Phys.org news

Phys.org / New tool narrows the search for ideal metal organic frameworks

Princeton researchers have developed a new tool to speed the discovery of advanced materials known as metal organic frameworks (MOFs).

Jan 7, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Earth's early sponges were soft: Scientists close fossil record gap

Sponges are among Earth's most ancient animals, but exactly when they evolved has long puzzled scientists. Genetic information from living sponges, as well as chemical signals from ancient rocks, suggest that sponges evolved ...

Jan 7, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Ushikuvirus: Newly discovered giant virus may offer clues to the origin of life

The origin of life on Earth becomes even more fascinating and complex as we peer into the mysterious world of viruses. Said to have existed since living cells first appeared, these microscopic entities differ greatly from ...

Jan 7, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Marine geoscientists link warming with ancient ocean 'salty blob'

Climate change has many culprits, from agriculture to transportation to energy production. Now, add another: the deep ocean salty blob.

Jan 7, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / A Namib desert beetle runs to stay cool: How scientists solved the puzzle of this unique and speedy species

The Namib desert of south-western Africa can be extremely hot—the surface temperature can be over 50°C. But a surprising number of around 200 beetle species live on its bare, inhospitable-looking sand dunes.

Jan 7, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Small-scale rainforest clearing drives majority of carbon loss, study finds

Think of the destruction of Earth's rainforests and a familiar image may come to mind: fires or chainsaws tearing through enormous swaths of the Amazon, releasing masses of planet-warming carbon dioxide.

Jan 7, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / Overlooked molecule points to new treatments for drug-resistant fungal infections

Fungal infections kill millions of people each year, and modern medicine is struggling to keep up. But researchers at McMaster University have identified a molecule that may help turn the tide—butyrolactol A, a chemical ...

Jan 7, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / CRISPR discovery could lead to single diagnostic test for COVID, flu, RSV

Across all domains of life, immune defenses foil invading viruses by making it impossible for the viruses to replicate. Most known CRISPR systems target invading pathogens' DNA and chop it up to disable and modify genes, ...

Jan 7, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Inflatable fabric robotic arm picks apples

A low-cost, simple robotic apple picker arm developed by Washington State University researchers may someday help with fruit picking and other farm chores.

Jan 7, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Long day at work? Go ahead and watch some TV, research suggests

Brain dead after a hard day of work? It turns out it's totally fine to park yourself in front of the TV. It might even make recovery—an essential part of burnout prevention—easier.

Jan 7, 2026 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / How a parasite 'gave up sex' to find more hosts—and why its victory won't last

Australian researchers have uncovered how a particular strain of a diarrhea-causing parasite managed to infect more animal species, offering new insights into how parasitic infections emerge and spread to people.

Jan 7, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Sandblasting on Mars: Camera reveals how prevailing winds shape elongated landforms in volcanic zone

Martian winds can have quite an impact. ESA's Mars Express has spotted them whipping up sand grains and acting as a cosmic sandblaster, carving out intriguing grooves near Mars's equator.

Jan 7, 2026 in Astronomy & Space