Phys.org news

Phys.org / Mysterious iron 'bar' discovered in famous nebula

A mysterious bar-shaped cloud of iron has been discovered inside the iconic Ring Nebula by a European team led by astronomers at University College London (UCL) and Cardiff University.

15 hours ago in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Living together with differences: Mathematical model shows how to reduce social friction without forcing consensus

Opinion polarization is often considered as the primary driver of social friction, leading to exhaustive efforts to force a consensus. However, new research suggests a more pragmatic goal: reducing the friction of disagreement ...

15 hours ago in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Study finds albumin, the most abundant blood protein, acts as a shield against deadly fungal infections

Scientists at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB-FORTH) and the University of Crete, together with collaborators from Greece, Europe, the U.S., and India, have discovered a novel role of albumin, the ...

20 hours ago in Biology
Phys.org / Tightening the focus of subcellular snapshots: Combined approach yields better cell slices for cryoET imaging

Taking images of tiny structures within cells is tricky business. One technique, cryogenic electron tomography (cryoET), shoots electrons through a frozen sample. The images formed by the electrons that emerge allow researchers ...

18 hours ago in Biology
Phys.org / Two-step genome editing enables creation of full-length humanized mouse models

Understanding human gene function in living organisms has long been hampered by fundamental differences between species. Although mice share most protein-coding genes with humans, their regulatory landscapes often diverge, ...

21 hours ago in Biology
Phys.org / AI tools speed development of antibody probes to see activity inside living cells

Researchers at Colorado State University have determined how to use artificial intelligence to modify antibodies so they act as lightbulbs, enabling scientists to better see inside living cells to track errors in gene expression ...

20 hours ago in Biology
Phys.org / Detecting single-electron qubits: Microwaves could probe quantum states above liquid helium

One intriguing method that could be used to form the qubits needed for quantum computers involves electrons hovering above liquid helium. But it wasn't clear how data in this form could be read easily.

23 hours ago in Physics
Phys.org / A new 'crystalline sponge' for drug discovery: APF-80 illuminates materials design

Many natural compounds that act on the human body provide active ingredients for medicines or clues for developing them, and they play a crucial role in pharmaceutical research.

22 hours ago in Chemistry
Phys.org / Health care electronics are booming—here's how to make them more sustainable

Wearable health care devices—such as glucose monitors, ultrasound patches and blood-pressure monitors—can be invaluable for keeping patients safe.

22 hours ago in Earth
Phys.org / Decoded rules of microRNA strand selection reveal conserved, programmable features

MicroRNAs, whose discovery was recognized with the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, are central regulators of gene expression, yet a fundamental question has remained unanswered: how cells choose between the two ...

22 hours ago in Biology
Phys.org / Elastic strain engineering boosts green hydrogen production with affordable catalysts

Researchers from IMDEA Materials Institute have demonstrated improved and more affordable catalytic materials used to produce green hydrogen.

23 hours ago in Chemistry
Phys.org / Horses can smell human fear when we sweat

Horses can smell your fear. If you are experiencing this emotion while standing near a horse, they will be able to detect it through your scent alone, which changes their behavior and physiology. That's the conclusion of ...

Jan 17, 2026 in Biology