Phys.org news
Phys.org / Even untouched ecosystems are losing insects at alarming rates, new study finds
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill shows that insect populations are rapidly declining even in relatively undisturbed landscapes, raising concerns about the health of ecosystems that depend on ...
Phys.org / Study: There is less room to store carbon dioxide, driver of climate change, than previously thought
The world has far fewer places to securely store carbon dioxide deep underground than previously thought, steeply lowering its potential to help stem global warming, according to a new study that challenges long-held industry ...
Phys.org / Saturday Citations: Ant species clones workers; a primordial black hole candidate; an anti-tumor carotenoid
This week: Researchers reported that evolutionary mutations are genome-driven, not random. Quantum physicists observed the magnetic nucleus of an atom switching back and forth in real time. And a new catalyst could simplify ...
Phys.org / New method tracks gene expression changes to reveal cell fate decisions
Essentially all cells in an organism's body have the same genetic blueprint, or genome, but the set of genes that are actively expressed at any given time in a cell determines what type of cell it will be and its function. ...
Phys.org / Researchers quantify rate of essential evolutionary process in the ocean
The movement of genetic material between organisms that aren't directly related is a significant driver of evolution, especially among single-celled organisms like bacteria and archaea. A team led by researchers at Bigelow ...
Phys.org / AI could one day replace tutors, but its reliability still lags
Artificial intelligence has become an integral part of many people's everyday lives. Large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Gemini or Copilot write letters and term papers for them, give tips for excursions on holiday ...
Phys.org / Physicists create a new kind of time crystal that humans can actually see
Imagine a clock that doesn't have electricity, but its hands and gears spin on their own for all eternity. In a new study, physicists at the University of Colorado Boulder have used liquid crystals, the same materials that ...
Phys.org / Macaws learn by watching interactions of others, a skill never seen in animals before
One of the most effective ways we learn is through third-party imitation, where we observe and then copy the actions and behaviors of others. Until recently, this was thought to be a unique human trait, but a new study published ...
Phys.org / Physics-based indicator predicts tipping point for collapse of Atlantic current system in next 50 years
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is an enormous loop of ocean current in the Atlantic Ocean that carries warmer waters north and colder waters south, helping to regulate the climate in many regions. ...
Phys.org / 3D-printed micro ion traps could solve quantum tech's miniaturization problem
The existing bottleneck in efficiently miniaturizing components for quantum computers could be eased with the help of 3D printing.
Phys.org / Chance sighting during tiger survey leads to first-of-their-kind photos in India of the smooth-coated otter
During a tiger survey at a wildlife sanctuary in India, conservationists noticed a "large-sized" mammal. The brief glimpse intrigued them and led them to set up more trail cameras for a better look at the "smooth-coated" ...
Phys.org / Scientists tap 'secret' fresh water under the ocean, raising hopes for a thirsty world
Deep in Earth's past, an icy landscape became a seascape as the ice melted and the oceans rose off what is now the northeastern United States. Nearly 50 years ago, a U.S. government ship searching for minerals and hydrocarbons ...
