https://phys.org/ en-us Phys.org internet news portal provides the latest news on science including: Physics, Nanotechnology, Life Sciences, Space Science, Earth Science, Environment, Health and Medicine. Our sun is capable of storms far bigger than we've ever recorded. Studying the world's oldest trees suggests we could soon be due one of these gargantuan events. https://phys.org/news/2026-08-ancient-trees-enormous-solar-storm.html Planetary Sciences Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:00:06 EDT news706186321 Cells are not isolated units; they continuously exchange proteins, genetic material, and even entire organelles with their neighbors. Intercellular transfer influences how tissues develop, respond to stress, and repair damage. In certain cancers, for example, tumor cells can acquire mitochondria from nearby cells to sustain growth; similar exchanges are also linked to aging processes. However, despite massive advances in gene-editing and molecular-targeting technologies, we still lack the tools to directly and reliably manipulate the cytoplasmic composition of living cells. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-nanotube-injector-cytoplasmic-contents-organelles.html Bio & Medicine Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:40:04 EDT news694431001 Scientists have long relied on tree rings to learn about ancient solar storms—rare bursts of high-energy particles from the sun that can disrupt satellites, power grids, and communication systems across the planet. When these particles hit Earth's atmosphere, they create a radioactive form of carbon that trees absorb and store in their wood. https://phys.org/news/2026-01-tree-scientists-disruptive-extreme-solar.html Planetary Sciences Thu, 29 Jan 2026 10:16:51 EST news688904161 Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) semiconductor lasers are highly sought for medical, biotechnology, and precision manufacturing applications; however, previous UV-B laser diodes were limited to pulsed operation or required cryogenic cooling, making continuous room-temperature operation unattainable. https://phys.org/news/2026-01-world-room-temperature-uv-laser.html Optics & Photonics Sat, 17 Jan 2026 09:10:01 EST news687625681 Using a dual-cation substitution approach, researchers at Science Tokyo introduced ferromagnetism into bismuth ferrite, a well-known and promising multiferroic material for next-generation memory technologies. By replacing ions at both the bismuth and iron sites with calcium ions and heavier elements, they modified the spin structure and achieved ferromagnetism at room temperature. Additionally, negative thermal expansion was observed. This ability to engineer magnetism and thermal expansion in a multiferroic material aids in realizing future memory devices. https://phys.org/news/2025-12-dual-substitution-room-temperature-ferromagnetism.html Condensed Matter Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:50:01 EST news684690170 New balloon-mounted space radiation probes developed by the Surrey Space Center at the University of Surrey have captured their first measurements of a major solar storm, confirming the research team's model, which indicates the flare caused the highest levels of radiation at aviation altitude in almost two decades. https://phys.org/news/2025-12-uk-space-weather-probe-captures.html Astronomy Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:39:14 EST news683825882 In the foothills of Japan's Northern Alps, people are chasing monkeys. https://phys.org/news/2025-11-japan-northern-alps-residents-monkeys.html Ecology Thu, 13 Nov 2025 04:22:59 EST news682230163 In May 2024, part of the sun exploded. https://phys.org/news/2025-10-solar-storms-history-environmental-historian.html Planetary Sciences Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:19:05 EDT news680872742 A research group led by Professor Emeritus Takuji Hoshino of Okayama University of Science (OUS) has successfully developed a new wine grape variety named "Muscat Shiragai," created by crossing the wild species Shiraga grape—native only to the Takahashi River basin in Okayama Prefecture—with Muscat of Alexandria. The group has filed for new variety registration with Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), and the application was formally accepted. https://phys.org/news/2025-10-wine-grape-variety-muscat-shiragai.html Agriculture Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:19:31 EDT news679666764 Sucrose is a vital energy source in plants. It also drives growth and serves as an important signaling molecule during stress and development. Sucrose is a key product of photosynthesis and the primary form of sugar used for long-distance transport in plants. As such, its movement through plant tissues reveals much about its internal state. Yet, despite its