Phys.org news

Phys.org / Would you return a favor? Scientists say it depends on the relationship

When a friend buys you a cup of coffee, it's likely that next time, you'll return the gesture. This type of reciprocal generosity has been well-documented in behavioral economics studies. However, anthropologists and other ...

Jun 11, 2026
Phys.org / Why animal calls sound alike in time: Most species share a common communication tempo

From insects to great apes, by way of birds and fish, animals communicate through an extraordinary variety of sounds. While the pitch or timbre of their vocalizations matters, rhythm may play a more fundamental role. Scientists ...

Jun 11, 2026
Phys.org / Cyclone Gabrielle-style storms may unleash tens of thousands more North Island landslides

In 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle triggered an estimated 800,000 landslides across the North Island, making it one of the most extreme landslide events ever recorded. New research by Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury ...

Jun 11, 2026
Phys.org / Novel nanowire device offers rapid, noninvasive cancer detection

A research team in Japan has developed an efficient, minimally invasive cancer detection device that uses high-performance zinc oxide nanowires to selectively capture extracellular vesicles (EVs) from bodily fluids.

Jun 11, 2026
Phys.org / 'Janus-faced' nanomaterials pave the way for selectively capturing radioactive pollutants

A KAIST research team has succeeded, for the first time, in synthesizing the core raw material for fabricating asymmetric MXene, a so-called "Janus-faced" nanomaterial that can perform distinct functions because of differing ...

Jun 11, 2026
Phys.org / Cosmic acceleration holds up as new analysis rebuts slowdown claim

Our universe's expansion is still accelerating despite recent claims suggesting otherwise, an international team of astrophysicists says.

Jun 10, 2026
Phys.org / 'Black hole stars'—Webb finds strongest evidence yet

The complex puzzle known as little red dots has become more complete since their initial discovery by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope in 2022. Now a particular little red dot's spectrum is helping connect many of the pieces.

Jun 10, 2026
Phys.org / Human evolution was messy and gradual, not an abrupt revolution, argues archaeologist

It is generally accepted by archaeologists that modern humans originated in Africa and dispersed worldwide, while other hominins went extinct. Yet how and when Homo sapiens dispersed out of Africa, and whether it was an abrupt ...

Jun 10, 2026
Phys.org / Chimpanzees react negatively to unfairness, especially when close partners are nearby

Primates, including humans, are among the social animals living on Earth. Their survival relies heavily on cooperation with others, alliances, the sharing of resources and other social interactions.

Jun 10, 2026
Phys.org / JWST reveals dawn-dusk atmosphere split on ultra-hot exoplanet WASP-121 b

Astronomers have revealed distinct differences in atmospheric conditions between the morning and evening transition zones of the ultra-hot gas planet WASP-121 b, which separate day from night, commonly called terminators. ...

Jun 10, 2026
Phys.org / Is your dog a lefty? New 'Doginburgh' test captures paw preference

Just like left- or right-handed humans, domestic dogs have a preference for their left or right paw, a trait known as laterality. This can vary depending on the tasks they perform, which has made it difficult to create a ...

Jun 10, 2026
Phys.org / An underground detector in China unveils its first major findings about mysterious ghost particles

A massive underground detector aimed at understanding the mysterious ghost particles in our universe released its first major results on Wednesday.

Jun 10, 2026