Phys.org news

Phys.org / Laser pulses capture unexplored polaronic states

In an international experiment, researchers observed Jahn–Teller polarons—quasiparticles that could play an important role in future ultrafast spintronic devices. These polarons emerged within the crystal lattice of cobalt ...

Jun 25, 2026
Phys.org / How ancient subduction zones helped create hotspots of mineral wealth

A study led by geoscientists at the University of Sydney has revealed why some ancient continental edges became fertile sites for major mineral deposits, while others with apparently similar geology did not.

Jun 25, 2026
Phys.org / What really controls water chemistry in nanoscale spaces

Water is the most studied molecule on Earth, yet a surprisingly basic question has gone unanswered for decades: When water is squeezed into gaps just a few molecules wide—as happens inside nanoscale pores, membranes and biological ...

Jun 25, 2026
Phys.org / Seven exotic quantum phases predicted in ultracold magnetic atoms, including topological superconductivity

Strongly interacting quantum particles are key to some of the most fascinating phenomena in modern physics—from magnetism and superconductivity to topological states. Yet the complexity of such systems makes many of their ...

Jun 25, 2026
Phys.org / Why these birds meet again in Africa: Flycatcher study reveals how genes and environment guide 13,000‑km migrations

Migratory birds such as the pied flycatcher typically have wintering locations in Africa close to others from the same breeding population. That means that birds breeding in the Netherlands run into each other again in Africa, ...

Jun 25, 2026
Phys.org / Ultra-precise technology can count damaged DNA fragments

The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science has developed an ultrasensitive immunoassay-based analytical platform that can detect and quantify trace amounts of "Small Excised Damaged DNA (sedDNA)" fragments generated ...

Jun 25, 2026
Phys.org / Plankton-linked vapors could speed cloud seed formation over cold oceans

For nearly 50 years, scientists have suspected that microscopic marine plankton play a role in cloud formation over the oceans. Now, an experiment led by the University of Helsinki suggests that it may be more important than ...

Jun 25, 2026
Phys.org / Fossils upend catastrophist narrative that flowering plants flourished only after dinosaur extinction

A unique cache of plant fossils from volcanic deposits in New Mexico contradicts the common narrative that flowering plants were minor players in Earth's forests until dinosaurs disappeared 66 million years ago.

Jun 25, 2026
Dialog / Miniature satellite tags reveal diving behavior of juvenile sea turtles

Until recently, researchers were unable to conduct satellite-tracking studies on juvenile turtles because of their small body sizes and immediate dispersal into the ocean, leaving this period of their lives enigmatic and ...

Jun 25, 2026
Phys.org / Scientists develop predictive roadmap to boost performance in next-gen spintronics

Chiral 2D metal halide perovskites (MHPs) are among the most promising materials for future technologies that exploit the spin of electrons in spin-based optoelectronics, or spintronics, but getting them to perform consistently ...

Jun 25, 2026
Phys.org / Artificial 'leaf' powers wireless biomedical device

Plants convert light into energy efficiently through photosynthesis—an ability that scientists and engineers still struggle to match with electronic devices. Recently, researchers have looked beyond traditional semiconductor ...

Jun 25, 2026
Phys.org / New insight into how cells move copper out of the mitochondrial matrix could guide novel treatments

Copper is essential for life. Our cells need the metal to make energy and stay healthy, but if it is in the wrong place or present in excess, copper can be deadly. Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists have identified a ...

Jun 25, 2026