Phys.org news
Phys.org / Analysis of more than 10,000 cities reveals hidden details governments can use to better support their people
The world's urban population increased by 785 million people between 2000 and 2020, but that tells only part of the story. Now, a research team including an expert from the University of Michigan has dug into the demographics ...
Phys.org / Are the chemicals around you safe? Researchers are using AI to find out
People are exposed to thousands of chemicals every day—through the products they use, the food they eat and the environments they live in—but only a fraction of those chemicals have been fully tested for safety.
Phys.org / An invisible battle between bacteria determines the flavor and safety of salami
Fermentation is one of the oldest methods of preserving food. Long before refrigerators existed, people relied on microorganisms to keep food—including meat—safe to eat. Ph.D. research by VUB researcher Ana Sosa Fajardo (VUB ...
Phys.org / How developing immune cells fine-tune their signals
Researchers at VIB, Ghent University, and VUB have uncovered how two proteins essential for immune cell development work together at the molecular level. The findings provide important insights into a critical mechanism that ...
Phys.org / New biosynthesis platform could enable bioactive compounds to be labeled, targeted and released on demand
Many medically important drugs originate from natural sources. Microorganisms produce these compounds using highly sophisticated and remarkably precise enzymatic assembly lines. Many natural microbial products belong to a ...
Phys.org / Revised mushroom toxin pathway could improve poisoning detection
The St. George's mushroom (Calocybe gambosa) is a popular edible mushroom, usually picked in May. Unfortunately, however, it also carries a risk as it can easily be confused with the young deadly fiber cap, which can potentially ...
Phys.org / Researchers link specific microbiomes to archaeological bone degradation
Well-preserved archaeological bone samples have different microbial communities than heavily degraded bone samples, providing a new understanding of how microbes contribute to bone degradation, according to a study published ...
Phys.org / Fire salamanders reveal hidden turquoise glow when exposed to UV radiation
An international research team has discovered that the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) is biofluorescent. A study published in the journal Royal Society Open Science shows that the salamander reflects turquoise light ...
Phys.org / Fish have no necks, yet this ancient balancing trick keeps their heads startlingly steady in motion
Postural control is a fundamental behavior for most animals, and head stability in particular plays a crucial role in achieving stable sensory input, accurate spatial perception, and efficient motor output. Tetrapods, including ...
Phys.org / Scientists reveal how dividing cells precisely trigger spindle formation
During animal cell division, a highly synchronized and tightly regulated dance of chromosomes takes place, ensuring the chromosomes split correctly into the two cells. Spindle fibers—complex machinery responsible for choreographing ...
Phys.org / Dying cells don't all release key inflammatory cytokine in the same way, research reveals
Researchers at Toho University have uncovered a previously unrecognized mechanism controlling how dying cells release the inflammatory cytokine IL-33, a key driver of allergy, asthma, tissue inflammation, and cancer progression. ...
Phys.org / Your own personal Farmville: This VR greenhouse lets users monitor crops remotely
You've probably heard of Stardew Valley or Farmville, video games where you manage a virtual farm. Now, what if you could monitor real plants from the comfort of your home? Thanks to new research at Binghamton University, ...
