Phys.org news
Phys.org / Alpine butterflies track warming uphill, but habitat loss may pose bigger risk
A new study published in the journal Alpine Entomology has found that alpine butterflies in the Swiss National Park are closely matching the pace of local warming in their range shift to higher elevations.
Phys.org / Ancient hobbit-like humans may have survived on meat left behind by Komodo dragons
Arguably one of the most curious ancient human relatives is Homo floresiensis, a 3-foot-tall species that lived on the Indonesian island of Flores and has been nicknamed "hobbit" for its diminutive stature. Even though they ...
Phys.org / Chemists capture structure of the elusive borylnitrene trapped in a crystal using X-ray
Nitrenes are the ghosts of synthetic chemistry, formed in an instant and gone just as quickly, rearranging into something entirely different. These highly reactive intermediates are widely used in synthesis, yet remain notoriously ...
Phys.org / Phylogenomics reveals angel insects' ancestry, resolving century‑old 'Zoraptera problem'
Zoraptera, also known as angel insects or ground lice, are tiny termite-like insects generally found underneath bark or in decaying wood. The Zoraptera group includes a few dozen known insect species that closely resemble ...
Phys.org / Bioinspired strategy creates complex 3D curved structures via programmed shrinkage
The shape of biological structures, ranging from flower petals to the limbs or organs of animals, is often naturally best suited for performing specific functions. Biological structures also often present curved surfaces ...
Phys.org / Webb uncovers dust-shrouded heart of Centaurus A after galaxy clash 2 billion years ago
In new images from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to celebrate its fourth science anniversary, a familiar galaxy transforms into something far richer and far more complex than ever seen before. Webb's unprecedented sensitivity ...
Phys.org / Q&A: How camera-equipped homing pigeons could improve robotic vision in flight
Contrary to common assumptions, pigeons do not lock their eyes in place during flight. Instead, they make slow, subtle eye movements that may help them gather more information about their surroundings.
Phys.org / Scientists observe water's behavior in a single molecular layer
New research has revealed that water behaves differently when confined to spaces just one molecule thick. For the first time, scientists have directly measured the vibrational signatures of truly two-dimensional water. In ...
Phys.org / A last dance before death: Binary stars and the origins of interacting supernovae
When massive stars die, they unleash some of the most powerful explosions in the universe. Yet not all supernovae are created equal. Some continue to shine brightly for months or even years as their expanding debris crashes ...
Phys.org / Older than the sun: Astronomers find new clues to the origin of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS
Astronomers have used the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (ESO's VLT) to study the composition of 3I/ATLAS, the brightest interstellar object ever seen, in detail. By measuring specific chemical fingerprints—the ...
Phys.org / Earth's deepest rocks help define upper limit for viscosity beyond which materials effectively become rigid
Viscosity is one of the most fundamental physical properties used to describe how materials flow. It governs the movement of liquids, molten rocks and even slowly deforming regions deep inside the Earth. While scientists ...
Phys.org / Scientists discover smart way to supercharge soft robotics and better support rehabilitation patients
Researchers have found an ingenious way to make soft robots and wearable technology more than three times more powerful by harnessing the surface tension of a tiny liquid metal droplet smaller than a raindrop.
