Phys.org news

Phys.org / Decoding the DNA switches behind gene regulation

Understanding gene regulation may be key to interpreting human disease genetics. Genes are regulated in part by stretches of DNA called enhancers, which define when, where and how strongly each gene is turned on. Mapping ...

Sep 17, 2026
Phys.org / Moles' wide-armed posture reshapes how their shoulder bones carry loads

While the scapula is the primary bone supporting the body in terrestrial quadrupedal mammals, an analysis of internal bone structure in underground moles (family Talpidae) showed a more important role for the clavicle.

Sep 17, 2026
Phys.org / Microfluidic device simulates human tissue and offers an alternative to animal testing

Researchers at the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) have developed microfluidic technology that can grow cells in three dimensions (3D). The goal is to conduct toxicity tests on new products by ...

Sep 17, 2026
Phys.org / Robotic lab sets up and runs optics experiments on demand

Every new generation of phone display, television screen and solar panel is the result of precision optics experiments, which use lasers and other light sources to measure the optical properties of candidate materials. These ...

Sep 17, 2026
Phys.org / Why global wind energy may stay steady even as storm tracks shift poleward

Understanding how wind changes in response to global warming is necessary for accurately modeling climate and weather, identifying risks to infrastructure, and assessing global wind power capacity.

Sep 17, 2026
Phys.org / Two spike 'keys' work together to let SARS-CoV-2 enter cells, study reveals

To enter cells, the COVID-19 virus fuses its surrounding membrane with the membrane of the target cell. This is where the fusion peptides of the spike protein come into play. These regions function as molecular keys that ...

Sep 17, 2026
Phys.org / Threatened bumblebee populations in England and Wales face severe genetic declines

A new study reveals that an important pollinator is rapidly losing genetic diversity in Britain. Moss carder bumblebees were once widespread across the UK, living in flower-rich meadows, marshes and heathlands, where they ...

Sep 17, 2026
Phys.org / How a simple game of 20 questions could help make AI fit for the future

Artificial intelligence programs used to classify images could be trained much more cheaply using a surprisingly simple method inspired by the childhood game of 20 Questions, according to new research posted to the arXiv ...

Sep 17, 2026
Phys.org / Genome assembly of rice stink bug offers new data-informed tool in fight against costly pest

Scientists are getting a leg up on the rice stink bug, one of the most significant threats to rice, a staple food for nearly half the world's population and a major crop in Arkansas.

Sep 17, 2026
Phys.org / Sixteen new fungus species found hiding in Thailand's flowers

Researchers have discovered 16 new species of fungus living unnoticed inside garden flowers and wildflowers across northern Thailand, more than quintupling the number of such fungi known to occur in the country. The findings ...

Sep 17, 2026
Phys.org / Urban fire risk rises 30% in higher-income neighborhoods, analysis finds

Frequently located on hillsides and in canyons surrounded by wildlands, wealthy neighborhoods are more likely to catch fire. However, a UC Riverside study shows they are also likely to recover faster than lower-income areas.

Sep 17, 2026
Phys.org / Weeping whales: Stillborn humpback whale grieving documented

Humpback whale mothers may experience grief when their calves die, a rare research observation led by Griffith University and Sea World Foundation has found.

Sep 16, 2026