Phys.org news
Phys.org / One of the biggest stars in the universe might be getting ready to explode
One of the largest known stars in the universe underwent a dramatic transformation in 2014, new research shows, and may be preparing to explode. A study led by Gonzalo Muñoz-Sanchez at the National Observatory of Athens, ...
Phys.org / Surprise solar eruptions on sun's far side validate new forecasting method
A team of scientists from around the world has created the first system that can predict when and where extremely powerful solar storms, called superflares, are most likely to happen. These storms can disrupt power grids, ...
Phys.org / Why do female caribou have antlers? Arctic study points to nutrition
Biologists have long wondered why caribou are the only deer in the world in which females—like males—have antlers. A study of shed antlers collected from calving grounds in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge provides ...
Phys.org / When light 'thinks' like the brain: The connection between photons and artificial memory
An international study has revealed a surprising connection between quantum physics and the theoretical models underlying artificial intelligence. The study results from a collaboration between the Institute of Nanotechnology ...
Phys.org / Canada's Magdalen Islands' peatlands hold vital clues about ancient Atlantic hurricanes
Eastern Canada has seen a rise in the number of hurricane- and near-hurricane strength events battering its maritime areas, with particularly violent storms in 2003 (Hurricane Juan), 2019 (Dorian) and 2022 (Fiona). While ...
Phys.org / Nine-city study finds richer neighborhoods get more sidewalk shade
One of the best forms of heat relief is pretty simple: trees. In cities, as studies have documented, more tree cover lowers surface temperatures and heat-related health risks. However, as a new study led by MIT researchers ...
Phys.org / Synthetic RNA 'nanostars' create programmable compartments in bacteria
Researchers at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CEB) have found a new way to organize molecules inside living cells, opening possibilities for more controlled and efficient biomanufacturing. The team ...
Phys.org / Why do microbes team up? A new model explains nutrient sharing in fluctuating environments
Depending on others for something you need may feel like a risky proposition—and perhaps a human one. It is actually a survival strategy found in the microbial world, and far more frequently than one might expect. Discovering ...
Phys.org / Physicists watch light drift in quantized steps for the first time
In physics, the classical "Hall effect," discovered in the late 19th century, describes how a transverse voltage is generated when an electric current is exposed to a perpendicular magnetic field. Simply put, the magnetic ...
Phys.org / Stone Age deceased dressed in spectacular feather and fur headgear, new research technique reveals
A recently published research article examines the microscopic remains of clothing and burial items dating back roughly 7,000 years. The study focused on the Skateholm I and II cemeteries in Scania, southern Sweden, with ...
Phys.org / AI model analyzes 52 factors to flag extinction risks for 10,000 fish species
Whether it's redfin pickerel in the Kennebec River or sturgeon in the Great Lakes, nearly one-third of freshwater fish species are facing possible extinction, threatening food supplies, ecosystems and outdoor recreation. ...
Phys.org / Blaming beavers for flood damage is bad policy and bad science, research shows
Beaver dams are critical to river health and a source of biodiversity. They create wetlands, slow water and improve water quality. They also reduce flood peaks and delay runoff. But beaver dams are often blamed when extreme ...