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Phys.org / Sustainable polyurethane production without toxic isocyanate

Chemical compounds like isocyanate are toxic and trigger allergies or asthma. However, they remain indispensable for the chemical industry. They are needed especially in the production of PUR. These plastics are highly versatile ...

Feb 2, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Researchers identify key gene for enhancing oil yield and quality in Jatropha

Jatropha curcas is a perennial woody plant species of the Euphorbiaceae family. This drought-resistant shrub is widely recognized for its potential to produce biodiesel and bio-jet fuel on marginal lands, avoiding competition ...

Feb 2, 2026 in Biology
Medical Xpress / Eye drops may affect liver cells

A chemical used in some over-the-counter eye drops may affect liver cells and be transformed to a PFAS-like substance. This is according to a new study from Örebro University published in Environment International. "We initiated ...

Feb 2, 2026 in Ophthalmology
Phys.org / NASA begins a practice countdown for its first moonshot with astronauts in more than 50 years

NASA began a two-day practice countdown Saturday leading up to the fueling of its new moon rocket, a crucial test that will determine when four astronauts blast off on a lunar flyby.

Feb 1, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / How AI and new sensing tools are reshaping collective animal behavior research

A perspective in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface argues that advances in AI, sensing technologies and modeling are transforming the study of collective animal behavior, with implications reaching far beyond biology, ...

Feb 1, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Scientists uncover dual role of sulfate-reducing bacteria in pipeline steel corrosion

A collaborative research team from the Institute of Metal Research (IMR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore has revealed the dual and dynamic role that sulfate-reducing bacteria ...

Feb 2, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Web-based tool visualizes catalyst 'gene' profiles to speed materials design

Modern industry relies heavily on catalysts, which are substances that speed up chemical reactions. They're vital in everything from manufacturing household chemicals to generating clean energy or recycling waste. However, ...

Feb 2, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / How topological surfaces boost clean energy catalysts

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a key process in fuel cells and metal-air batteries, technologies expected to play a central role in a low-carbon energy future. However, ORR proceeds slowly on most materials, limiting ...

Feb 1, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Poverty intervention program in Bangladesh may reinforce gender gaps, study shows

In Bangladesh, programs targeting ultra-poor, rural households can help families escape extreme poverty. However, the programs may have the unintended consequence of reinforcing gender gaps, a new study from the University ...

Feb 2, 2026 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Intercity quantum sensor network tightens axion dark matter constraints

Recently, scientists from institutions including the University of Science and Technology of China made a fundamental breakthrough in nuclear-spin quantum precision measurement. They developed the first intercity nuclear-spin-based ...

Feb 2, 2026 in Physics
Phys.org / Mapping cell development with mathematics-informed machine learning

The development of humans and other animals unfolds gradually over time, with cells taking on specific roles and functions via a process called cell fate determination. The fate of individual cells, or in other words, what ...

Jan 26, 2026 in Biology
Tech Xplore / Transparent windows can shield buildings from powerful electromagnetic pulses

Electromagnetic pulses (EMPs)—high-energy-density and ultra-wideband beams of electromagnetic radiation—are generated from sources such as nuclear explosions, high-power electromagnetic pulse devices, and intentional ...

Feb 2, 2026 in Engineering