Phys.org news

Phys.org / Large-scale cell screening uncovers molecular glues that trigger protein degradation

Cells constantly monitor and recycle their proteins through a tightly regulated waste-disposal system. Proteins that are no longer needed are tagged and broken down by specialized cellular machinery. Recent advances in drug ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Amazon deforestation raises surface temperature by 3°C during dry season, satellite data show

Deforestation in the Amazon is causing significant regional changes in climate compared to areas with forest cover above 80%. The loss of vegetation leads to an increase in surface temperature, a decrease in evapotranspiration, ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / Slippery ions create a smoother path to blue energy

Osmotic energy, often called blue energy, is a promising way to generate sustainable electricity from the natural mixing of salt and fresh water. It exploits the voltage that arises when ions from saltwater pass through an ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Does vegan-friendly haircare work? Early tests show shinier, easier-to-comb strands

To find new ways to shield hair from heat, sunlight and air pollution, researchers in Brazil are turning to vegan-friendly ingredients for shampoos and conditioners. Published in ACS Omega, early tests show that a fruit-algae ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Why some extracellular vesicles work better: A safer path for protein and gene delivery

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny membrane-bound particles released by cells to transport proteins and other molecules to neighboring cells. Because of this natural delivery ability, EVs have attracted growing interest ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / How a certain form of dark matter may lead to the generation of cosmological magnetic fields

Tiny highly uniform magnetic fields are known to pervade the universe, influencing various cosmological processes. To date, however, the physical mechanisms underpinning the generation of these fields remain poorly understood. ...

Feb 15, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Strong correlations and superconductivity observed in a supermoiré lattice

Two or more graphene layers that are stacked with a small twist angle in relation to each other form a so-called moiré lattice. This characteristic pattern influences the movement of electrons inside materials, which can ...

Feb 15, 2026 in Physics
Phys.org / Ancient cone-shaped vessels may have served as beeswax lamps during ritual processions, study finds

Chalcolithic cornets are conical ceramic vessels produced exclusively during the Chalcolithic period, recovered in abundance at some archaeological sites but absent at others. Their function has long been debated. However, ...

Feb 15, 2026 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Extreme rainfall is worsening algal blooms along South Korea's coast

Extreme rainfall is reshaping coastal waters along South Korea's shoreline, flushing nutrients from land into the sea and fueling the growth of algal blooms. A new multi-year study, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, ...

Feb 15, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / Microscopic plankton reveal tropicalization of the Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Sea is rapidly changing under ongoing climate change. In the eastern basin, tropicalization is already well documented and driven by a combination of strong warming and the influx of tropical species through ...

Feb 15, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / Field observations and computer modeling help predict the world's deadly scorpion hotspots

An international team of scientists has identified how to pinpoint and predict hotspots for some of the most dangerous species of scorpion in the world. The researchers have established the key environmental conditions that ...

Feb 15, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Would you take the bigger share? Study shows people can learn to say no

A new study co-authored by McGill University researchers suggests people can be taught to reject unfair advantages. "We often benefit personally from an unequal distribution of resources, a phenomenon known as advantageous ...

Feb 15, 2026 in Other Sciences