Phys.org news
Phys.org / Smarter search for fuel-cell catalysts uses machine learning
A computational method combining generative AI with atomistic simulations can identify promising platinum alloy catalyst structures for hydrogen fuel cells, report researchers from Science Tokyo. Their approach addresses ...
Phys.org / Machine learning proves that graphene is hydrophobic
For more than a decade, a fundamental mystery has surrounded graphene—the one-atom-thick "wonder material" known for its exceptional strength, conductivity, and transparency. Despite its seemingly simple structure, one basic ...
Phys.org / How the Atlantic herring adapted to the brackish water of the Baltic Sea
When the Atlantic herring colonized the Baltic Sea thousands of years ago, it needed to adapt to the low salinity. Genes with a vital role in the functioning of sperm, eggs and embryos were crucial to this adaptation. A new ...
Phys.org / Wildfire smoke's hidden ozone threat may be adding thousands of US deaths each year
A study that assesses the effects of wildfires over two decades shows that wildfire smoke significantly raises ground-level ozone and contributes to excess deaths from wildfire smoke in the United States each year. The research, ...
Phys.org / Hidden proton pathways emerge as ultrathin polymer film method splits interface signals
Understanding how protons move at the interface between polymers and electrode materials is essential for improving fuel cells and related energy devices. However, conventional impedance measurements under inert conditions ...
Phys.org / Fresh brew, harsh bite: Coffee's bitter edge finally comes into full molecular view
Have you ever wondered why freshly brewed coffee smells so delicious, but tastes bitter? New research from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine has revealed the molecular details responsible for the detection ...
Phys.org / Seismic attenuation techniques reveal what lies beneath Taiwan
As seismic waves travel through Earth, they gradually lose energy, a process called attenuation. That energy loss doesn't happen uniformly—some features in the crust sap far more energy from seismic waves than others. Researchers ...
Phys.org / The G-value paradox: Why similar genes can lead to very different brains
Biologists have long puzzled over why organisms with similar numbers of protein-coding genes can differ so dramatically in nervous system complexity. New research points to a potential link between the expanding diversity ...
Phys.org / The birds and the babies: Humans and zebra finches have a similar technique for learning to speak
We are all born completely helpless, with little of the knowledge and skills we will need to survive as adults. Even our ability to communicate is almost entirely learned from our parents or caregivers.
Phys.org / Earth's first continents may trace back to subduction 3.5 billion years ago
An international team of researchers' analysis of minerals from the Pilbara region of Western Australia has given new insight into how ancient continents on Earth formed as far back as 3.5 billion years ago. Professor Tony ...
Phys.org / Why gradual environmental change can trigger sudden species collapse and fragmented populations
When species are subjected to changing environments, they can survive in their current location through genetic adaptation. However, this ability is not unlimited. In a study published in PNAS, biomathematician Jitka Polechová ...
Phys.org / Looped polymers unlock stronger, faster molecular binding through entropy, model suggests
Entropy gets a bad rap. Typically associated with randomness and chaos, it can also correlate with freedom and diversity. Cornell researchers have found that, thanks to the latter qualities, entropy can help bind certain ...
