Phys.org news

Phys.org / A new way to view shockwaves could boost fusion research

At the heart of our sun, fusion is unfolding. As hydrogen atoms merge to form helium, they emit energy, producing the heat and light that reach us here on Earth. Inspired by our nearby star, researchers want to create fusion ...

Jan 8, 2026 in Physics
Phys.org / What does 'everyday' peace look like? Mapping how people think about peacebuilding

A new study led by Yale anthropologist Catherine Panter-Brick examines how stakeholders in socially diverse, conflict-affected societies conceptualize everyday peace, drawing on a comparative analysis across different groups ...

Jan 8, 2026 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Lipids have their own VIP drivers for reaching cellular targets

In addition to providing energy, lipids are also essential building blocks of our cell membranes. However, despite their importance, they remain poorly understood.

Jan 8, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Ultrasonic sensor capable enables cuffless, non-invasive blood pressure measurement

A new technology has been developed that enables cuffless noninvasive blood pressure monitoring by using ultrasonic to track real-time changes in vascular diameter—without the need for a traditional cuff. The technology ...

Jan 8, 2026 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Long school breaks tied to dip in cognitive test performance

Researchers at UConn and the University of Minnesota have discovered that there may be more to the "summer slide" phenomenon following a break in schooling than just forgetting material. In fact, the researchers found reliable ...

Jan 8, 2026 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Antibodies' decoy tactics for outmaneuvering pathogens could inspire next-generation treatments

Pathogens can create sticky situations. When microbes invade the body to cause an infection, often one of their first lines of attack is to cling tenaciously to the surfaces of targeted human cells.

Jan 8, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Asteroid impact simulation reveals the hidden strength of space rocks

Physicists at the University of Oxford have contributed to a new study which has found that iron-rich asteroids can tolerate far more energy than previously thought without breaking apart—a breakthrough with direct implications ...

Jan 8, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Cosmic lens reveals hyperactive cradle of future galaxy cluster

Galaxy clusters are formed by a dense packing of many galaxies, making them the most massive structures in the universe. Their progenitors, protoclusters, show these galaxies in their infancy, offering a window to study how ...

Jan 8, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / NASA cancels spacewalk due to medical issue and may bring the crew back early

NASA canceled its first spacewalk of the year and may bring its crew back early from the International Space Station due to an onboard medical issue.

Jan 8, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Marine pollutants disrupt cellular energy production in seabirds

Common pollutants are disrupting energy production at the cellular level in wild seabirds, potentially affecting fitness, new research reveals. The study, published in Environment & Health, focused on Scopoli's shearwaters ...

Jan 8, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Frequent Arctic wildfires could cut snow cover by 18 days, impacting global climate and ecology

The correlation between Arctic wildfires and abnormal snow cover under global warming is of growing concern. A comprehensive quantitative assessment by researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has shown ...

Jan 8, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / Portable biosensor could enable on-site PFAS detection

A portable biosensor developed at La Trobe University may allow rapid, on-site detection of toxic "forever chemicals" in water, removing the need for samples to be sent to specialist laboratories.

Jan 8, 2026 in Earth