Phys.org news

Phys.org / Stone Age deceased dressed in spectacular feather and fur headgear, new research technique reveals

A recently published research article examines the microscopic remains of clothing and burial items dating back roughly 7,000 years. The study focused on the Skateholm I and II cemeteries in Scania, southern Sweden, with ...

Feb 24, 2026 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Surprise solar eruptions on sun's far side validate new forecasting method

A team of scientists from around the world has created the first system that can predict when and where extremely powerful solar storms, called superflares, are most likely to happen. These storms can disrupt power grids, ...

Feb 24, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Canada's Magdalen Islands' peatlands hold vital clues about ancient Atlantic hurricanes

Eastern Canada has seen a rise in the number of hurricane- and near-hurricane strength events battering its maritime areas, with particularly violent storms in 2003 (Hurricane Juan), 2019 (Dorian) and 2022 (Fiona). While ...

Feb 24, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / Physicists watch light drift in quantized steps for the first time

In physics, the classical "Hall effect," discovered in the late 19th century, describes how a transverse voltage is generated when an electric current is exposed to a perpendicular magnetic field. Simply put, the magnetic ...

Feb 24, 2026 in Physics
Phys.org / Why do female caribou have antlers? Arctic study points to nutrition

Biologists have long wondered why caribou are the only deer in the world in which females—like males—have antlers. A study of shed antlers collected from calving grounds in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge provides ...

Feb 24, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Why do microbes team up? A new model explains nutrient sharing in fluctuating environments

Depending on others for something you need may feel like a risky proposition—and perhaps a human one. It is actually a survival strategy found in the microbial world, and far more frequently than one might expect. Discovering ...

Feb 24, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Synthetic RNA 'nanostars' create programmable compartments in bacteria

Researchers at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CEB) have found a new way to organize molecules inside living cells, opening possibilities for more controlled and efficient biomanufacturing. The team ...

Feb 24, 2026 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Nine-city study finds richer neighborhoods get more sidewalk shade

One of the best forms of heat relief is pretty simple: trees. In cities, as studies have documented, more tree cover lowers surface temperatures and heat-related health risks. However, as a new study led by MIT researchers ...

Feb 24, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / AI model analyzes 52 factors to flag extinction risks for 10,000 fish species

Whether it's redfin pickerel in the Kennebec River or sturgeon in the Great Lakes, nearly one-third of freshwater fish species are facing possible extinction, threatening food supplies, ecosystems and outdoor recreation. ...

Feb 24, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / New lab technique can reverse chemical process linked with Alzheimer's disease

An Oregon State University scientist and a team of undergraduate students have uncovered real-time insights into a chemical process linked with Alzheimer's disease, paving the way toward better drug designs. The researchers ...

Feb 24, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Engineered bacteria can consume tumors from the inside out

A research team led by the University of Waterloo is developing a novel tool to treat cancer by engineering hungry bacteria to literally eat tumors from the inside out. "Bacteria spores enter the tumor, finding an environment ...

Feb 24, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Enzymes work as 'Maxwell's demon' by using memory stored as motion

Living cells are sustained by countless chemical reactions that must be carefully regulated to maintain internal order and function. Enzymes play a central role in this process, accelerating reactions that would otherwise ...

Feb 24, 2026 in Chemistry