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Phys.org / Earth's microbes may hide a near-universal plastic-eating arsenal, with 600,000 proteins poised to attack waste

Researchers have identified more than 600,000 microbial proteins capable of breaking down natural and synthetic plastics, revealing a far broader biodegradation potential across microbes than previously known.

Apr 15, 2026
Medical Xpress / Chronic pain tied to almost twice the odds of smoking and vaping, survey shows

New research from the University of Kansas shows people who experience chronic pain tend to consume cigarettes and e-cigarettes at higher rates than others. The findings, based on analysis of the National Health Interview ...

Apr 18, 2026
Phys.org / Bottled lightning makes a cleaner fuel

Northwestern University chemists have discovered a new way to turn natural gas into liquid fuel—and it's lightning in a bottle. By harnessing tiny bursts of plasma—or mini "lightning bolts"—in glass tubes submerged in water, ...

Apr 15, 2026
Medical Xpress / A black licorice compound slashes gut inflammation and cell death in IBD models and animals

A new study published in Stem Cell Reports demonstrates how a human stem cell-derived model of the intestine can be used to identify potential therapies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), highlighting glycyrrhizin as a ...

Apr 16, 2026
Phys.org / Ancient graves and DNA uncover family bonds that went beyond genetics

You probably have a member of your family that you're not related to by blood—a step-parent, an adopted cousin, your mom's best friend who you grew up calling your aunt. They're indisputably part of your family, but a DNA ...

Apr 14, 2026
Phys.org / Scientists develop 'light switch' for the love hormone

Researchers have developed a molecular "light switch" for the so-called love hormone oxytocin, offering new insights into how social behavior, partnership bonding, emotions, and mental health are wired in the brain. Professor ...

Apr 15, 2026
Phys.org / Andean volcanic eruptions during the Late Miocene likely drove global cooling

Mark Clementz, a professor in the University of Wyoming Department of Geology and Geophysics, and colleagues have produced a compelling study that shows that an increase in volcanic activity in the Andes in the Late Miocene ...

Apr 14, 2026
Medical Xpress / People who consume ultra-processed foods have worse muscle health, study suggests

Researchers found that a diet high in ultra-processed foods is associated with higher amounts of fat stored inside thigh muscles, regardless of calorie or fat intake, physical activity or sociodemographic factors in a population ...

Apr 14, 2026
Phys.org / Ph.D. student solves persistent problem in high-entropy alloys

The University of Wyoming's Lauren Kim has solved a persistent problem in the cutting-edge field of high-entropy alloys, a class of materials with great potential in modern engineering, electronics and energy applications—such ...

Apr 14, 2026
Phys.org / Lost seal of Edward the Confessor resurfaces after going missing for 40 years

An 11th-century Anglo-Saxon seal belonging to Edward the Confessor has been rediscovered more than 40 years after being declared lost. The wax impression of the "Saint-Denis seal" disappeared without official explanation ...

Apr 13, 2026
Phys.org / 'Dancing jets' from black hole reveal an immense power equivalent to 10,000 suns

New Curtin University-led research has used a radio telescope that spans Earth to snap images that measure the immense power of jets from black holes, confirming scientists' theories of how black holes help shape the structure ...

Apr 16, 2026
Phys.org / For regrowing human limbs, this salamander gene could hold the key

Investigating a common gene in three very different species—salamanders, mice and zebrafish—scientists have discovered the potential for a novel gene therapy aimed at eventually regrowing limbs in humans, according to new ...

Apr 16, 2026