Phys.org news

Phys.org / Webb uncovers Milky Way's turbulent youth through galactic twins

How galaxies assemble their stars and grow over billions of years remains one of the central questions in astronomy. Recent results from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), including reports of surprisingly massive and ...

Dec 18, 2025 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Mitochondria migrate toward the cell membrane in response to high glucose levels, study shows

Unlike our organs, cell organelles such as mitochondria are not fixed in place, but when, where, how, and why organelles move remain unclear. Research published in the Biophysical Journal shows that when beta cells—the ...

Dec 18, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / 'AI advisor' helps self-driving labs share control in creation of next-generation materials

"Self-driving" or "autonomous" labs are an emerging technology in which artificial intelligence guides the discovery process, helping design experiments or perfecting decision strategies.

Dec 18, 2025 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Identical micro-animals live in two isolated deep-sea environments. How is that possible?

Halalaimus is a microscopic nematode genus commonly found in sediment on the seafloor. It lives 1–5 cm below the sediment surface and grazes on bacteria or organic materials in the sediment.

Dec 18, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Catch the Ursid meteor shower as it peaks just before Christmas

The last major meteor shower of the year, known as the Ursids, peaks soon, bringing glowing streaks to nighttime and early morning skies. Compared to other meteor showers, it's more subdued, but experts say it's still worth ...

Dec 18, 2025 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / A simple spin swap reveals exotic anyons

Researchers from the University of Innsbruck, the Collège de France, and the Université Libre de Bruxelles have developed a simple yet powerful method to reveal anyons—exotic quantum particles that are neither bosons ...

Dec 18, 2025 in Physics
Phys.org / Gaia finds hints of planets in baby star systems

Ever wondered how planetary systems like our own solar system form? Thanks to the European Space Agency's Gaia space telescope, we're getting a unique peek behind the cosmic curtain into these dusty environments.

Dec 18, 2025 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Rare earth elements: Of peptides and the origins of life

The group of rare earth elements (REEs) comprises a total of 17 elements, all of which possess similar chemical properties. In addition to the two lightest elements, scandium and yttrium, the group also includes lanthanum, ...

Dec 18, 2025 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Interpretable neural networks help reveal the nature of dark matter

A research team from the Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory (XAO) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed an interpretable artificial intelligence (AI) framework named Convolutional Kolmogorov–Arnold Network (CKAN), ...

Dec 18, 2025 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / DNA caught on old air filters reveals hidden past of ecosystems

DNA captured on air filters and stored since the 1960s acts as an ecological time capsule, according to a recent publication in Nature Communications. The findings show that tiny fragments of genetic material can paint a ...

Dec 18, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Bacterium hijacks fruit ripening program in citrus plants to steal sugars, research reveals

The bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas citri, which causes canker disease in citrus trees, activates selected parts of the fruit ripening program inside infected leaves. Normally, this program makes citrus fruits soften and sweeten ...

Dec 18, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Improved tracer labeling expands PET imaging possibilities

Imagine being able to watch organs and tissues work in real time. That's the power of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging, a technology that gives physicians and researchers a window into cellular processes.

Dec 18, 2025 in Chemistry