Phys.org news

Phys.org / From fields to space farming, new tool detects crop drought stress before it's visible

When it comes to drought stress, timing can be the difference between saving a crop and losing it, whether in a greenhouse or in the high-stakes environment of future space missions. In a recent study published in Plant Phenomics, ...

Jul 1, 2026
Phys.org / One amino acid may signal the 'point of no return' in dying leaves

Before a leaf dies, plants recover nutrients that the rest of the plant can reuse for growth and survival. Researchers at Umeå Plant Science Center have now identified a metabolic "point of no return" linked to the amino ...

Jul 1, 2026
Phys.org / Climate resilience of brown bears over 175,000 years revealed in 3D analyses of their jaws

European brown bears are masters of survival: These animals have weathered Pleistocene climate fluctuations and survived the cycles of ice ages and interglacial periods to the present day. Zoologists have now investigated ...

Jul 1, 2026
Phys.org / NASA rolls out three robotic moon missions as 2029 lunar base plans take shape

NASA on Tuesday announced new uncrewed missions to aid in the future creation of a lunar surface base, a project beginning to take shape despite recent setbacks.

Jul 1, 2026
Phys.org / Tooth fossil analysis suggests 'brawn before bite' in early Asian mammals

An analysis of fossil teeth from mammals that lived in China following the most recent major mass extinction suggests size came before both shape and function as diets diversified.

Jul 1, 2026
Phys.org / AI-generated debate replies outscore real politicians on authenticity and coherence

AI-generated impersonations of political figures are judged by members of the public to be more authentic, relevant and coherent than the speakers' actual debate responses, according to a study appearing in PLOS One, written ...

Jul 1, 2026
Phys.org / New bioelectronic microdevices enable remote cell stimulation using ultrasound

The Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and the Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona (IMB-CNM-CSIC) have developed a new generation of wireless piezoelectric microdevices capable of electrically stimulating living ...

Jul 1, 2026
Phys.org / Crystal-design principle reveals how competing molecular forces control structure, color and phase transitions

Organic molecular crystals can respond to external stimuli such as heat, light, and mechanical force, making them attractive candidates for next-generation functional materials. However, predicting how multiple intermolecular ...

Jul 1, 2026
Phys.org / Black-box optimization weather intervention method supports future disaster mitigation

In recent years, the frequency of weather-related natural disasters—cyclones, torrential rains, floods—has increased as a consequence of global warming. These disasters cause billions of dollars in damage and losses every ...

Jul 1, 2026
Phys.org / Can AI plan for heat emergencies better than simple rules? It depends

The thermometer reads 95°F (35°C) in Brooklyn, and vulnerable individuals need information to take appropriate action. New York City officials must gather facts quickly to provide updates on cooling centers, power outages ...

Jul 1, 2026
Phys.org / Polymer network reconfigures in sequence, helping elastomers stay tough under strain

Shock-absorbing sneaker soles are likely made of polyurethane, a highly elastic and tough polymer. The ability of these elastomers to absorb impact without breaking is extremely important for practical applications. While ...

Jul 1, 2026
Phys.org / 3,000-year-old Irish Bronze Age site may be one of Europe's earliest 'town-like' settlements

A major prehistoric center in Ireland was among the first large, organized settlements to develop in Western Europe more than 3,000 years ago, new research reveals. The study, published today in Antiquity, identifies Haughey's ...

Jun 30, 2026