Phys.org news

Phys.org / Ultrafast holographic imaging reveals electron and magnetic dynamics inside next-generation materials

An extremely fast microscopy method to research the interaction of light and matter makes it possible to study optical processes on very short timescales. To this end, a German–Italian research team is combining holographic ...

May 28, 2026
Phys.org / Shock waves show how baby stars' cradles get their radial shape in 3D simulations

The universe is full of fascinating structures, and some of the most striking take shape inside the giant clouds where stars are born. There, streams of gas appear to converge from all directions toward a dense central hub, ...

May 28, 2026
Phys.org / Spin wave signals used in computing boosted more than 5,000 times in Z-shaped path approach

A research team from Tohoku University, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) has invented a new way to efficiently guide spin waves around sharp corners with minimal loss—representing ...

May 28, 2026
Phys.org / Scientists unlock evolution of gigantism in Scottish island wrens

A new study of British wrens has provided new insights into the inner workings of "island syndromes," according to research led by the University of Birmingham. The paper, published in the Evolutionary Journal of the Linnean ...

May 28, 2026
Phys.org / How do you know a bowhead whale is feeding? It's all in the way it moves, shows study

For years, scientists studying bowhead whales have relied on a simple idea: if a whale makes a long, square or U-shaped dive, it's feeding time. A new study demonstrates that assumption may not hold water.

May 28, 2026
Phys.org / Quantum vibronics research points to future energy and computing technologies

Scientists at the University of California, Riverside are making breakthroughs in understanding how quantum wave functions move across ultra-thin materials—research that could eventually improve solar energy technologies ...

May 28, 2026
Phys.org / Human-linked foraging reshapes dolphin social networks in Florida over decades

Wild dolphins are known for their complex social lives, but new research shows those social networks can be influenced by human activity.

May 28, 2026
Phys.org / MIZ-ing in action: How much of Antarctic sea ice is affected by waves?

Using old satellite radar techniques, scientists have developed a new way of measuring the true extent of an understudied and crucial region of the Antarctic sea-ice system for the first time. The Marginal Ice Zone (MIZ) ...

May 28, 2026
Phys.org / Think DEET keeps mosquitoes away? They may be learning to love it

Every summer, millions of people spray themselves with DEET to keep mosquitoes away. But new research suggests mosquitoes may be able to learn to associate the repellent with food—and even become attracted to it.

May 28, 2026
Phys.org / Electrical 'knob' can switch light on, off and tune intensity at the nanoscale

Physicists from Emory University have led work to develop a microscopic, nonlinear light source that can be switched on, off or tuned to a particular intensity by an electrical "knob." The paper is published in the journal ...

May 28, 2026
Phys.org / Cobalt honeycombs open a new path to quantum computing

Honeycombs are famous for their elegant design, but now they may have found a new application: quantum computing. To collect knowledge from subatomic particles, quantum computers require carefully designed materials capable ...

May 28, 2026
Phys.org / Italians and Dutch share the same gestural instinct for teaching, research reveals

Italians are famous for speaking with their hands. But a new international study suggests that when it comes to teaching children, adults everywhere instinctively become more expressive with their gestures—even in cultures ...

May 28, 2026