Phys.org news

Phys.org / A few minutes of freezing can change the fate of iron in nature

Just a few minutes of freezing and thawing can have a decisive impact on how ferrihydrite, the most reactive iron mineral in cold soils, permafrost and glaciers, transforms, according to researchers at Umeå University. As ...

Aug 27, 2026
Phys.org / XY or ZW? Gecko chromosomes reveal evolution's hidden playbook

Why do humans rely on XY chromosomes to determine sex, while birds use ZW—and many reptiles use neither, letting temperature decide instead? Sex determination is remarkably diverse across the animal kingdom. In genotypic ...

Aug 27, 2026
Phys.org / Degraded DNA reveals two extinct Galapagos giant tortoise lineages

Using a new combination of computational tools to analyze ancient DNA, Yale researchers have discovered two ancient, extinct giant tortoise lineages that once lived on the Galapagos Islands.

Aug 27, 2026
Phys.org / Vehicle-mounted spectroscopy system detects methane in real time

Researchers have developed a vehicle-mounted spectroscopy system that can reliably detect methane in real time while driving. Using a moving vehicle to detect methane could make it easier to locate hidden methane emissions ...

Aug 27, 2026
Phys.org / Study reveals inter-city collaboration on emission reduction boosts sustainability performance

With Hong Kong recently recording record-breaking high temperatures, extreme weather has once again raised public awareness of global warming and emission-reduction measures. A large-scale international study led by The Hong ...

Aug 27, 2026
Phys.org / Parental care can influence evolution, beetle experiments show

How has offspring dependence on parents evolved over the course of evolution? Researchers at the University of Bayreuth, in collaboration with Kyoto University, Japan, have investigated one possible mechanism by studying ...

Aug 27, 2026
Phys.org / Primed and ready to fight, a nematode pheromone arms plants to battle pathogens

When cold and flu season comes around, we take steps like getting our flu shots and taking immune supplements to strengthen our bodies' defenses against pathogens. Plants face pathogenic threats, too. Plant pathogens can ...

Aug 27, 2026
Phys.org / Parasitic plants act like genetic engineers by stealing and remodeling useful genes

Many plant species parasitize other plants by latching on and taking the nutrients their hosts need to survive. But sometimes, plants steal more than nutrients; they take genes.

Aug 27, 2026
Phys.org / Boosting soybean protein: Zinc and sulfur essential in sustainable crop production

Soybean is a critical element of the global food supply: Between its use for animal feed and human consumption, it accounts for roughly two-thirds of plant-based protein meal output worldwide. Canada is a global leader in ...

Aug 27, 2026
Phys.org / Shear flow in narrow channels sparks amyloid formation, experiments reveal

Many cars and not enough lanes is a recipe for traffic jams. Now, researchers from Japan show that even proteins can get backed up and start behaving poorly when too many try to squeeze too quickly through a small space.

Aug 27, 2026
Phys.org / Species discoveries reveal emerging biodiversity hotspots worldwide

We share our planet with millions of plants and animals. This variety of life is known as biodiversity, a term encompassing everything from microscopic genes to entire ecosystems, such as deserts and vibrant coral reefs.

Aug 27, 2026
Phys.org / MOF-coated catalyst converts CO₂ to CO nearly five times faster under ultrasonic vibration

Researchers at the University of Osaka have developed a catalyst that uses mechanical vibration to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into carbon monoxide (CO), an important chemical feedstock. The catalyst consists of barium titanate ...

Aug 27, 2026