Phys.org news

Phys.org / Optical switch protocol verifies entangled quantum states in real time without destroying them

The fragility and laws of quantum physics generally make the characterization of quantum systems time‑consuming. Furthermore, when a quantum system is measured, it is destroyed in the process. A breakthrough by researchers ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Physics
Phys.org / New tool could reduce collision risk for Earth-observation satellites

Researchers at The University of Manchester have developed a new way to design Earth-observation satellite missions that could help protect the space environment while continuing to deliver vital data for tackling global ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Q&A: Algorithm achieves near end-to-end genome assembly without ultra-long DNA sequencing

Haoyu Cheng, Ph.D., assistant professor of biomedical informatics and data science at Yale School of Medicine, has developed a new algorithm capable of building complete human genomes using standard laboratory technology. ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Study of 65,000 college students links 16 hours a week on social media to higher loneliness

More than half of college students are lonely—and those who use social media the most are particularly likely to feel isolated, a study of tens of thousands of 18 to 24-year-olds in the US shows. Just 16 hours a week—two ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Amazon deforestation raises surface temperature by 3°C during dry season, satellite data show

Deforestation in the Amazon is causing significant regional changes in climate compared to areas with forest cover above 80%. The loss of vegetation leads to an increase in surface temperature, a decrease in evapotranspiration, ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / Does vegan-friendly haircare work? Early tests show shinier, easier-to-comb strands

To find new ways to shield hair from heat, sunlight and air pollution, researchers in Brazil are turning to vegan-friendly ingredients for shampoos and conditioners. Published in ACS Omega, early tests show that a fruit-algae ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Why some extracellular vesicles work better: A safer path for protein and gene delivery

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny membrane-bound particles released by cells to transport proteins and other molecules to neighboring cells. Because of this natural delivery ability, EVs have attracted growing interest ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Slippery ions create a smoother path to blue energy

Osmotic energy, often called blue energy, is a promising way to generate sustainable electricity from the natural mixing of salt and fresh water. It exploits the voltage that arises when ions from saltwater pass through an ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Large-scale cell screening uncovers molecular glues that trigger protein degradation

Cells constantly monitor and recycle their proteins through a tightly regulated waste-disposal system. Proteins that are no longer needed are tagged and broken down by specialized cellular machinery. Recent advances in drug ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / How a certain form of dark matter may lead to the generation of cosmological magnetic fields

Tiny highly uniform magnetic fields are known to pervade the universe, influencing various cosmological processes. To date, however, the physical mechanisms underpinning the generation of these fields remain poorly understood. ...

Feb 15, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Strong correlations and superconductivity observed in a supermoiré lattice

Two or more graphene layers that are stacked with a small twist angle in relation to each other form a so-called moiré lattice. This characteristic pattern influences the movement of electrons inside materials, which can ...

Feb 15, 2026 in Physics
Phys.org / Ancient cone-shaped vessels may have served as beeswax lamps during ritual processions, study finds

Chalcolithic cornets are conical ceramic vessels produced exclusively during the Chalcolithic period, recovered in abundance at some archaeological sites but absent at others. Their function has long been debated. However, ...

Feb 15, 2026 in Other Sciences