Phys.org news

Dialog / Optical meta‑conveyors enable programmable nanomanipulation along arbitrary open paths

The task of gently transporting a microscopic particle from one point to another along a winding path, and then bringing it back using nothing more than a single, compact chip is a challenge we set out to address in our new ...

May 13, 2026
Phys.org / Dual spacecraft capture both hemispheres of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS at once

The Southwest Research Institute-led Ultraviolet Spectrograph (UVS) instruments aboard ESA's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) spacecraft and NASA's Europa Clipper made unique observations of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS ...

May 13, 2026
Dialog / Researchers identify stability range for piezoelectric glycine using nanoconfinement

Have you ever wondered if the simple building blocks of life could one day power our wearable electronics? Glycine, the simplest amino acid found in our bodies, has a superpower in its β-phase form: it is highly piezoelectric, ...

May 13, 2026
Phys.org / Rising seasonal sea-level swings are under-reported, but could have a major impact

Sea levels are rising not only on average, but also in their seasonal fluctuations. This is a lesser-known trend that could have major consequences for mudflats, salt marshes and other coastal ecosystems. Researchers from ...

May 13, 2026
Phys.org / Chemists discover and isolate a new boron–oxygen molecule

Oxygen is a cornerstone of chemistry, largely because it is so good at building the organic molecules that make up our world. Some oxygen-based compounds called peroxides are famous for being highly reactive—they act like ...

May 13, 2026
Phys.org / Astronomers directly detect how turbulence between stars distorts light

Astronomers led by the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) have made the first direct detection of turbulence distorting light in the interstellar medium. The findings will help scientists achieve clearer ...

May 13, 2026
Phys.org / Quantum geometry provides theoretical limits on measurable properties of solids

Two RIKEN physicists have established new theoretical limits for experimentally measurable quantities by viewing solids through a lens of quantum geometry. Their results shed light both on the physics of solids and on quantum ...

May 13, 2026
Phys.org / Statistical technique could uncover secrets of 'ringing' black holes

Researchers have developed a technique to analyze how black holes "ring" when they collide and merge: one of the universe's most dramatic events. When black holes merge, the collision produces a new, larger black hole that ...

May 13, 2026
Phys.org / From molecules to meaning: A search engine developed for the chemistry of life

An international team led by researchers at University of California San Diego and University of California, Riverside has developed a free, web-based platform designed to make public metabolomics data more accessible. By ...

May 13, 2026
Phys.org / The dam dilemma: How to build anew without repeating old harms

As the U.S. and other countries expand clean energy, large hydropower dams, often seen as a reliable renewable solution, can come with significant environmental and social costs if not planned thoughtfully.

May 13, 2026
Phys.org / How flies dodge so fast: Brain map reveals rare synapses behind split-second escapes

Have you ever wondered how a fly manages to dodge you in a split second? Scientists have long been fascinated by the lightning-fast reflexes that help flies escape danger almost instantly. But despite decades of research, ...

May 13, 2026
Phys.org / Identity traits sharply narrow who becomes friends or marries, model reveals

Our personal identity is composed of many dimensions, such as age, gender, ethnic background, or socioeconomic status. A research team led by Fariba Karimi from the Institute of Human-Centered Computing at Graz University ...

May 13, 2026