Phys.org news

Phys.org / Do-it-yourself ammonia production: Renewable-powered system uses calcium to reduce emissions and scale for farmers

The last time you scrubbed a streaky window or polished a porcelain appliance, you probably used a chemical called ammonia.

Jan 15, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Tiny earthquakes reveal hidden faults under Northern California

By tracking swarms of very small earthquakes, seismologists are getting a new picture of the complex region where the San Andreas fault meets the Cascadia subduction zone, an area that could give rise to devastating major ...

Jan 15, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / How cells stay healthy: New insights into a selective protein cleanup system

To stay healthy, our cells rely on a self-cleaning mechanism that removes defective or unnecessary components. This process, known as autophagy, has been linked not only to cellular maintenance but also to various diseases ...

Jan 15, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Hidden magma oceans could shield rocky exoplanets from harmful radiation

Deep beneath the surface of distant exoplanets known as super-Earths, oceans of molten rock may be doing something extraordinary: powering magnetic fields strong enough to shield entire planets from dangerous cosmic radiation ...

Jan 15, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / How gender bias influences math education

Young children are more inclined to believe incorrect math information from men than accurate information from women, according to a Rutgers University–New Brunswick study published in the journal Developmental Science.

Jan 15, 2026 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / New spectroscopic method reveals ion's complex nuclear structure

Different atoms and ions possess characteristic energy levels. Like a fingerprint, they are unique for each species. Among them, the atomic ion 173Yb+ has attracted growing interest because of its particularly rich energy ...

Jan 15, 2026 in Physics
Phys.org / New technology converts naturally derived monomers into degradable polymer capsules

Polymer capsules can store functional substances such as drugs and fragrances, making them widely used in functional cosmetics and daily necessities. However, conventional capsules use non-degradable polymers and are difficult ...

Jan 15, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Charging gold nanorods with light energy

Gold nanorods are promising photocatalysts that can use light energy to drive chemical reactions—such as converting CO₂ into usable fuels or producing hydrogen from water. In this process, the nanorods act like tiny antennas ...

Jan 15, 2026 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Chemist proposes shared 'model proteins' to improve reproducibility in protein science

Protein scientists could improve reproducibility and coordination across the field by rallying around a small, shared set of "model proteins," according to a new Perspective by Connecticut College chemist Marc Zimmer.

Jan 15, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Comprehensive map reveals how E3 ligases organize protein cleanup in human cells

Maintaining cellular order is a major logistical challenge: Individual mammalian cells contain billions of protein molecules, which must be synthesized, deployed, and removed with precision. In the ubiquitin-proteasome system ...

Jan 15, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Disinfecting drinking water produces potentially toxic byproducts—new AI model is helping to identify them

Disinfecting drinking water prevents the spread of deadly waterborne diseases by killing infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. Without disinfection, even clear-looking water can carry pathogens that can ...

Jan 15, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / The hidden risk of combined stressors for soils

Global change—a term that encompasses climate change and phenomena such as changes in land use or environmental pollution—is increasingly putting ecosystems around the world under pressure. Urban soils in particular are ...

Jan 15, 2026 in Earth