Phys.org news

Phys.org / Finding order in the inner chaos of our cells: Shape-shifting proteins get a design tool

The vast majority of proteins in our bodies contain regions that are in a constant state of wiggling, shape-shifting every few nanoseconds to completely change how they look. Information on how these shape-shifting proteins ...

Jul 29, 2026
Phys.org / Like a molecular shrink ray, AI tool redesigns proteins without sacrificing function

Researchers at Duke University School of Medicine have developed an artificial intelligence framework that can redesign proteins on a scale previously seen only in natural evolution. The tool can create shorter, longer and ...

Jul 29, 2026
Phys.org / A mechanically tunable molecular switch for circularly polarized light emission

Over the past few decades, scientists have become increasingly interested in developing materials that do not simply withstand mechanical forces but instead respond to them in useful, detectable ways. For example, it is now ...

Jul 29, 2026
Phys.org / Global warming threatens rice harvests more than crop models predict, study warns

A new study on how rising temperatures will affect rice production in Science Advances compares 214 observations from field-warming experiments with seven crop models, revealing modeled estimates for yield reductions from ...

Jul 29, 2026
Phys.org / Two antibody gene systems may help explain vesper bats' unusual viral tolerance

It is a mystery that has puzzled scientists for years. How can the world's only winged mammals carry viruses that cause severe disease while rarely becoming seriously ill themselves?

Jul 29, 2026
Phys.org / Why the hepatitis E virus cannot infect mice

Many viruses can infect both humans and animals, including hepatitis E virus. This virus is often transmitted to humans via contaminated meat products, such as by ingesting raw or undercooked pork or wild game. However, mouse ...

Jul 29, 2026
Phys.org / Understanding eras: Predicting audience preferences with new perspective on nostalgia

When brands spend millions every year to transport Super Bowl audiences back in time during commercials, what happens if they choose the wrong era? Knowing who prefers which part of history is valuable marketing knowledge, ...

Jul 29, 2026
Phys.org / Captured carbon dioxide could yield strong, flexible plastics designed for recycling

Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a process to transform naturally occurring, highly stable carbon dioxide into recyclable, high-performance materials that could replace today's plastics in many situations. ...

Jul 29, 2026
Phys.org / Gold-MXene catalyst converts nitrate to ammonia using sunlight and 1.5 volts

Plants need nitrogen fertilizers, which are usually ammonia-based. Ammonia is therefore one of the most important chemical products. However, its production is currently extremely energy-intensive. An international team from ...

Jul 29, 2026
Phys.org / Stable DNA building blocks enable faster oligonucleotide synthesis without oxidation

The chemical synthesis of oligonucleotides (ONs) is central to modern molecular biology, diagnostics and nucleic acid therapeutics. While demand for high-quality ONs is increasing, the conventional synthetic method has long-standing ...

Jul 29, 2026
Phys.org / Problematic internet users are crabbier, more stressed and more tempted than the rest of us

People described as "problematic" internet users report higher stress, worse mood and greater neglect of other activities than those who surf the web sparingly, according to a study published in PLOS One by Silke M. Müller ...

Jul 29, 2026
Phys.org / New antimicrobials could help tackle deadly drug-resistant infections

Scientists at Imperial College London and the University of Manchester have developed a promising new way to create safer and more effective treatments for life-threatening fungal infections. The research, published today ...

Jul 29, 2026