Phys.org news

Phys.org / Bat study shows motherhood comes with a cost, but not for all

Is it better to have children early or later in life, and does parenthood accelerate aging? Researchers at University College Dublin and the University of Bristol have tackled these questions by studying an exceptional population ...

Dec 4, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Increasing plant diversity in agricultural grasslands boosts yields, reducing reliance on fertilizer

Higher plant diversity in agricultural grasslands increases yields with lower inputs of nitrogen fertilizer. That is the headline finding of a landmark, international study led by Trinity College Dublin that paints a promising ...

Dec 4, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Pleasant-sounding words are easier to remember, pseudoword experiment shows

Which words do we find beautiful? And do beautifully sounding words stick better in memory? A new study led by linguist Theresa Matzinger from the University of Vienna suggests that the phonemic composition of words influences ...

Dec 4, 2025 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / AI chatbots can effectively sway voters—in either direction

A short interaction with a chatbot can meaningfully shift a voter's opinion about a presidential candidate or proposed policy in either direction, new Cornell University research finds.

Dec 4, 2025 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / E-waste recycling in Ghana exposes workers to toxic pollution and health risks

A University of Michigan study has found that people in Ghana and across the Global South who recycle electronic waste face a difficult paradox: earning livelihoods to ensure survival comes at the cost of severe long-term ...

Dec 4, 2025 in Earth
Phys.org / Research reveals atypical Santas can succeed

A naturally fluffy white beard, a round belly and a jolly laugh might seem like the keys to being a successful Santa Claus, but new research suggests that a calling to play the man with the bag full of toys is enough to help ...

Dec 4, 2025 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / New statistical tools sharpen the search for causal DNA changes in livestock

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new suite of statistical methods that dramatically improves the ability to pinpoint DNA changes responsible for important traits in livestock. The work addresses ...

Dec 4, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Alternative to BPA passes toxicity and sustainability standards set by EU innovation guidelines

Polyester and a host of other plastic products could potentially be manufactured with non-toxic and sustainable BPA alternatives identified in a multidisciplinary study published in Nature Sustainability by researchers in ...

Dec 4, 2025 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Catalyst insight may unlock safer, on-demand ozone water disinfection

University of Pittsburgh researchers have made an important step toward providing hospitals and water treatment facilities with a safer, greener alternative to chlorine-based disinfection.

Dec 4, 2025 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Hydrogel platform enables high-throughput extracellular vesicle isolation

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have rapidly emerged as one of the most promising frontiers in modern biology. These nano-sized messengers mediate communication between cells, tissues, and organs, influencing processes from ...

Dec 4, 2025 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Cleaner rayon fiber production cuts solvent use by up to 70%

A UBC research team has developed a cleaner way to produce rayon, a popular fabric used in clothing for more than a century. The process could significantly reduce chemical use and improve sustainability in textile manufacturing.

Dec 4, 2025 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Eyes for an agricultural robot: AI system identifies weeds in apple orchards

Weed control is essential in apple orchards because weeds compete with trees for nutrients, water and sunlight, which can reduce fruit yields. However, physically removing weeds is not only labor-intensive, but it also can ...

Dec 4, 2025 in Biology