physorg.com:Spotlight stories

AI-powered ChronoFlow uses stellar rotation rates to estimate stars' ages Figuring out the ages of stars is fundamental to understanding many areas of astronomy—yet, it remains a challenge since stellar ages can't be ascertained through observation alone. So, astronomers at the University of Toronto have turned to artificial intelligence for help.
Quantum computer simulates spontaneous symmetry breaking at zero temperature For the first time, an international team of scientists has experimentally simulated spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB) at zero temperature using a superconducting quantum processor. This achievement, which was accomplished with over 80% fidelity, represents a milestone for quantum computing and condensed matter physics.
Slithering snakes: The science behind the motion of a young anaconda The motion of snakes has long fascinated humans: they undulate, they sidewind, they crawl, they even fly.
New protein-based system streamlines enzyme reuse for plastic recycling Enzymatic recycling has gained traction in recent years as a greener alternative to traditional plastic recycling techniques, which often rely on energy-intensive mechanical or chemical processes. Enzymes can selectively break down polymers like PET—commonly found in bottles and food packaging—into their basic building blocks.
Emoji use may impact relationship outcomes, study reveals The use of emojis in text messaging improves perceived responsiveness and thereby enhances closeness and relationship satisfaction, according to a study published in the open-access journal PLOS One by Eun Huh from the University of Texas at Austin, U.S.
Bioplastic shelters support algae growth in Mars-like conditions for space habitats If humans are ever going to live beyond Earth, they'll need to construct habitats. But transporting enough industrial material to create livable spaces would be incredibly challenging and expensive. Researchers at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) think there's a better way, through biology.
Global survey finds individual merit, not solidarity, prioritized by early childhood education policies Do we climb the social ladder alone or with help from our communities? Early childhood education (ECE) policies are betting on the former, according to a study published in PLOS One by Katarzyna Bobrowicz from the University of Luxembourg and University of Liège in Belgium, and colleagues.
Coral babies on the move: How larvae's long-distance journeys strengthen reef populations Understanding how far Great Barrier Reef corals are from their parents could be key to identifying and protecting at-risk populations, University of Queensland research has found.
Regional disparities exist in US media coverage of archaeology research, finds study What archaeological discoveries are considered newsworthy by U.S. media outlets and audiences? A new analysis of "pop-science" reporting reveals topical and regional disparities, including an apparent underrepresentation of Chinese archaeology and preference for findings relevant to white Christian histories.
People who adopted pets during the pandemic often struggled to access vet care, study finds During the COVID-19 pandemic when many were stuck at home, people adopted more pets than average, but then struggled to find adequate veterinary care. Kayla Pasteur of Purdue University, U.S., and colleagues reported these findings and other pandemic pet trends, which were published in a study in the open-access journal PLOS One.
US military spending reductions could substantially lower energy consumption A new analysis suggests that reductions in U.S. military spending could result in significant decreases in energy consumption by the Department of Defense, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Ryan Thombs of Penn State University, U.S., and colleagues present these findings in PLOS Climate.
Shape-shifting particles allow temperature control over fluid flow and stiffness Imagine a liquid that flows freely one moment, then stiffens into a near-solid the next, and then can switch back with a simple change in temperature. Researchers at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and NYU Tandon have now developed such a material, using tiny particles that can change their shape and stiffness on demand.
How cucumbers got longer, and why it's a big deal for farming Cucumbers, a summer staple of salads and sandwiches, are a valuable commercial crop. They also have a less well-known role as valuable model plants which are helping researchers to extend the boundaries of genomic discovery.
Q&A: Astrophysicist explains how black hole mergers and quasars help detect gravitational wave networks When black holes need a place to crash, they prefer a nice, bright quasar.
Old aerial photos give scientists a new tool to predict sea level rise On 28 November 1966, an American airplane flies over the Antarctic Peninsula just south of the southernmost tip of Chile. On board is a photographer, probably from the U.S. Navy, whose job is to map the Antarctic landscape. But it turns out that the photographer is also documenting a very special situation that is in progress. He shoots an aerial photo of the Wordie Ice Shelf, which, 30 years later, has almost vanished after a total collapse.