Phys.org news

Phys.org / Asteroid Bennu's rugged surface baffled NASA—now, we finally know why

In one of the biggest surprises of NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, its target asteroid, Bennu, turned out to be a jagged, rugged world covered in large boulders, with few of the smooth patches that earlier observations from Earth-based ...

Mar 17, 2026
Phys.org / Ultrafast laser pulses bring diamond-based quantum internet closer to reality

The controlled generation of single photons is an essential element of numerous quantum technology applications, such as quantum networks and quantum computing. A research team has now demonstrated the successful application ...

Mar 17, 2026
Phys.org / Nano 3D metallic parts turn out to be surprisingly strong despite defects

Scientists at Caltech have figured out how to precisely engineer tiny three-dimensional (3D) metallic pieces with nanoscale dimensions. The process can work with any metal or metal alloy and yields components of surprising ...

Mar 17, 2026
Phys.org / New rare bird species discovered in Japan

A previously unknown species of leaf warbler has been discovered in Japan. The Ijima's Leaf Warbler has proven to be two different species, not just one. Every year, a few new bird species are identified around the world. ...

Mar 17, 2026
Phys.org / Computational bio tool automates and standardizes genome sequencing analysis

In a single experiment, scientists can decipher the entire genomes of many patient samples, animal models, or cultured cells. To fully realize the potential to study biology at this unprecedented scale, researchers must be ...

Mar 17, 2026
Phys.org / 'Conflict entrepreneurs': Examining divisive political rhetoric and the pursuit of celebrity by politicians

American politics is increasingly characterized by high levels of polarization and divisive rhetoric, despite stated preferences among voters for civility and substantive debate. Sean J. Westwood and colleagues sought to ...

Mar 17, 2026
Phys.org / Genetic analyses show that many sponge species in the Indo-Pacific are regionally unique

The Indo-Pacific is the largest marine biogeographical region on Earth and a global center of marine biodiversity. Nevertheless, there are gaps remaining in our understanding of the diversity, distribution, and endemism of ...

Mar 17, 2026
Phys.org / What's in your lipstick and water? New test flags hidden mutagens

Substances capable of mutating human genetic material—altering and permanently damaging it—are present in many everyday products. Researchers at Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) have, for the first time, detected ...

Mar 17, 2026
Phys.org / When it comes to networks, nature has an edge

Networks exist in both nature—such as biological systems like food webs and gene regulatory networks—and in engineered systems as seen in power grids. Though natural and engineered systems share an overarching goal—providing ...

Mar 17, 2026
Phys.org / Graphene sensors stay stable in liquids, boosting sensitivity up to 20 times

Accurately measuring small shifts in biological markers, like proteins and neurotransmitters, or harmful chemicals in the water supply, can identify critical problems before they have a chance to impact patients or the environment. ...

Mar 17, 2026
Phys.org / AI model improves flood forecasting with higher accuracy than current methods

New paired studies from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities show that machine learning can improve the prediction of floods. The studies, published in Water Resources Research and the Proceedings of the IEEE International ...

Mar 17, 2026
Phys.org / Mathematical foundations for noise-tolerant quantum catalysts in real-world environments

Quantum catalysts are specialized resources that enable quantum state transformations previously thought impossible, holding promise for advancements in quantum computing and thermodynamics. A recent international study has ...

Mar 17, 2026