Phys.org news
Phys.org / Turning water pollution into power: Electrified membrane and molecule combo transforms nitrate into ammonia
Electrochemically converting the nitrate found in contaminated water into ammonia offers a potentially environmentally friendly solution for both water treatment and developing fossil-free fertilizer and carbon-free fuels. ...
Phys.org / Surprising versatility of boron nitride nanotubes displayed in fusion of art and science
In an elegant fusion of art and science, researchers at Rice University have achieved a major milestone in nanomaterials engineering by uncovering how boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs)—touted for their strength, thermal stability ...
Phys.org / High explosives in slow motion: Freezing molecules in place shows chemical reactions
Safe and effective high explosives are critical to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's (LLNL) mission of stockpile stewardship. It is relatively simple to study the composition of such material before a detonation or ...
Phys.org / Oscillating electric field helps explain why the sun is so good at evaporating water
A new study is shedding light on why solar radiation is more effective than other forms of energy at causing water to evaporate. The key factor turns out to be the oscillating electric field inherent to sunlight itself.
Phys.org / 500 bird species face extinction within the next century, researchers warn
Climate change and habitat loss could cause more than 500 bird species to go extinct in the next 100 years, researchers from the University of Reading have found.
Phys.org / New viruses discovered in bat kidneys in Yunnan province
Researchers have discovered two new viruses in bats that are closely related to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses—pathogens that can cause severe brain inflammation and respiratory disease in humans.
Dialog / A new atomistic route to viscosity—even near the glass transition
We rarely think about how liquids flow—why honey is thick, water is thin or how molten plastic moves through machines. But for scientists and engineers, understanding and predicting the viscosity of materials, especially ...
Phys.org / Rock on: How crushed stone could help fight climate change
From sugar plantations in Brazil to tea estates in India, crushed rock is being sprinkled across large stretches of farmland globally in a novel bid to combat climate change.
Phys.org / Overconfident conspiracy theorists: Many unaware their beliefs are on the fringe
Overconfidence is a hallmark trait of people who believe in conspiracies, and they also significantly overestimate how much others agree with them, Cornell psychology researchers have found. The study indicates that belief ...
Phys.org / Direct measurement reveals charge distribution at nanoscale ferroelectric interfaces
Multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), which utilize ferroelectric ceramics, are widely used as electronic components in various devices such as smartphones, personal computers, televisions, and automotive systems.
Phys.org / Study casts doubt on 'incestuous royalty' in Neolithic Ireland
New research has cast doubt over suggestions that an incestuous social elite ruled over the ancient people of Ireland more than 5,000 years ago. The study is published in the journal Antiquity.
Phys.org / Brains over bots: Why toddlers still beat AI at learning language
Even the smartest machines can't match young minds at language learning. Researchers share new findings on how children stay ahead of AI—and why it matters.
