Phys.org news

Phys.org / Study shows the hominid population of Sima de los Huesos had a varied diet

Researchers at the Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana (CENIEH) have led a study, recently published in the Journal of Human Evolution, on the diet of individuals at the Sima de los Huesos site (Sierra ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / 'Goldilocks size' rhodium clusters advance reusable heterogeneous catalysts for hydroformylation

Recent research has demonstrated that a rhodium (Rh) cluster of an optimal, intermediate size—neither too small nor too large—exhibits the highest catalytic activity in hydroformylation reactions. Similar to the concept ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Streaks on Mercury show that it is not a 'dead planet'

Although Mercury was geologically active in its early days, today its surface appears almost completely static. This is why it is often perceived as a dead and dry planet. A new study led by Dr. Valentin Bickel from the Center ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Global health impacts of plastics systems set to double by 2040

The adverse health impacts associated with emissions across the full life cycle of plastics could double by 2040 unless immediate action is taken, new research suggests. The study identified health harms at every stage of ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / 'Spectral slimming' yields ultranarrow plasmons in single metal nanoparticles

Researchers have developed a new strategy to overcome a long-standing limitation in plasmonic loss by reshaping light–matter interactions through substrate engineering.

Jan 27, 2026 in Physics
Phys.org / Data-driven 3D chromosome model reveals structural and dynamic features of DNA

Chromosomes are masters of organization. These long strings of DNA fold down into an ensemble of compact structures that keep needed parts of the genome accessible while tucking away those that aren't used as often. Understanding ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Showing real climate wins and friendships helps people join collective climate efforts

What does it take to spur individuals to act as a group with a shared purpose on climate change? According to a new Stanford-led study, the key is to show them how collective actions on climate have made a difference and ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / First radio signals from rare supernova reveal star's final years

Astronomers have captured the first radio waves ever detected from a rare class of exploding star, a discovery that has given them an unprecedented look into the final years of a massive star before its death in a powerful ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Artificial nighttime lighting is suppressing moth activity, new research shows

Moths move significantly less when exposed to artificial nighttime light, new research shows. Moths' attraction to artificial light, such as streetlights, is common knowledge and has been much studied. But, as many people ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Reconfigurable robotic fish reveals how stiffness and wave propagation shape swimming performance

How can some fish, like tuna, achieve remarkable speed while others, like eels, excel in maneuverability? A research team from Peking University (PKU) has developed a novel robotic platform that sheds new light on this classic ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Twisted oxide crystals show how atomic patterns alone can trap or repel electrons

It has been revealed that simply twisting and stacking two layers of oxide crystals can allow the atomic arrangement itself to control the behavior of electrons. Much like the new patterns that emerge when two meshes are ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / AI model accelerates defect-based material design

Across the physical world, many intricate structures form via symmetry breaking. When a system with inherent symmetry transitions into an ordered state, it can form stable imperfections known as topological defects. Such ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Nanotechnology