Phys.org news

Phys.org / Eco-friendly catalyst switches oxygen source based on particle size, study finds

As the climate crisis becomes a part of daily life with unprecedented heat waves and cold snaps, technology to effectively remove greenhouse gases is emerging as a critical global challenge. In particular, catalytic technology ...

Feb 9, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Deep-sea microbes get unexpected energy boost from marine snow, researchers discover

For many years, the deep ocean has been seen as a nutrient-poor environment where microbes living in the water survive on very limited resources. But new research from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) challenges that ...

Feb 9, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Why does rough grinding make stainless steel more prone to corrosion?

Stainless steel is widely known for its impressive corrosion resistance, but it is not invincible. When exposed to environments containing chloride ions, such as seawater, the risk of corrosion increases. To achieve the sleek, ...

Feb 9, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Capturing the instant of electrical switching to pave the way for faster memory

As artificial intelligence advances, computers demand faster and more efficient memory. The key to ultra-high-speed, low-power semiconductors lies in the "switching" principle—the mechanism by which memory materials turn ...

Feb 9, 2026 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / A quick stretch switches this polymer's capacity to transport heat

Most materials have an inherent capacity to handle heat. Plastic, for instance, is typically a poor thermal conductor, whereas materials like marble move heat more efficiently. If you were to place one hand on a marble countertop ...

Feb 9, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Nanodevice tugs single proteins to reveal how cells sense force

Physical forces from gravity, muscle contraction, and more have strong impacts on how the cells in our bodies behave. For instance, weight-bearing exercise helps stave off osteoporosis because cells in our bones sense that ...

Feb 9, 2026 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / How the spring thaw influences arsenic levels in lakes

From 1948 to 1953, a gold mine called Giant Mine released about 5 tons of arsenic trioxide per day into the environment around Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. Emissions declined from the 1950s until the mine closed ...

Feb 9, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / First evidence of a subsurface lava tube on Venus

Volcanic activity is not unique to Earth: traces of volcanic activity, such as lava tubes, have been found on Mars and the moon. Now, the University of Trento has demonstrated the existence of an empty lava tube even in the ...

Feb 9, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Simple at-home tests strips can detect cat and dog viruses

Pet owners want quick answers when their beloved cat or dog is sick. And if these furry friends are experiencing digestive distress, lethargy and fever, it's important to rapidly rule out serious illnesses like feline panleukopenia ...

Feb 9, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / How fast can a microlaser switch 'modes?' A simple rule reveals a power-law time scaling

Modern technologies increasingly rely on light sources that can be reconfigured on demand. Think of microlasers that can quickly switch between different operating states—much like a car shifting gears—so that an optical ...

Feb 9, 2026 in Physics
Phys.org / Topological antenna could pave the way for 6G networks

Using ideas borrowed from topological photonics, researchers in Singapore, France and the US have designed a compact antenna capable of handling information-rich terahertz (THz) signals. Reporting their results in Nature ...

Feb 8, 2026 in Physics
Phys.org / 2023–2024 El Niño triggered record-breaking sea level spike along African coastlines, study finds

Africa's coastlines are under growing threat as sea levels climb faster than ever, driven by decades of global warming caused by human activity, natural climate cycles, and warming ocean waters. Between 2009 and 2024, the ...

Feb 8, 2026 in Earth