Phys.org news

Phys.org / Gemini and Blanco telescopes unlock clues to origin of longest gamma-ray burst ever observed

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are among the most powerful explosions in the universe, second only to the Big Bang. The majority of these bursts are observed to flash and fade within a few seconds to minutes. But on 2 July 2025, ...

Dec 26, 2025 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Elusive wild cat feared extinct rediscovered in Thailand

An elusive wild cat long feared extinct in Thailand has been rediscovered three decades after the last recorded sighting, conservation authorities and an NGO said Friday.

Dec 26, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Fabricating single-photon light sources from carbon nanotubes

Tiny tubes of carbon that emit single photons from just one point along their length have been made in a deterministic manner by RIKEN researchers. Such carbon nanotubes could form the basis of future quantum technologies ...

Dec 25, 2025 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Archaeologists discover unique mosaic patolli board at Guatemalan Maya city

In a study published in Latin American Antiquity, Dr. Julien Hiquet and Dr. Rémi Méreuze analyzed the remains of a unique mosaic-style patolli game board discovered in the Classic Period city of Naachtun, Guatemala.

Dec 25, 2025 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / New Guineans and Aboriginal Australians descend from two groups who arrived 60,000 years ago, research suggests

A collaboration between the University of Huddersfield's Archaeogenetics Research Group and the University of Southampton's Center for Maritime Archaeology, has clarified the first settlement of New Guinea and Australia by ...

Dec 25, 2025 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Ultracold atoms observed climbing a quantum staircase

For the first time, scientists have observed the iconic Shapiro steps, a staircase-like quantum effect, in ultracold atoms.

Dec 25, 2025 in Physics
Phys.org / The gut bacteria that put the brakes on weight gain in mice

The gut microbiome is intimately linked to human health and weight. Differences in the gut microbiome—the bacteria and fungi in the gut—are associated with obesity and weight gain, raising the possibility that changing ...

Dec 25, 2025 in Biology
Dialog / How sustainability is driving innovation in functionalized graphene materials

Graphene is often described as a wonder material. It is strong, electrically conductive, thermally efficient, and remarkably versatile. Yet despite more than a decade of excitement, many graphene-based technologies still ...

Dec 25, 2025 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / New image sensor breaks optical limits

Imaging technology has transformed how we observe the universe—from mapping distant galaxies with radio telescope arrays to unlocking microscopic details inside living cells. Yet despite decades of innovation, a fundamental ...

Dec 24, 2025 in Physics
Phys.org / Glowing urine and shining bark: Scientists discover the secret visual language of deer

During mating season, when male white-tailed deer want to get noticed by the opposite sex and warn off rivals, they rub their antlers against trees and scrape the forest floor. Then they pee on these patches. But there is ...

Dec 24, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Observations catch galaxy cluster in the process of merging

Astronomers have used the Keck Observatory's DEIMOS multi-object spectrograph to observe a nearby galaxy cluster designated RXC J0032.1+1808. As a result, they found that the cluster undergoes a major merging event. The finding ...

Dec 24, 2025 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Scientists boost mitochondria to burn more calories

Researchers have developed experimental drugs that encourage the mitochondria in our cells to work a little harder and burn more calories. The findings could open the door to new treatments for obesity and improve metabolic ...

Dec 24, 2025 in Chemistry