Phys.org news

Phys.org / The power of twins: Decoding the unseen biological information flow

The natural world is a rich source of inspiration for developing sophisticated computational systems, and the opposite is also true, with bioinformatics approaches providing keen insight into biological processes. However, ...

Mar 12, 2026
Phys.org / Diatom-based microrobots show promise for targeted photodynamic therapy of glioblastoma

Researchers in China have developed magnetically controlled microrobots made from diatoms for the treatment of glioblastoma using photodynamic therapy. These microrobots exhibit excellent magnetic responsiveness and programmable ...

Mar 12, 2026
Phys.org / Embryogenesis in 4D: A developmental atlas for genes and cells

How does a tiny cluster of cells become an embryo with a head, trunk, and tail? And how do thousands of genes coordinate this development? A new imaging method makes it possible to visualize the activity of thousands of genes ...

Mar 12, 2026
Phys.org / Gut microbes: The secret to squirrel hibernation

When winter sets in and food becomes scarce, some mammals hibernate, entering a state of deep rest that slashes their energy needs and allows them to fast for months. However, fasting deprives them of essential nutrients, ...

Mar 12, 2026
Phys.org / Global sorghum 'pangenome' accelerates discovery of resilient crop traits

A team of international scientists, including researchers at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, reports a major advance in sorghum genomics: a powerful new resource designed to speed discovery of traits that help crops ...

Mar 12, 2026
Phys.org / Caught but not eaten: Smaller insects more likely to escape catfish mouths

A Kobe University study shows that small aquatic beetles survive catfish attacks by resisting ingestion inside the catfish's mouth and being spat out alive. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of size-dependent ...

Mar 12, 2026
Phys.org / Wetlands in Brazil's Cerrado are carbon-storage powerhouses

The Amazon rainforest is famous for storing massive amounts of carbon in its trees and soils, helping regulate the global climate. Yet a paper published in New Phytologist shows that one of South America's largest carbon-storing ...

Mar 12, 2026
Phys.org / Galaxy-group motion suggests slower expansion in our cosmic neighborhood

Two new studies have measured the expansion of the universe in our immediate cosmic neighborhood using a novel method that analyzes the motion of two nearby galaxy groups within their surrounding cosmic flow. The results ...

Mar 11, 2026
Phys.org / Despite their contrasting reputations, bonobos and chimpanzees show similar levels of aggression in zoos

Chimpanzees have a reputation for being aggressive, while bonobos are often seen as their peaceful counterparts. This contrast has frequently been used to explain different sides of human nature. However, a new study by Utrecht ...

Mar 11, 2026
Phys.org / Ancient Filipino skeleton reveals a rare hip condition further complicated by scurvy

The growing paleopathological literature shows that scurvy was not a rare problem among people living in the ancient Asia-Pacific tropics. Scurvy is increasingly identified throughout the region, primarily in children but ...

Mar 11, 2026
Phys.org / Nocturnal ants use lunar compass and sophisticated calculations to travel at night

It's well known that many animals, including migratory birds, butterflies, and even fish, use the sun for navigational purposes. Nocturnal animals are dealt a more difficult hand, however, as the moon's path is far more variable. ...

Mar 11, 2026
Phys.org / Hydrogen atmosphere could keep exomoons habitable for billions of years

Liquid water is considered essential for life. Surprisingly, however, stable conditions that are conducive to life could exist far from any sun. A research team from the Excellence Cluster ORIGINS at LMU and the Max Planck ...

Mar 11, 2026