Phys.org news

Phys.org / Arctic seas are getting louder as ice melts, posing risks: Study shows how to better measure noise

The Arctic is experiencing a steady rise in human-generated underwater noise as melting ice and increasing activity open the region to greater vessel traffic, with major implications for wildlife and local communities. New ...

Jan 26, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Environmental conditions can influence evolution of gut microbiomes in African herbivores

A study of wild African herbivores offers new insight into how environmental conditions—not just diet and anatomy—can influence the evolution of gut microbes that play a critical role in animal health and well-being.

Jan 26, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Molecular arrangement strategy targets multiple Alzheimer's disease factors at once

Conventional treatments of Alzheimer's disease, one of the most common forms of dementia, have been largely focused on targeting individual pathological features. However, Alzheimer's disease is a multifactorial disorder ...

Jan 26, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Lit bots beware: AI creative writing faces reader skepticism, study shows

When it comes to creative writing, score one for the humans over the machines. For now, anyway. New research finds that people evaluate creative writing less favorably when they learn it was generated in whole or part by ...

Jan 26, 2026 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Scientists reveal gold precipitation mechanism at pyrite-water interface

Gold is generally associated with pyrite (iron disulfide, FeS2), and pyrite-induced gold precipitation is critical to the formation of high-grade gold deposits. However, the role of pyrite in precipitating gold from fluids ...

Jan 26, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / Early warning for wine spoilage glows in the dark

Researchers built a living biosensor made of bacteria that lights up when it detects acetic acid, the main chemical signal that wine is starting to spoil. It works in real time, even in high-alcohol conditions, so wineries ...

Jan 26, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / New DNA 'page numbers' method enables accurate assembly of long genetic sequences

The power of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced computing has made it possible to design genetic sequences encoding for diverse biological applications, such as proteins that form the building blocks of materials stronger ...

Jan 26, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Q&A: Even small amounts of online math practice can improve skills

An analysis of data from 200,000 students using a computer-assisted math program supports an optimistic view of skill-focused, mastery-based learning, even with limited use.

Jan 26, 2026 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Harvestmen arachnids apparently use fluorescent patterns for species recognition

A research team from Munich has identified a previously unknown communication mechanism in harvestmen. Five closely related species show species-specific, strongly fluorescent structures on their backs that become especially ...

Jan 26, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / AI generates short DNA sequences that show promise for gene therapies

Scientists at the Broad Institute and Mass General Brigham have built a generative AI model that creates short DNA segments that can control gene activity in specific cells. These sequences, called cis-regulatory elements ...

Jan 26, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Perceiving AI as a 'job killer' negatively influences attitudes towards democracy, study suggests

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing our society and economy. A new study shows that the majority of people believe that artificial intelligence is displacing more human labor than it is creating new opportunities. ...

Jan 26, 2026 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / New evidence reveals how Greenland's seaweed locks away carbon in the deep ocean

An interdisciplinary study confirms, for the first time, the oceanographic pathways that transport floating macroalgae from the coastal waters of Southwest Greenland to deep-sea carbon reservoirs, potentially playing a previously ...

Jan 26, 2026 in Earth