Phys.org news

Phys.org / Female Galápagos seabirds have flings—and males seem OK with it

Perched on a plastic chair overlooking a colony of Nazca boobies in the Galápagos Islands, researcher David Anderson carefully studied the seabirds.

Dec 9, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Chaotic 3D currents form multiple microplastic 'attractors' beneath the ocean surface, study finds

The ocean is saturated with microplastics. While we know the location of the great garbage patches, where plastic particles may accumulate below the ocean surface remains unknown. The vastness of the ocean means particle ...

Dec 9, 2025 in Earth
Phys.org / Cooperative intermolecular interactions regulate supramolecular polymer assembly

Supramolecular chemistry involves the study of self-assembly of discrete molecules that are used to build large functional structures. Often, these molecules are allowed to self-assemble into one-dimensional polymeric structures ...

Dec 9, 2025 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Trust in science is low among minorities for a reason, research finds

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a nationwide conversation in the U.S. about how much people trust scientists and trained medical professionals. But for some communities, distrust has been the norm.

Dec 9, 2025 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Platelet-inspired nanoparticles can boost brain-computer interface electrode performance

Scientists working to enhance brain-computer interface (BCI) technology—which allows people to control devices with their thoughts—have found they can improve the performance of electrodes implanted in the brain by targeted ...

Dec 9, 2025 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Microneedle system delivers biofertilizer directly into plants, boosting growth with less waste

Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed dissolving microneedle patches that deliver living "biofertilizer" straight into plant tissue. In greenhouse tests, Choy Sum and Kale grew faster—by ...

Dec 9, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / The twisted nanotubes that tell a story: Geometry-based approach can transmit magnon-based data

In collaboration with scientists in Germany, EPFL researchers have demonstrated that the spiral geometry of tiny, twisted magnetic tubes can be leveraged to transmit data based on quasiparticles called magnons, rather than ...

Dec 9, 2025 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Health monitoring patch offers gentle way to conserve frog populations

La Trobe University academics have developed a noninvasive way to monitor hormones in frogs in an important step toward protecting the vulnerable animals from extinction.

Dec 9, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Molten metal nano-droplets reveal new hybrid state of matter where solids meet liquids

Researchers have discovered that not all atoms in a liquid are in motion and that some remain stationary regardless of the temperature, significantly impacting the solidification process, including the formation of an unusual ...

Dec 9, 2025 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Elusive species face the greatest threat from human land use, global analysis finds

A study by University of Liverpool researchers reveals that the species hardest to detect—those rarely seen, recorded, or included in scientific monitoring—are also the most vulnerable to human-driven habitat change.

Dec 9, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Oyster larvae and addictive drugs: Study finds exposure affects behavior and survival rates

The discharge and prevalence of psychoactive drugs in surface waters has raised concerns about potential risks to ecosystems and public health. Yet there is limited information on the ecotoxicity of these compounds in marine ...

Dec 9, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / 2025 on track to tie second hottest year on record: EU monitor

The planet is on track to log its second hottest year on record in 2025, tied with 2023 after a historic high in 2024, Europe's global warming monitor said Tuesday.

Dec 9, 2025 in Earth