Phys.org news
Phys.org / AI chatbots can effectively sway voters—in either direction
A short interaction with a chatbot can meaningfully shift a voter's opinion about a presidential candidate or proposed policy in either direction, new Cornell University research finds.
Phys.org / Pleasant-sounding words are easier to remember, pseudoword experiment shows
Which words do we find beautiful? And do beautifully sounding words stick better in memory? A new study led by linguist Theresa Matzinger from the University of Vienna suggests that the phonemic composition of words influences ...
Phys.org / New statistical tools sharpen the search for causal DNA changes in livestock
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new suite of statistical methods that dramatically improves the ability to pinpoint DNA changes responsible for important traits in livestock. The work addresses ...
Phys.org / Catalyst insight may unlock safer, on-demand ozone water disinfection
University of Pittsburgh researchers have made an important step toward providing hospitals and water treatment facilities with a safer, greener alternative to chlorine-based disinfection.
Phys.org / Research reveals atypical Santas can succeed
A naturally fluffy white beard, a round belly and a jolly laugh might seem like the keys to being a successful Santa Claus, but new research suggests that a calling to play the man with the bag full of toys is enough to help ...
Phys.org / Iron-based magnetic material achieves major reduction in core loss
A research team from NIMS, Tohoku University and AIST has developed a new technique for controlling the nanostructures and magnetic domain structures of iron-based soft amorphous ribbons, achieving more than a 50% reduction ...
Phys.org / Camera traps snap nearly three times more images of endangered Sumatran tigers than before
Destroyed habitats, poaching, and prey depletion have dramatically reduced tiger habitats around the world. Today, tigers occupy just 5–10% of their historical habitats. But on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, an important ...
Phys.org / For the first time, researchers observe how influenza viruses infect living cells
The flu illness is triggered by influenza viruses, which enter the body through droplets and then infect cells. Researchers from Switzerland and Japan have now investigated the flu virus in minute detail.
Phys.org / How cells change their minds and save their work in progress
All cells need to sense and respond to their environment, to know when to activate genes, build proteins, and carry out their basic functions. One of the most well-studied cellular responses is how they react during times ...
Phys.org / Magnetism switching in antiferromagnets: Two distinct mechanisms successfully visualized
A research team led by Ryo Shimano of the University of Tokyo has successfully visualized two distinct mechanisms through which up and down spins, inherent properties of electrons, switch in an antiferromagnet, a material ...
Phys.org / E-waste recycling in Ghana exposes workers to toxic pollution and health risks
A University of Michigan study has found that people in Ghana and across the Global South who recycle electronic waste face a difficult paradox: earning livelihoods to ensure survival comes at the cost of severe long-term ...
Phys.org / Chlorine and potassium found in supernova remnant at unexpectedly high levels
"Why are we here?" is humanity's most fundamental and persistent question. Tracing the origins of the elements is a direct attempt to answer this at its deepest level. We know many elements are created inside stars and supernovae, ...
