https://phys.org/ en-us Latest news from Humboldt University of Berlin Inequality is not unique to human groups and societies. Individuals with relatively little power possess a variety of behavioral strategies to counterbalance or regulate power differences. In humans, these strategies include criticism, ridicule, disobedience, or even the expulsion or execution of powerful individuals. Similar inequality-reducing behaviors, which carry comparable social costs, are also found in animal societies. https://phys.org/news/2026-06-animals-behaviors-alphas.html Plants & Animals Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:00:01 EDT news700229941 Catalysis—the reduction of activation energy in a chemical reaction by a catalyst—plays a key role in the chemical industry, as well as in the development of sustainable technologies essential for achieving a low-carbon economy. However, the search for high-performance and sustainable catalysts is often costly and time-consuming. It can be accelerated through data-driven catalysis research. Yet experimental data are often not available in machine-readable and standardized formats. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-catalysis-app-sustainable-catalysts.html Analytical Chemistry Sat, 25 Apr 2026 14:30:02 EDT news696170566 For the first time, a study has shown a direct link between political violence and violence against children, adolescents and young adults perpetrated by family members, acquaintances and peer groups. The findings are based on surveys of over 35,000 young people in nine African countries. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-guns-fall-silent-violence-children.html Social Sciences Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:00:01 EDT news695645821 In recent decades, income and wealth disparities have widened significantly in many European countries. At the same time, support for populist parties has grown. Previous studies have already pointed out that rising inequality may be contributing to the growth of populist movements. But how can this correlation be explained? Why are more and more people turning to populist parties? https://phys.org/news/2026-03-inequality-ground-populism.html Social Sciences Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:20:01 EDT news693220561 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 of the new SUPER (Swing-UP of the quantum EmitteR population) method. The approach facilitates the controlled generation of light particles (photons). Results of the study were recently published in the journal Nature Communications. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-ultrafast-laser-pulses-diamond-based.html Optics & Photonics Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:40:05 EDT news692966881 From computer chips to quantum dots—technological platforms were only made possible thanks to a detailed understanding of the used solid-state materials, such as silicon or more complex semiconductor materials. This understanding also includes being able to identify and control irregularities in the crystal lattice of such materials. https://phys.org/news/2025-10-physicists-quantum-sensor-atomic-lattice.html Optics & Photonics Tue, 07 Oct 2025 10:12:19 EDT news679050735 Threads or ropes can easily be used for braiding, knotting, and weaving. In chemistry, however, processing molecular strands in this way is an almost impossible task. This is because molecules are not only tiny, they are also constantly in motion and therefore cannot be easily touched, held or precisely shaped. https://phys.org/news/2025-07-powered-nano-motor-molecular-strands.html Analytical Chemistry Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:00:10 EDT news673178858 Led by Prof. Dr. Nicola Pinna and Dr. Patrícia Russo from the Department of Chemistry at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU), scientists have succeeded in disrupting the atomic order of batteries in a targeted manner. The result: high-performance anodes for lithium and sodium-ion batteries with exceptional high charging speed and stability—a decisive step toward safer and longer-lasting energy storage systems. https://techxplore.com/news/2025-07-atomic-disorder-boosts-battery-term.html Engineering Tue, 29 Jul 2025 13:30:07 EDT news673014103