Phys.org news

Phys.org / Why shame is an evolution-based defense mechanism

It is unpleasant, strange and often comes as a surprise: shame. But why do we feel it? An international study has shed new light on the emotion of shame, which has long been considered harmful. The conclusion: Shame is not ...

17 hours ago
Dialog / Binary asteroids' puzzling configurations may link to multi-satellite history

Binary asteroid systems are widespread throughout our inner solar system. For decades, the standard paradigm held that many of them form when a rapidly spinning primary asteroid casts off material, which then reaccumulates ...

18 hours ago
Phys.org / Novel nanowire device offers rapid, noninvasive cancer detection

A research team in Japan has developed an efficient, minimally invasive cancer detection device that uses high-performance zinc oxide nanowires to selectively capture extracellular vesicles (EVs) from bodily fluids.

16 hours ago
Phys.org / Would you return a favor? Scientists say it depends on the relationship

When a friend buys you a cup of coffee, it's likely that next time, you'll return the gesture. This type of reciprocal generosity has been well-documented in behavioral economics studies. However, anthropologists and other ...

20 hours ago
Phys.org / 'Janus-faced' nanomaterials pave the way for selectively capturing radioactive pollutants

A KAIST research team has succeeded, for the first time, in synthesizing the core raw material for fabricating asymmetric MXene, a so-called "Janus-faced" nanomaterial that can perform distinct functions because of differing ...

18 hours ago
Phys.org / New art test could help museums spot fake Van Goghs without touching paintings

A new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Surface Topography: Metrology and Properties introduces a pioneering, noninvasive technique that can distinguish authentic artworks from forgeries, offering museums, collectors, ...

Jun 11, 2026
Phys.org / Cosmic acceleration holds up as new analysis rebuts slowdown claim

Our universe's expansion is still accelerating despite recent claims suggesting otherwise, an international team of astrophysicists says.

Jun 10, 2026
Phys.org / 'Black hole stars'—Webb finds strongest evidence yet

The complex puzzle known as little red dots has become more complete since their initial discovery by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope in 2022. Now a particular little red dot's spectrum is helping connect many of the pieces.

Jun 10, 2026
Phys.org / Human evolution was messy and gradual, not an abrupt revolution, argues archaeologist

It is generally accepted by archaeologists that modern humans originated in Africa and dispersed worldwide, while other hominins went extinct. Yet how and when Homo sapiens dispersed out of Africa, and whether it was an abrupt ...

Jun 10, 2026
Phys.org / Chimpanzees react negatively to unfairness, especially when close partners are nearby

Primates, including humans, are among the social animals living on Earth. Their survival relies heavily on cooperation with others, alliances, the sharing of resources and other social interactions.

Jun 10, 2026
Phys.org / Is your dog a lefty? New 'Doginburgh' test captures paw preference

Just like left- or right-handed humans, domestic dogs have a preference for their left or right paw, a trait known as laterality. This can vary depending on the tasks they perform, which has made it difficult to create a ...

Jun 10, 2026
Phys.org / JWST reveals dawn-dusk atmosphere split on ultra-hot exoplanet WASP-121 b

Astronomers have revealed distinct differences in atmospheric conditions between the morning and evening transition zones of the ultra-hot gas planet WASP-121 b, which separate day from night, commonly called terminators. ...

Jun 10, 2026