Phys.org news

Phys.org / AI makes quantum field theories computable

An old puzzle in particle physics has been solved: How can quantum field theories be best formulated on a lattice to optimally simulate them on a computer? The answer comes from AI.

Jan 26, 2026 in Physics
Phys.org / First carbon-enhanced metal-poor stars discovered in Milky Way's companion

Using the Baryons Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) spectrograph, astronomers have discovered five new carbon-enhanced metal-poor stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). This is the first time such stars have been ...

Jan 26, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / To reach net-zero, reverse current policy and protect the largest trees in the Amazon, say scientists

At the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015, countries around the world committed to striving towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the middle of the 21st century. But achieving this goal is difficult, ...

Jan 26, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / Exceptionally well-preserved ant in Goethe's amber examined

Even some 200 years after his death, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's scientific curiosity continues to yield new insights. This has now been demonstrated by biologists at Friedrich Schiller University Jena while closely examining ...

Jan 26, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Tapping into risk in America's drinking water

When you turn on the tap, you can typically expect clean, safe water to flow out. But behind that simple action lies a complex system of pipes, pumps, governance, and financials that, for millions of Americans, is at risk ...

Jan 26, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / Epigenetic switch found to halt fat cell formation in adipose tissue

Metabolic diseases such as obesity, fatty liver, and insulin resistance are rapidly increasing worldwide, but fundamental methods to regulate the process of fat formation remain limited. In particular, once adipocytes (fat ...

Jan 26, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Shrubs curb carbon emissions in China's largest desert, decades-long experiment shows

An experiment in western China over the past four decades shows that it is possible to tame the expansion of desert lands with greenery, and, in the process, pull excess carbon dioxide out of the sky.

Jan 26, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / Early warning for wine spoilage glows in the dark

Researchers built a living biosensor made of bacteria that lights up when it detects acetic acid, the main chemical signal that wine is starting to spoil. It works in real time, even in high-alcohol conditions, so wineries ...

Jan 26, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Scientists reveal gold precipitation mechanism at pyrite-water interface

Gold is generally associated with pyrite (iron disulfide, FeS2), and pyrite-induced gold precipitation is critical to the formation of high-grade gold deposits. However, the role of pyrite in precipitating gold from fluids ...

Jan 26, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / Q&A: Even small amounts of online math practice can improve skills

An analysis of data from 200,000 students using a computer-assisted math program supports an optimistic view of skill-focused, mastery-based learning, even with limited use.

Jan 26, 2026 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Harvestmen arachnids apparently use fluorescent patterns for species recognition

A research team from Munich has identified a previously unknown communication mechanism in harvestmen. Five closely related species show species-specific, strongly fluorescent structures on their backs that become especially ...

Jan 26, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / AI generates short DNA sequences that show promise for gene therapies

Scientists at the Broad Institute and Mass General Brigham have built a generative AI model that creates short DNA segments that can control gene activity in specific cells. These sequences, called cis-regulatory elements ...

Jan 26, 2026 in Biology