importance, tracking sucrose in real time within living plants remains a persistent challenge. https://phys.org/news/2025-07-biosensor-real-sucrose-uptake.html Biotechnology Tue, 15 Jul 2025 10:50:01 EDT news671793580 Colorado State University researchers have published a paper in Science that describes a new and more efficient light-based process for transforming fossil fuels into useful modern chemicals. In it, they report that their organic photoredox catalysis system is effective, even at room temperature. That advantage could lower energy demands around chemical manufacturing in a variety of instances and could also reduce associated pollution, among other benefits. https://phys.org/news/2025-06-efficient-photoredox-catalyst-enables-greener.html Materials Science Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:00:03 EDT news669477781 With recent advancements in technology, the Internet of Things and wireless devices are in high demand. However, these innovations also raise concerns about prolonged exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR), which may pose potential risks to eye health. https://phys.org/news/2025-06-mxene-coated-lenses-safer-smarter.html Bio & Medicine Tue, 03 Jun 2025 21:00:01 EDT news668163961 An international team of scientists has discovered an extreme spike in radiocarbon corresponding to the year 12350 BC during the dusk of the last Ice Age. However, the strength of the event could not be assessed earlier because of the lack of an appropriate model. It has now been identified as the most powerful solar particle storm known to date—a colossal space weather storm that struck Earth 14,300 years ago. This recent finding expands the timeline and intensity of known solar activity and sets a new upper boundary for such solar phenomena. https://phys.org/news/2025-05-reveals-strongest-solar-event-bc.html Planetary Sciences Thu, 15 May 2025 09:32:06 EDT news666520323 Assistant professor Saga Tatsuya of the Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, who is captivated by hornets and is advancing the understanding of their ecology, has an unusual career path, having taught at public high schools for 10 years. After completing a master's program, he became a high school teacher, took a leave of absence to pursue a doctoral program, and returned to high school teaching after completing his doctorate. https://phys.org/news/2025-03-qa-unraveling-relationship-hornets-humans.html Ecology Mon, 10 Mar 2025 15:41:06 EDT news660840061 The Northern Lights were visible much farther south than usual this year, and pictures of the colorful hues filled social media. Now, imagine an aurora hundreds of times brighter—except no one would be able to snap a photo of it, as the onslaught of particles rushing in from the sun would instantly turn smartphones into bricks. https://phys.org/news/2024-11-probe-ancient-wood-clues-massive.html Planetary Sciences Thu, 21 Nov 2024 06:07:51 EST news651391667 Researchers at Colorado State University have found a new approach for breaking down PFAS—a group of human-made "forever" chemicals commonly used for their water-resistant properties that can carry health risks from long-term exposure. https://phys.org/news/2024-11-based-photocatalytic-pfas-room-temperature.html Analytical Chemistry Wed, 20 Nov 2024 11:00:01 EST news651320521 In September 1859, the same year that Darwin published "On the Origin of Species," telegraph systems across Europe and North America stopped working and started sparking, leading to fires in some cases. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-scientists-evidence-extreme-solar-storms.html Planetary Sciences Wed, 18 Sep 2024 13:30:02 EDT news645882181 Researchers at the University of Bern have for the first time been able to pin down a prehistoric settlement of early farmers in northern Greece dating back more than 7,000 years to the year. https://phys.org/news/2024-05-succeed-accurately-dating-year-prehistoric.html Archaeology Tue, 21 May 2024 13:33:48 EDT news635517222 The intracellular delivery of proteins is an important technique for unveiling the cellular functions, protein complex structure, and therapeutics. However, conventional delivery methods have several limitations. https://phys.org/news/2024-05-hybrid-nanotubes-cancer-treatment-intracellular.html Bio & Medicine Mon, 20 May 2024 10:34:03 EDT news635420040 An international team of scientists has discovered a huge spike in radiocarbon levels 14,300 years ago by analyzing ancient tree-rings found in the French Alps. https://phys.org/news/2023-10-largest-solar-storm-ancient-year-old.html Astronomy Mon, 09 Oct 2023 03:00:02 EDT news615812445 With the Cascadia Subduction Zone parked off the coast and shallow faults lurking under most major cities, the Puget Sound area already faces a daunting array of seismic scenarios. A new