Phys.org news

Phys.org / 'Goldilocks size' rhodium clusters advance reusable heterogeneous catalysts for hydroformylation

Recent research has demonstrated that a rhodium (Rh) cluster of an optimal, intermediate size—neither too small nor too large—exhibits the highest catalytic activity in hydroformylation reactions. Similar to the concept ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Thinking on different wavelengths: New approach to circuit design introduces next-level quantum computing

Quantum computing represents a potential breakthrough technology that could far surpass the technical limitations of modern-day computing systems for some tasks. However, putting together practical, large-scale quantum computers ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Physics
Phys.org / Ochre used in ancient graves in Finland reflects identity of deceased

Roughly 5,500–6,000 years ago, the area including present-day Finland was inhabited by hunter-fisher-gatherers living in small village-like clusters. Traveling via waterways, these people established permanent fishing systems, ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Ancient Martian beach discovered, providing new clues to red planet's habitability

New findings from NASA's Perseverance rover have revealed evidence of wave-formed beaches and rocks altered by subsurface water in a Martian crater that once held a vast lake—considerably expanding the timeline for potential ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Scientists develop technique to identify malfunctions in our genetic code

An international team of researchers including scientists from The Australian National University (ANU) have developed a way to reveal the smallest of malfunctions in the biochemical machinery that makes proteins in our bodies. ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Massive star WOH G64 is still a red supergiant—for now

An international team of astronomers led by a researcher at Keele University has solved a long-standing cosmic mystery surrounding one of the most extreme stars ever observed. The star, known as WOH G64, is located in the ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Gold 'supraballs' nearly double solar energy absorption in tests

Sunbeams contain a lot of energy. But current technology for harvesting solar power doesn't capture as much as it could. Now, in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, researchers report that gold nanospheres, named supraballs, ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / 3D material mimics graphene's electron flow for green computing

University of Liverpool researchers have discovered a way to host some of the most significant properties of graphene in a three-dimensional (3D) material, potentially removing the hurdles for these properties to be used ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Physics
Phys.org / Protein 'dark energy' provides insight into form vs. function in structure

Astronomers use the term dark energy to refer to energy in the universe that is unaccounted for by ordinary matter but necessary to explain cosmology. Astronomy, however, isn't the only field with missing energy. Rice University ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Artificial nighttime lighting is suppressing moth activity, new research shows

Moths move significantly less when exposed to artificial nighttime light, new research shows. Moths' attraction to artificial light, such as streetlights, is common knowledge and has been much studied. But, as many people ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / AI unlocks hundreds of cosmic anomalies in Hubble archive

A team of astronomers has employed a cutting-edge, artificial intelligence–assisted technique to uncover rare astronomical phenomena within archived data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The team analyzed nearly 100 ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Did You Feel It? Expanding use of an earthquake crowdsourcing tool

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) crowdsourcing platform Did You Feel It? (DYFI) rapidly transforms people's earthquake shaking intensity experiences into detailed maps of damage extent. While the tool's reach is global, ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Earth