Dennis Overbye, a longtime cosmic affairs correspondent at the New York Times, has been awarded the 2026 Andrew Gemant Award for his outstanding contributions to science journalism. He is celebrated for his lyrical and tightly tethered storytelling, which brings the science and human endeavor to life for audiences worldwide.
Researchers have developed an eggshell-inspired aluminum material that offers significant protection from space debris. The material, which consists of water-filled aluminum eggshells arranged in an array, can withstand high loads and reduce the velocity of an impact projectile by nearly 65%. The design, which is inspired by the natura...
Researchers discovered that gecko skin's nanoscopic hairs, called setulae, trap air and retain water, reducing evaporation and helping lizards survive in dry environments. The study used computational models to evaluate the effects of the hairs on water loss, finding a reduction in evaporation intensity.
Researchers from Duksung Women's University and University of Zurich found that adults increase formant frequencies when speaking with aegyo, suggesting a shorter vocal tract. This phenomenon may signal childlike qualities and elicit a protective response from others.
Researchers created a 3D model of the upper airway to study snoring, finding that unsteady airflow across soft tissues produces the loudest sounds. Reducing soft palate vibration may help reduce palatal snoring, suggesting potential solutions for anti-snoring treatments.
Researchers from Adelaide University study how fungal diseases spread across crops by analyzing the location where infection begins — a leaf's waxy surface. They found that mimicking this coating can help understand how it functions and its recognition signals can be turned off, potentially leading to practical crop protection strategies.
Researchers discovered bio-metals in the jaws of ancient sea worms, exhibiting properties like hardness and strain mechanics. The unique materials show similarities to metals but also have distinct mechanical properties.
Researchers created an optical hydration index that combines multiple inputs and measurements to track skin hydration state. The system uses near-infrared optical imaging and temperature-aware algorithm for robust at-home monitoring.
Researchers from the University of Warsaw studied the physical properties of espresso brewing and found that at higher pressures, the coffee behaves like a poroelastic material, exhibiting nonlinear pressure dynamics. This effect affects the dissolution rate of coffee and can be used to improve the brewing process.
Researchers discovered layered guanine platelets in deep-sea fish that scatter light in complex ways, unlike traditional mirrors. These findings offer insights into creating highly efficient biomimetic designs for biomedical devices.
A study by National Taipei University of Technology found that offshore floating solar systems can generate up to 12% more electricity than traditional land-based systems. This increased energy output leads to greater carbon emission reductions due to the cooling effect of surrounding water, which absorbs heat and improves efficiency.
Researchers discovered proteins from Pseudomonas syringae bacteria can bind to artificial surfaces, leading to ice formation at higher-than-normal temperatures. This breakthrough enables the development of new applications like deicing, artificial snow, and cryo-medicine.
Researchers studied how meltwater from one iceberg impacts its neighbor's melting rate. They found that the gap between icebergs determines their final shape and melt rate., Iceberg clusters may be less prone to melting than isolated icebergs due to the protective effect of meltwater.
Researchers developed a hand-held device to differentiate tumors from healthy tissue using mechanical properties, reducing the need for future surgeries and delayed treatments. The wireless probe can aid surgeons in precise tumor removal during breast-conserving surgery.
Researchers designed a force-sensing miniature robot to handle delicate cell spheroids with precision. The mobile microgripper uses magnets for controlled movement and gentle gripping, allowing successful assembly of spheroids into patterns.
Researchers developed meta-earplugs with Helmholtz resonators to address low-frequency sound issues. The earplugs use precise tuning of reflected sound waves to relieve pressure and increase protection.
Researchers found AI voice clones to be up to 20% more intelligible than humans in various testing scenarios, including noise, age, and accent. This breakthrough raises questions about the potential applications of voice cloning technology.
The study reveals that Chinese characters exhibit unique mechanical properties due to their geometric structures. The researchers found that curves, crossbeams, and gradation in the characters improve the material's stiffness and flexibility.
Researchers simulated 27 evacuation scenarios to determine the safest cabin layout, finding that a specific distribution of elderly passengers can significantly impact evacuation time. The study suggests airlines implement strategic seating arrangements to optimize safety without compromising efficiency.
Researchers developed a physics-based model for competitive lateral flow assay (LFA) test strips, improving commercial fentanyl test strips' sensitivity. The new method enables actionable guidance for sensitivity optimization across various LFAs.
Charles Thorn has made significant contributions to the field of theoretical physics, including the development of string theory and the no-ghost theorem. He was awarded the 2026 Dannie Heineman Prize for Mathematical Physics for his fundamental contributions to elementary particle physics.
Researchers used nonlinear dynamics to explore why eczema flare-ups happen and how to improve treatment outcomes. They found that small physiological changes can significantly increase the maintenance burden in long-term efforts to keep eczema in remission.
Researchers found that closing eyes impairs hearing in noisy environments, while visual engagement improves sensitivity. Visual engagement helps anchor the auditory system to the external world.
A team of researchers developed a computational model to study how pollen disperses in urban areas, influenced by factors such as tree geometry, wind speed, and direction. The model provides quantitative insight to inform urban planning decisions and reduce the risks associated with airborne allergenic pollen exposure.
Researchers developed a model to calculate snow accumulation on roofs, considering snowflake size and distribution. Larger snow particles lead to greater accumulation, while higher wind speeds reduce depth. The study provides insights for building codes and guidelines for snow loading.
