Phys.org news
Phys.org / Frozen hydrogen cyanide 'cobwebs' offer clues to origin of life
A substance poisonous to humans—hydrogen cyanide—may have helped create the seeds of life on Earth. At cold temperatures, hydrogen cyanide forms crystals. And, according to computer models reported in ACS Central Science, ...
Phys.org / Takeaway coffee cups release thousands of microplastic particles, research reveals
It's 7:45am. You grab a takeout coffee from your local café, wrap your hands around the warm cup, take a sip, and head to the office.
Phys.org / Hydrogel cilia set new standard in microrobotics
Cilia are micrometer-sized biological structures that occur frequently in nature. Their characteristic high-frequency, three-dimensional beating motions (5–40 Hz) play indispensable roles inside the body.
Phys.org / AI tools are expanding individual capabilities while contracting scientific attention, research finds
Artificial intelligence promises to accelerate scientific discovery and open new frontiers of inquiry. But new research from James Evans (Faculty Co-Director of Novel Intelligence; Max Palevsky Professor of Sociology & Data ...
Phys.org / World-first ice archive to guard secrets of melting glaciers
Scientists on Wednesday sealed ancient chunks of glacial ice in a first-of-its-kind sanctuary in Antarctica in the hope of preserving these fast-disappearing records of Earth's past climate for centuries to come.
Phys.org / Fire on ice: The Arctic's changing fire regime
The number of wildland fires burning in the Arctic is on the rise, according to NASA researchers. Moreover, these blazes are burning larger, hotter, and longer than they did in previous decades.
Phys.org / From bolts to blue jets, lightning comes in many strange forms
Lightning has captured people's fascination for millennia. It's embedded in mythology, religion and popular culture. Think of Thor in Norse mythology or Indra in Hinduism.
Phys.org / 2025 was third hottest year on record: climate monitors
The planet logged its third hottest year on record in 2025, extending a run of unprecedented heat, with no relief expected in 2026, global climate monitors said Wednesday.
Phys.org / Scientists measure cellular membrane thickness inside cells for the first time
Scientists have long known that cellular membranes vary in thickness, but measuring those differences inside actual cells has been out of reach.
Phys.org / Crop droughts set to worsen—even as rainfall increases
Europe and western North America will experience more frequent and severe crop droughts as Earth warms, even in places where yearly rainfall increases.
Phys.org / Avocadoes may become easier to grow in India—but not if global emissions remain high
A new study suggests that with low to moderate levels of global greenhouse emissions in coming decades, more of India could become suitable for growing avocadoes. However, with high enough emissions, growing zones could shrink ...
Phys.org / Plants use bacterial-like gene to make alkaloids, offering new route for sustainable medicines
Plants make substances called alkaloids to protect themselves, and humans have long taken advantage of these chemicals, using them in painkillers, treatments for disease and household products such as caffeine and nicotine.
