Leaf forces help steer stomata as young plants grow, experiments reveal

Scientists have uncovered how the interplay between cell shape and mechanical stress influences the orientation of stomata (microscopic pores on the leaf surface) during early plant development.

source https://phys.org/news/2026-05-leaf-stomata-young-reveal.html

Supermassive black holes could be the universe's biggest planet nurseries

Supermassive black holes are the largest known black holes in the universe, sitting at the center of most large galaxies. They are sometimes described as cosmic monsters because they feed on surrounding gas and dust when they are active, as well as destroy anything that gets too close. But their reputation could be due for a rethink, as a new paper published on the arXiv preprint server suggests they may also be the birthplace of millions of planets.

source https://phys.org/news/2026-05-supermassive-black-holes-universe-biggest.html

In Senegal, a 2,000‑year‑old iron workshop sheds new light on the past

How was iron produced 2,000 years ago in Senegal? A recent study at the Didé West 1 archaeological site, in the Falémé Valley in eastern Senegal, sheds light on an ancient iron production technique.

source https://phys.org/news/2026-05-senegal-2000yearold-iron-workshop.html