Phys.org news

Phys.org / Milky Way-like simulation reveals how central galactic structures grow together

Understanding the formation and evolution of the centers of galaxies is one of the most intriguing challenges in astrophysics. The new study aims to unveil the physical processes that led to the formation of two striking ...

Aug 6, 2026
Phys.org / Observing key material properties atom by atom for the first time

Many material properties depend on how electrons are arranged inside a material. Their distribution determines, for example, whether a material conducts electricity or displays magnetic behavior. Understanding how electrons ...

Aug 6, 2026
Phys.org / Mitochondria act as sensors for essential iron molecule, study reveals

Heme, a bioactive form of iron, has numerous essential functions in the cell. As a key component of hemoglobin, it enables oxygen transport in the blood. In addition, it performs important functions in other proteins in processes ...

Aug 6, 2026
Phys.org / Never-before-seen woven structure that forms naturally inside a crystal discovered

For the first time, scientists have observed a three-dimensional woven structure forming naturally inside a crystal, revealing a previously unknown way in which matter can organize itself.

Aug 6, 2026
Phys.org / How 'smart' hydrogel packaging tells you if your food is still fresh

The cuts of meat in a supermarket case can look perfectly fresh even as bacteria are already multiplying inside the package. Is there a way to know before you open it?

Aug 6, 2026
Phys.org / One-third of agricultural land accounts for two-thirds of global impact, study reveals

Agriculture covers more than 40% of Earth's habitable land and plays a central role in both climate change and biodiversity loss. Yet the impact of agriculture is far from evenly distributed across space.

Aug 6, 2026
Phys.org / Two decades of blazar observations, and the mysteries keep piling up

Narrow jets of luminous matter may be emitted toward Earth from the nuclei of active galaxies billions of light-years away. The galaxy then appears as a point source and is called a blazar. A Polish-German team of scientists ...

Aug 6, 2026
Phys.org / Rare ultra-magnetic star may be key to solving 90-year old quantum cold case

Astronomers may have just confirmed one of the quirkiest aspects of quantum mechanics: that seemingly empty space can alter the behavior of light. This phenomenon, called "vacuum birefringence," was first predicted nearly ...

Aug 6, 2026
Phys.org / Super-Earths may be solid deep inside their mantles

Deep inside super-Earths—rocky planets with masses between 1 and 10 times that of Earth—high pressure can cause familiar minerals to take forms rarely seen on Earth. Understanding more about the temperature and pressure conditions ...

Aug 6, 2026
Phys.org / One ant can trigger colony-wide activity bursts, mathematical model suggests

Scientists have long known that ant colonies sometimes seem to move as one. A nest that appears quiet can suddenly erupt into activity, with workers throughout the colony springing into motion almost simultaneously before ...

Aug 6, 2026
Phys.org / Trillion-mile gas streamer may explain tilt of triple-star system's outer planet-forming ring

A team of astronomers using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) has captured a massive stream of gas—one trillion miles, or 0.2 light-years, long—feeding the young triple-star system GW Orionis. These ...

Aug 6, 2026
Phys.org / Siberia's growing methane threat could offset 20% of global methane reduction targets by 2050

The Arctic is warming at an accelerating pace. As permafrost thaws across vast areas and wildfires become more frequent, large amounts of methane (CH4) are being released. Together, these changes are reshaping the region's ...

Aug 6, 2026