Phys.org news

Phys.org / Iron minerals' hidden chemistry explains how soils trap carbon

While scientists have long known that iron oxide minerals help lock away enormous amounts of carbon—sequestering it from the atmosphere—a new Northwestern University study now reveals exactly why these minerals are such ...

Dec 15, 2025 in Earth
Phys.org / Bayeux Tapestry could have been originally designed as mealtime reading for medieval monks

New research by a historian from the University of Bristol offers an intriguing suggestion about one of history's biggest mysteries—the original purpose of the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry.

Dec 15, 2025 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Climate change can affect human diseases in widespread and varied ways

As the planet edges towards 1.5°C of global warming, a new study led by the Natural History Museum, London has revealed that scientists still have only a limited understanding of how climate change is reshaping the risk ...

Dec 15, 2025 in Earth
Phys.org / Social connections slow aging in dolphins, echoing patterns seen in humans

Male bottlenose dolphins that form friendships age more slowly than loners, new research shows.

Dec 15, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Backyard insect inspires large-scale invisibility particles production

When most people see a leafhopper in their backyard garden, they notice little more than a tiny green or striped insect flicking from leaf to leaf. But these insects are actually master engineers, capable of building some ...

Dec 15, 2025 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Clues to the origin of hot Jupiters hidden in their orbits

The first exoplanet ever discovered in 1995 was what we now call a "hot Jupiter," a planet as massive as Jupiter with an orbital period of just a few days. Today, hot Jupiters are thought to have formed far from their stars—similar ...

Dec 15, 2025 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Portable optical scanner reveals hidden ozone damage in plant leaves

Escalating pollution and contamination of water and soil are emerging as serious threats to plant growth and its overall health. Plants are exposed to environmental pollutants for extended periods and exhibit changes in their ...

Dec 15, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Algae-based asphalt binder strengthens roads for cold climates

Snow and ice can damage paved surfaces, leading to frost heaves and potholes. These become potential hazards for drivers and pedestrians and are expensive to fix. Now, researchers propose in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering ...

Dec 15, 2025 in Chemistry
Phys.org / How do corals feed? Energy supply from directly ingested food previously underestimated

Corals obtain energy in two ways: firstly, through photosynthesis by their symbiotic algae, and secondly by taking up small food particles such as plankton directly from the water. In scientific terms, this process is known ...

Dec 15, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Modulating key interaction prevents virus from entering cells

Washington State University researchers have found a way to modulate a common virus protein to prevent viruses from entering cells where it can cause illness, a discovery that could someday lead to new antiviral treatments.

Dec 15, 2025 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Light-driven process forms flexible electrodes on skin, textiles and glass

Visible light can be used to create electrodes from conductive plastics completely without hazardous chemicals. This is shown in a new study carried out by researchers at Linköping and Lund universities, Sweden. The electrodes ...

Dec 15, 2025 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Eco-friendly solution to marine fouling uses electrochemically-active coating

Marine fouling triggers ongoing economic losses for the global shipping industry through detrimental effects on structures and vessels—but tests by Flinders University researchers on a new type of anti-foul coating reveal ...

Dec 15, 2025 in Chemistry