Researchers from Brown University study thin film fluid flows in the kitchen, finding that waiting a few minutes to dump water out of a wok can minimize rusting. The team also develops an equation for determining how long to wait to collect 99% of remaining liquid in jars.
Researchers found a high-fat diet accelerates tumor growth and invasion in triple-negative breast cancer, causing an increase in the enzyme MMP1. This dietary condition may lead to a poor prognosis and provide insight into tumor therapies.
Researchers found that the visual design of a concert hall significantly affects perceived timbre, with more saturated colors producing colder sounds. Listeners also reported higher liking scores in darker environments, highlighting the importance of considering visual appearance in acoustic design.
Researchers created a database of smartphone signal fingerprints to confirm devices have not been altered. The method uses electromagnetic waves emitted by smartphones and compares them to a trusted database, identifying deviations that indicate tampering.
Lucciana Mikaela Cáceres Holgado, a University of Kansas physics and astronomy double major, has been awarded the second annual Marian H. Rose Research Scholarship for her exoplanet research and community involvement. The $15,000 scholarship supports her graduate research in environmental sciences.
Researchers from the US and UK have created a method to predict September Arctic sea ice extent with high accuracy, improving monitoring of sea ice health and its impact on global climate. The model captures effects from subseasonal to seasonal timescales and outperforms other models.
Researchers evaluated the hearing sensitivity of Kemp's ridley sea turtles, finding they are most sensitive to low-frequency sounds produced by ships and machinery. This understanding will inform efforts to monitor and mitigate noise impacts on these endangered species.
Researchers developed a high-resolution 3D ultrasonic imaging system for concrete that automatically adapts to different materials, improving contrast between defects and background material. The system uses a wide range of frequencies and can handle diverse materials without manual tuning.
A recent study has reconciled the debate over the existence and thickness of a microscopically thin liquid layer, known as premelting film, on ice surfaces. The research suggests that this layer is restricted to a limited thickness near the equilibrium point due to water's unusual density properties.
A team of researchers has created an object identification system for prosthetic hands to guide appropriate grip strength decisions in real time. The system uses a camera and EMG sensor to determine the user's intent and predict the required grip strength, enabling users to focus on daily tasks without complex training or calibration.
Researchers have successfully decoded movement signals from patients' brains using electroencephalography (EEG) devices. However, decoding specific signals for lower limb movements remains challenging due to the limited depth of brain activity detection.
Researchers developed a method to encapsulate nanodroplets of thyme extract, enabling small doses and avoiding evaporation. The technique demonstrates accurate thyme extract nanodosing is possible and can be extended to other aqueous extracts.
Generative AI is increasingly used in classrooms, raising concerns about its impact on student learning. Researcher Gerd Kortemeyer explores the benefits and drawbacks of AI in physics education, suggesting that it can be a helpful tool when integrated into teaching methods that focus on critical thinking and collaboration.
Researchers use empress cicada wings as a ready-made nanostructure template to enhance surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) performance. The cylindrical nanostructures separated by five-nanometer gaps amplify Raman scattering signals by a factor of a million compared to non-coated cicada wings.
Researchers developed a device utilizing sound waves to detect helium by exploiting changes in sound velocity and resonant frequencies. The triangular Kagome structure allows for accurate detection of helium leaks, even at extremely low temperatures.
John Holdren, a Harvard University professor and former OSTP director, has been awarded the 2026 AIP Karl Taylor Compton Medal for his scientific leadership in engaging the public and promoting sound governmental policies. The medal recognizes his contributions to physics through statesmanship in science.
A team of researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution developed a theory for how microplastic particles accumulate in ocean eddies. They found that particles tend to accumulate in tubelike structures within circular currents, forming 'attractors' that resemble twisted, closed loops.
Stacyann Nelson, an assistant professor at Morgan State University, has been awarded the 2025 Joseph A. Johnson Award for Excellence in physics research and mentorship. Her research focuses on understanding fundamental properties of hadronic matter at high energies, while inspiring students to become leaders in physics research.
Researchers from SK Specialty developed a machine learning framework to predict the GWP of potential alternative materials for etching and cleaning semiconductors. The technique identified key patterns in molecular features related to radiative efficiency and atmospheric lifetime, enabling the prediction of GWP with high accuracy.
A new study has discovered that cancer cells use different strategies to move through tight tissue gaps, with fibrosarcoma cells being more flexible and deformable. This flexibility allows them to squeeze through narrow gaps more efficiently, but does not affect the direction of their movement.
A team of researchers from Shanghai and Guangzhou, China, has discovered the Jinlin crater, a 900-meter diameter impact structure preserved within a thick granite weathering crust. The discovery provides new insights into the scale of small extraterrestrial object impacts on Earth during the Holocene epoch.
Researchers developed a fractal-based speaker add-on that reduces sound disparities between drivers and passengers in cars. The metamaterial, inspired by the Koch snowflake fractal, creates broadband wavefront control for a more even sound field.
Developed using alternating current power, single-contact nano-LEDs simplify fabrication and improve quantum efficiency for near-eye display applications. The technology has potential for smaller, more efficient devices with enhanced visual experiences.
The American Institute of Physics has awarded PhET Interactive Simulations a $25,000 grant to develop a professional learning course and community for high school physics teachers. The award aims to improve physics education in the US by raising interest and boosting quality.
Researchers developed a new copper IUD with laser-engraved microstructure patterns inspired by the golden pothos plant, which reduces corrosion and releases fewer copper ions. The device is more hydrophobic and corrosion-resistant, causing less cell death and increasing cell viability.