study adds another: the possibility of a one-two earthquake punch. https://phys.org/news/2023-09-earthquake-threat-seattle-area-faults-ripped.html Earth Sciences Sun, 01 Oct 2023 14:20:01 EDT news615215675 The movement of cosmic ray particles across space, such as electrons and protons, is influenced by the sun's magnetic field, causing fluctuations in the intensity of galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) reaching Earth in response to the solar cycle. During periods of low solar activity, such as the solar minimum, more GCRs have been observed to reach Earth compared to that for periods of high solar activity. This inverse correlation between the GCR-flux and solar activity is known as "solar modulation." https://phys.org/news/2023-06-calorimetric-electron-telescope-calet-captures.html Astronomy Thu, 08 Jun 2023 16:11:03 EDT news605459461 Big changes often happen in small steps, and it's not always easy to see how we get from point A to point B. Now, researchers from Japan have found a new step in the process of cell differentiation that leads to the production of fully functional basophils, which are critical cells in the immune system. https://phys.org/news/2023-06-pre-basophils-cell-differentiation-basophil-story.html Cell & Microbiology Wed, 07 Jun 2023 11:46:35 EDT news605357191 In searching for planets and studying their stars, I've had the privilege to use some of the world's great telescopes. However, our team has recently turned to an even larger system to study the cosmos: Earth's forests. https://phys.org/news/2022-10-radioactive-tree-reveal-earth-history.html Astronomy Sat, 29 Oct 2022 13:20:01 EDT news586005575 A University of Queensland study has shed new light on a mysterious, unpredictable and potentially devastating kind of astrophysical event. https://phys.org/news/2022-10-tree-insight-devastating-storms.html Astronomy Tue, 25 Oct 2022 19:00:02 EDT news585932624 By combining technologies originally designed for high-energy particle accelerators and astronomy observations, researchers can now for the first time analyze the elemental makeup of samples without damaging them, which could be useful for researchers working in other fields such as archaeology, reports a new study in Scientific Reports. https://phys.org/news/2022-04-muonic-x-rays-elemental-makeup-samples.html General Physics Tue, 26 Apr 2022 11:17:49 EDT news570190663 People must consume enough safe and nutritious food to remain alive and healthy. Consumption of unsafe foods, contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances, is responsible for more than 200 diseases, ranging from diarrhea to cancer. Diarrheal diseases are the most common illnesses caused by contaminated food, affecting 550 million people and killing 230 thousand people each year, globally. Even in developed countries, some bacterial foodborne pathogens threaten people's life through ingestion of daily meals. Of concern is Staphylococcus argenteus—a bacterial organism that causes food poisoning. It was first discovered as a genetically distinct lineage in the Aboriginal communities in Australia. Since then, Staphylococcus argenteus has been isolated on other continents, indicating its global prevalence. https://phys.org/news/2022-04-exploring-potential-food-contamination-routes.html Cell & Microbiology Thu, 21 Apr 2022 10:24:50 EDT news569755487 Mobility shaped the human world profoundly long before the modern age. But archaeologists often struggle to create a timeline for the speed and impact of this mobility. An interdisciplinary team of researchers at the Danish National Research Foundation's Centre for Urban Network Evolutions at Aarhus University (UrbNet) has now made a breakthrough by applying new astronomical knowledge about the past activity of the sun to establish an exact time anchor for global links in the year 775 CE. https://phys.org/news/2021-12-dates-viking-age.html Archaeology Wed, 22 Dec 2021 12:44:01 EST news559399434 On April 30, 2018, on the eastern flank of Hawaii's Kīlauea volcano, lava suddenly drained from a crater that had been spewing lava for more than three decades. Then the floor of the crater, named Pu'u'ō'ō, dropped out. https://phys.org/news/2021-07-laws-friction-collapsing-crater-erupting.html Earth Sciences Wed, 28 Jul 2021 09:52:02 EDT news546684718 The sun constantly emits a stream of energetic particles, some of which reach Earth. The density and energy of this stream form the basis of space weather, which can interfere with the operation of satellites and other spacecraft. A key unresolved question in the field is the frequency with which the sun emits bursts of energetic particles strong enough to disable or destroy space-based electronics. https://phys.org/news/2021-07-tree-newly-extreme-solar-event.html Earth Sciences Tue, 13 Jul 2021 12:42:03 EDT news545398918