All News

Phys.org / Chess960's random setups still favor white, new study reveals

Chess is a relatively simple game to learn but a very difficult one to master. Because the starting positions of the pieces are fixed, top players have relied on memorizing the "best" opening moves, which can sometimes result ...

Jan 2, 2026 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Understanding fuel cell catalysts: Study reveals shifting rate-limiting steps

Researchers from the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society have unveiled fundamental new insights into the working principles of fuel-cell catalysts.

Jan 5, 2026 in Chemistry
Tech Xplore / Ultrathin polymer layer extends lifespan of anode-free lithium metal batteries

Anode-free lithium metal batteries, which have attracted attention as candidates for electric vehicles, drones, and next-generation high-performance batteries, offer much higher energy density than conventional lithium-ion ...

Jan 5, 2026 in Engineering
Medical Xpress / Ovarian cancer alters the abdominal cavity to aid tumor spread, study reveals

Ovarian cancer often goes undetected for a long time. In seven out of 10 patients, the tumor has already formed secondary tumors in the abdominal cavity at the time of diagnosis. These metastases are particularly common in ...

Jan 5, 2026 in Oncology & Cancer
Phys.org / High-throughput platform enables aptamer discovery and kinetic profiling

Cell-surface proteins are critical therapeutic targets and are vital to cellular communication, signaling, and homeostasis. However, developing high-affinity probes such as aptamers against these targets is hindered by low ...

Jan 5, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Fungus 'rewires' maize plants, causing tumor-like growths by hijacking root formation process

When a maize plant is attacked by the fungus Ustilago maydis, tumor-like tissue growths occur at the site of infection. How the pathogen causes this response in its host has long been unknown. But a University of Bonn study ...

Jan 5, 2026 in Biology
Medical Xpress / Weaker body clocks linked to higher dementia risk in older adults

Circadian rhythms that are weaker and more fragmented are linked to an increased risk of dementia, according to a new study published in Neurology. The study also found that circadian rhythm levels that peaked later in the ...

Medical Xpress / Enzyme replacement therapy offers hope for ultra-rare Hunter syndrome

Ongoing clinical research at UNC could lead to a first-of-its-kind enzyme replacement therapy for Hunter syndrome, an ultra-rare disorder that causes progressive multisystem disease and neurologic decline.

Jan 5, 2026 in Genetics
Phys.org / Geometry shapes life: Embryo curvature acts as instruction manual for coordinated cell division

Life begins with a single fertilized cell that gradually transforms into a multicellular organism. This process requires precise coordination; otherwise, the embryo could develop serious complications. Scientists at ISTA ...

Jan 5, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Finding runaway stars to help map dark matter in the Milky Way

Hypervelocity stars have, since the 1920s, been an important tool that allows astronomers to study the properties of the Milky Way galaxy, such as its gravitational potential and the distribution of matter. Now astronomers ...

Jan 1, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Medical Xpress / Targeting aberrant learning may improve Parkinson's treatment

Northwestern Medicine scientists have discovered that targeting neuronal signaling controlling aberrant learning in the striatum may improve the efficacy of a first-line therapy for Parkinson's disease and has the potential ...

Jan 5, 2026 in Neuroscience
Phys.org / Inhalable nanotherapy against advanced melanoma aims for one-two punch

Immune checkpoint molecules play a crucial role in keeping the immune system in balance and preventing an attack on the body's own cells. Cancer cells can use these checkpoints to hide from the immune system, making them ...

Jan 5, 2026 in Nanotechnology