Phys.org news

Phys.org / Amazon rainforest flipped to carbon source during 2023 extreme drought, study shows

The Amazon rainforest is of crucial importance to the Earth's ecosystem, given its capacity to store substantial amounts of carbon in its vegetation. In 2023, the region experienced unusually high temperatures, reaching 1.5°C ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / If alien signals have already reached Earth, why haven't we seen them?

For decades, scientists have searched the skies for signs of extraterrestrial technology. A study from EPFL asks a sharp question: if alien signals have already reached Earth without us noticing, what should we realistically ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Laser-made surface repels nearly any liquid, even after fivefold stretching

Researchers from North Carolina State University have used laser ablation to create ultra-stretchable, superomniphobic materials without the use of harsh chemical solvents. The materials—which are useful in applications ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Molecular 'knitting machine' for bacterial capsules mapped in 3D

Most bacteria, including many bacterial pathogens, are surrounded by an outer protective layer of sugar molecules, known as a capsule. This primarily protects the bacteria from environmental influences, but also serves as ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Q&A: Algorithm achieves near end-to-end genome assembly without ultra-long DNA sequencing

Haoyu Cheng, Ph.D., assistant professor of biomedical informatics and data science at Yale School of Medicine, has developed a new algorithm capable of building complete human genomes using standard laboratory technology. ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / New nanohole-based microscopy monitors electrochemical reactions millisecond by millisecond

Many technological applications, such as sensors and batteries, greatly rely on electrochemical reactions. Improving these technologies depends on understanding how electrochemical reactions work. However, most current methods ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / New tool could reduce collision risk for Earth-observation satellites

Researchers at The University of Manchester have developed a new way to design Earth-observation satellite missions that could help protect the space environment while continuing to deliver vital data for tackling global ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Optical switch protocol verifies entangled quantum states in real time without destroying them

The fragility and laws of quantum physics generally make the characterization of quantum systems time‑consuming. Furthermore, when a quantum system is measured, it is destroyed in the process. A breakthrough by researchers ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Physics
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 / Researchers uncover MraZ 'donut' deformation that triggers bacterial cell division

A research team led by UAB researcher David Reverter has discovered the molecular mechanism that describes in detail the process regulating cell division in bacteria, based on the binding of the MraZ protein to the dcw gene ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Deer inhibit trees but raise plant diversity, 18-year study reveals

At high densities, white-tailed deer inhibit growth of trees but increase the overall diversity of smaller plant and weed species, according to a long-term study published recently. The work is published in the journal PLOS ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / What cold-water geysers on Earth reveal about the habitability of ocean worlds

In the eastern Utah desert, carbon-dioxide-saturated water bubbles, sprays and foams from the ground. These cold-water geysers, sometimes called soda pop geysers, are a new and reliable Earth-based analog for scientists studying ...

Feb 16, 2026 in Astronomy & Space