, scientists often incorporate structures that attract the gas they want to obtain. This attraction can enhance the membrane's permeability, and help isolate the desired ...

Nov 21, 2025 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Laser-induced break-up of C₆₀ fullerenes caught in real-time on X-ray camera

The understanding of complex many-body dynamics in laser-driven polyatomic molecules is crucial for any attempt to steer chemical reactions by means of intense light fields. Ultrashort and intense X-ray pulses from accelerator-based ...

Nov 21, 2025 in Physics
Phys.org / Artificial cartilage mimics natural flexibility with adjustable structure

A Washington State University research team is working to create an artificial cartilage that is similar to natural cartilage with a recipe that can be corrected along the way.

Nov 21, 2025 in Chemistry