Phys.org news

Phys.org / Love hormone enters battle mode, exposing rivalry and group lines in Amazon study

The "love hormone" oxytocin (OT) plays a role not only in moments of intimacy but also in competitive situations. Researchers at the University of Zurich (UZH) have shown that OT levels increase when rivalry or clearly defined ...

May 6, 2026
Phys.org / Twisting atom-thin materials reveals new way to save computing energy

A recent study shows a new and potentially more energy-efficient way for information to be transmitted inside electronic systems, including computers and phones—without relying on electric currents or external magnetic fields.

May 6, 2026
Phys.org / A new kind of CRISPR could treat viral infection and cancer by shredding sick cells' DNA

A new kind of CRISPR that destroys cells rather than gene editing them has shown potential for killing sick cells while leaving healthy cells untouched. The technology has largely been tested in cells in a dish, but if it ...

May 6, 2026
Phys.org / Cold-triggered ion channel in bacteria may point to broader temperature-sensing mechanism

All lifeforms need to continuously adapt to temperature changes to survive. Now, Weill Cornell Medicine investigators studying a bacterial protein have identified a new mechanism of sensing cold temperatures. The finding ...

May 6, 2026
Phys.org / Cool beans, smart roots: Special cell helps seedlings survive drought battered and nutrient poor soils

Researchers have identified a previously unknown cell type hidden on the roots of common beans, a microscopic survival mechanism that could inform the development of more climate-resilient crops and reduce fertilizer dependence.

May 6, 2026
Phys.org / How higher temperatures can benefit (or devastate) bumble bee populations

New research finds that higher temperatures can actually benefit some bumble bee species—particularly those that make subterranean nests. However, periods of extreme heat appear to offset those benefits, and may contribute ...

May 6, 2026
Phys.org / Landsat 9 captures Russia's restless Shiveluch volcano mid-eruption

Near-constant activity continues on the volcano in Russia. Shivelyuch (also called Shiveluch), the most northerly active volcano on the Kamchatka Peninsula, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. On a near-daily ...

May 6, 2026
Phys.org / DNA-guided CRISPR flips gene editing script, opening a new path for precise diagnosis and antivirals

A research team led by Prof. Hsing I-Ming, Professor of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE) at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), in collaboration with Prof. Zhai Yuanliang, ...

May 6, 2026
Phys.org / Dynamic catalyst interfaces offer a smarter route for converting CO₂ into formic acid

Electroreduction offers a promising route for converting CO2 into value-added chemicals using renewable electricity. Among the possible products, formic acid is particularly attractive because it is an important chemical ...

May 6, 2026
Phys.org / Aircraft measurements reveal surprisingly strong Southern Ocean biological productivity

The biological productivity of the Southern Ocean in the summertime is substantially greater than many previous estimates have suggested, according to new airborne research by the U.S. National Science Foundation National ...

May 6, 2026
Phys.org / Portable sensor detects PFAS in water on-site, cutting need for costly lab tests

A new study has unveiled a new method to cost-effectively and practically test for "forever chemicals" in water, potentially revolutionizing environmental PFAS monitoring. Led by Griffith University, the novel PFAS detection ...

May 6, 2026
Phys.org / AI matches human teachers: Brief pre-lecture chat boosts students' brain synchrony and learning outcomes

Millions of students worldwide have long relied on self-paced learning through pre-recorded video lectures, a model that forms the backbone of massive open online courses (MOOCs) and large-scale online education. Since the ...

May 6, 2026