Phys.org news

Phys.org / Expanding existing mines poses overlooked long-term environmental and social risks

Mining companies worldwide are expanding mineral extraction at existing mines, as the rate of opening new sites slows, to meet global demand driven mainly by the need for clean energy infrastructure.

15 hours ago in Earth
Phys.org / Ancient giant kangaroos could hop to it when they needed to, hindlimb study suggests

Giant ancestors of modern-day kangaroos—which previous research has estimated could weigh up to 250 kilograms—may have been able to hop in short bursts, according to research published in Scientific Reports.

15 hours ago in Biology
Phys.org / Battery-free nano-sensors could pave the way for next-generation wearables

Nano-sensors that work without batteries or wires could pave the way for more comfortable, less obtrusive sleep and health care monitoring at home, according to scientists at the University of Surrey.

15 hours ago in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Chimpanzees are better at solving resource dilemmas in larger, more tolerant groups

Despite being one of the most cooperative species on the planet, humans routinely fail to manage shared resources sustainably. We overfish from the oceans, burn fossil fuels, and over-prescribe antibiotics; behaviors that ...

16 hours ago in Biology
Phys.org / Living walls boost biodiversity by providing safe spaces for urban wildlife

Living walls—structures housing flowers and plants fitted to the outside of new and old buildings—can significantly enhance the biodiversity within urban environments, a new study has shown.

16 hours ago in Biology
Phys.org / 3D-printed surfaces help atoms play ball to improve quantum sensors

Scientists have created 3D printed surfaces featuring intricate textures that can be used to bounce unwanted gas particles away from quantum sensors, allowing useful particles like atoms to be delivered more efficiently, ...

15 hours ago in Physics
Phys.org / DNA nanodevices reveal acidic nanolayer on lysosome surfaces in live cells

Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles whose acidic lumen (pH 4.5–5.0) is required for degradation. This luminal acidity is known to regulate cytosolic-side functions such as membrane fusion/fission, movement, and membrane-contact ...

15 hours ago in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Stress-reduction molecule has potential to treat aging and metabolic disorders

University of Queensland researchers say the discovery of a new stress reduction role for a naturally occurring molecule in the body could lead to new drugs and treatment for metabolic disorders and aging.

16 hours ago in Biology
Phys.org / Space station crew credits ultrasound machine for handling in-orbit health crisis

The astronauts evacuated last week from the International Space Station say a portable ultrasound machine came in "super handy" during the medical crisis.

21 hours ago in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / The hidden microbial communities that shape health in space

Microorganisms live in biofilms—the equivalent of microbial "cities"—everywhere on Earth. These city-like structures protect and house microbial communities and play essential roles in enabling human and plant health ...

21 hours ago in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Evidence of 'lightning-fast' evolution found after Chicxulub impact

The asteroid that struck the Earth 66 million years ago devastated life across the planet, wiping out the dinosaurs and other organisms in a hail of fire and catastrophic climate change. But new research shows that it also ...

Jan 22, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / Humans use local dialects to communicate with honeyguide birds, research shows

Researchers from the University of Cape Town (UCT), working with international collaborators, have shown that people in northern Mozambique use regionally distinct "dialects" when communicating with honeyguide birds, revealing ...

Jan 22, 2026 in Biology