Phys.org news

Phys.org / Viruses 'eavesdrop' on each other—but it can backfire

University of Exeter scientists studied chemical communication by phages (viruses that infect bacteria). The phages assessed in the study have two choices when they enter a cell: lie dormant or kill the cell and release new ...

Mar 31, 2026
Phys.org / Parasites defy biodiversity rules, thriving far from the equator

For decades, scientists have observed a clear pattern across the natural world: biodiversity tends to be higher near the equator and lower toward the poles. Known as the latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG), this trend holds ...

Mar 31, 2026
Phys.org / Ultra‑robust machine‑learning models run stable molecular simulations at extreme temperatures

Researchers at The University of Manchester have created a physics‑informed machine‑learning model that can run molecular simulations for unprecedented lengths of time, even at temperatures as high as 1,000 Kelvin. The study, ...

Mar 31, 2026
Phys.org / Conductive hydrogel enables electrical and biochemical signal control

Many emerging medical technologies rely on seamless integration between biological systems and electronics. This requires materials that are soft, electrically conductive, and biologically active—properties that have been ...

Mar 31, 2026
Phys.org / Ancient predator species discovered in South Africa challenges what we know about gorgonopsians

In a study published in The Anatomical Record, researchers have identified a new species of large-bodied gorgonopsian from the middle Permian. The discovery pushed back the known origins of when these apex predators began ...

Mar 30, 2026
Phys.org / Silicon quantum computer performs logical operations for the first time

Silicon is ubiquitous in modern electronics, and now it is becoming increasingly useful in quantum computing. In particular, silicon's compatibility with existing chip technology and its long coherence times in silicon-based ...

Mar 30, 2026
Phys.org / AI writes a research paper that passes peer review

To date, the main role of AI in scientific research has been to assist with narrow tasks such as discovering chemical structures, analyzing data or predicting protein shapes. But now, the technology has broken new ground ...

Mar 30, 2026
Phys.org / A rare 'triple-double' radio galaxy discovered using MeerKAT

Astronomers have discovered an exceptionally rare radio galaxy that has three distinct pairs of radio lobes. This system falls into a subpopulation of radio galaxies known as "triple-double" radio galaxies (TDRGs). Located ...

Mar 30, 2026
Phys.org / Framework unifies the classical and quantum Mpemba effects

Physicists have developed a new theoretical framework which unifies a wide array of seemingly unrelated "Mpemba effects": counterintuitive cases where systems driven further from equilibrium relax faster than those closer ...

Mar 30, 2026
Phys.org / Pairs of atoms observed existing in two places at once for the first time

Quantum physicists at ANU have observed atoms entangled in motion. "It's really weird for us to think that this is how the universe works," says Dr. Sean Hodgman from the ANU Research School of Physics. "You can read about ...

Mar 30, 2026
Phys.org / What's inside a masterpiece? Laser scans and AI map paint layers molecule by molecule

Paintings are far more than dabs of oil on canvas. They are complex works of art composed of multiple layers, from primer and glues to the pigments and protective varnishes applied by the artists. Being able to see into these ...

Mar 30, 2026
Phys.org / How systems science helps keep my flower delivery costs low

When you go out to run errands on the weekend, you're on a "tour" as defined by human mobility researchers. Same if you book a guided tour of a famous city or take a trip on a cruise boat that reaches multiple ports. A characteristic ...

Mar 30, 2026