Phys.org news
Phys.org / Microscale roughness breakthrough defies 80 years of fluid dynamics
Logically, you would think a sleek surface has optimal aerodynamics—but recent research at Tohoku University turns this fundamental principle on its head. Applying an irregular microscale surface texture reduced the aerodynamic ...
Phys.org / Reusable magnetic invention removes microplastics plus some PFAS from water
Microplastics are an increasing global concern, with growing evidence of their presence in water systems. RMIT University researchers have developed a water treatment material that rapidly removes micro- and nanoplastics ...
Phys.org / Water-surface vortices drive tiny rotors without electricity, magnets or chemicals
Reliably generating controlled miniature rotations has long been a challenge: Chemical propulsion systems wear out, and methods that use electric or magnetic fields require complex setups. A team from KIT's Institute of Microstructure ...
Phys.org / Marine animals first colonized empty seashells about 470 million years ago
An international study led by researchers from the University of Tartu shows that approximately 470 million years ago, a significant ecological change took place in the world's oceans: For the first time, the interiors of ...
Phys.org / Neural networks unlock larger quantum simulations with lower computational costs
In recent years, research using artificial intelligence to predict material properties has advanced rapidly. Neural network quantum Monte Carlo methods have attracted attention as highly accurate simulation techniques. However, ...
Phys.org / Genetically distinct avocados discovered in Nicaragua
A team of scientists led by researchers at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History and Texas A&M University recently uncovered genetic traces of ancient migration in DNA from avocados growing in Nicaragua. They ...
Phys.org / Light-driven chemistry method could create antiviral compound libraries 10 to 100 times larger within weeks
As the world faces new and often untreatable viral threats, Simon Fraser University researchers have found a way to cut years off the time it takes to discover antiviral drugs. The new research enables scientists to quickly ...
Phys.org / A longer, hotter reality surrounds marine heat waves, research reveals
Anyone who has boiled a pot of water understands that it takes both time and energy to raise the temperature, so it may come as a surprise to learn that scientists have long treated marine heat waves (MHWs) as isolated events. ...
Phys.org / Even a slight overproduction of tubulin can tip the balance of cellular health, study shows
For cells to function properly, they must produce the right amount of each protein. It is a delicate balance: Both too little and too much can compromise essential cellular functions. A team from the University of Geneva ...
Phys.org / AI and quantum chemistry combine to identify efficient blue OLED materials
Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have become a standard in modern devices with incredible contrast and sleek designs. While initially an expensive luxury, OLEDs are gradually becoming more financially accessible as the ...
Phys.org / Carbon footprint of metal production could be more than 10 times higher than estimated
New research from the University of St Andrews has found that metal production carbon footprints could be more than 10 times higher than previously estimated, with serious implications for the ambition to reach net zero.
Phys.org / Reflooding the Aral Sea could prevent massive CO₂ emissions
About 90% of the Aral Sea has dried up. The exposed sediments have already released enormous amounts of carbon dioxide (748 megatons) since 1960. However, through restoration, the lake could once again become a carbon sink. ...