Phys.org news
Phys.org / Small reductions to meat production in wealthier countries may help fight climate change
Scientists and environmental activists have consistently called for drastic reductions in meat production as a way to reduce emissions and, in doing so, combat climate change. However, a new analysis concludes that a smaller ...
Phys.org / Ancient climate reconstruction challenges timing of Andes mountains uplift
As the Earth faces unprecedented climate change, a look into the planet's deep past may provide vital insights into what may lie ahead. Knowledge of the natural world millions of years ago is fragmented, but a 15-year study ...
Phys.org / AlphaFold research integrates experimental data to predict very large proteins
The AI tool AlphaFold has been improved so that it can now predict the shape of very large and complex protein structures. Linköping University researchers have also succeeded in integrating experimental data into the tool. ...
Phys.org / Study examines effects of Atlantic circulation on the Amazon rainforest
The Amazon region is a global hotspot of biodiversity and plays a key role in the climate system because of its ability to store large amounts of carbon and its influence on the global water cycle. The rain forest is threatened, ...
Phys.org / Student builds chemical purity tester using LEGO bricks
Using simple circuitry, polarizing film, and LEGO toy bricks, an undergraduate physics student from the Ateneo de Manila University built an improvised polarimeter that can optically assess the purity of Vitamin C (ascorbic ...
Phys.org / Newly described anti-viral defense system in bacteria aborts infection by chemically altering mRNA
Like humans and other complex multicellular organisms, single-celled bacteria can fall ill and fight off viral infections. A bacterial virus is caused by a bacteriophage, or, more simply, phage, which is one of the most ubiquitous ...
Phys.org / Synthetic genes can build intracellular structures in a modular, IKEA-like fashion
Researchers from the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering and the University of Rome Tor Vergata in Italy have developed synthetic genes that function like the genes in living cells.
Phys.org / Novel catalyst can suppress charge recombination in photocatalytic water splitting
A team of researchers have discovered a metal-organic framework (MOF) that suppresses charge recombination, which is a major challenge in photocatalytic overall water splitting. Their study was published in Nature Chemistry.
Phys.org / Experiments find coral reefs can survive some climate change—with help
If carbon emissions are curbed and local stressors are addressed, coral reefs have the potential to persist and adapt over time. That's according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ...
Phys.org / Collapse of Ming Dynasty actually began with Wanli megadrought, tree-ring research shows
Climate change has a profound impact on historical societal transformations. A recent study by Chinese researchers has found that the collapse of the Ming Dynasty, one of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, may ...
Phys.org / New process enhances thermoplastic blends with polylactic acid
Bio-based thermoplastics are produced from renewable organic materials and can be recycled after use. Their resilience can be improved by blending bio-based thermoplastics with other thermoplastics. However, the interface ...
Phys.org / Scientist develops new equation to better predict behavior of atmospheric rivers
When torrential rains and powerful winds hit densely populated coastal regions, whole cities can be destroyed—but governments and residents can take precautions with sufficient warning.