Phys.org news
Phys.org / Temporary carbon removal could help support climate goals, if used correctly
Persistent methane emissions from sectors such as agriculture and growing debates over the credibility of carbon offsets are creating new challenges for governments and companies pursuing net-zero commitments. New research ...
Phys.org / An invisible battle between bacteria determines the flavor and safety of salami
Fermentation is one of the oldest methods of preserving food. Long before refrigerators existed, people relied on microorganisms to keep food—including meat—safe to eat. Ph.D. research by VUB researcher Ana Sosa Fajardo (VUB ...
Phys.org / Trust and patience link to higher happiness across 76 countries
A study covering 76 countries has found that people who are more trusting, patient, altruistic and cooperative tend to report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction, suggesting that well-being depends on more than ...
Phys.org / Corn Belt groundwater and irrigation boost thunderstorm complexes by 24–35%, simulations show
An international team of scientists has demonstrated how powerful thunderstorm complexes over the U.S. Corn Belt are fueled by moisture rising from the region's fertile fields or just beneath them. The findings can lead to ...
Phys.org / Analysis of more than 10,000 cities reveals hidden details governments can use to better support their people
The world's urban population increased by 785 million people between 2000 and 2020, but that tells only part of the story. Now, a research team including an expert from the University of Michigan has dug into the demographics ...
Phys.org / Are the chemicals around you safe? Researchers are using AI to find out
People are exposed to thousands of chemicals every day—through the products they use, the food they eat and the environments they live in—but only a fraction of those chemicals have been fully tested for safety.
Phys.org / How developing immune cells fine-tune their signals
Researchers at VIB, Ghent University, and VUB have uncovered how two proteins essential for immune cell development work together at the molecular level. The findings provide important insights into a critical mechanism that ...
Phys.org / Fire salamanders reveal hidden turquoise glow when exposed to UV radiation
An international research team has discovered that the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) is biofluorescent. A study published in the journal Royal Society Open Science shows that the salamander reflects turquoise light ...
Phys.org / Researchers link specific microbiomes to archaeological bone degradation
Well-preserved archaeological bone samples have different microbial communities than heavily degraded bone samples, providing a new understanding of how microbes contribute to bone degradation, according to a study published ...
Phys.org / New biosynthesis platform could enable bioactive compounds to be labeled, targeted and released on demand
Many medically important drugs originate from natural sources. Microorganisms produce these compounds using highly sophisticated and remarkably precise enzymatic assembly lines. Many natural microbial products belong to a ...
Phys.org / Fish have no necks, yet this ancient balancing trick keeps their heads startlingly steady in motion
Postural control is a fundamental behavior for most animals, and head stability in particular plays a crucial role in achieving stable sensory input, accurate spatial perception, and efficient motor output. Tetrapods, including ...
Phys.org / Revised mushroom toxin pathway could improve poisoning detection
The St. George's mushroom (Calocybe gambosa) is a popular edible mushroom, usually picked in May. Unfortunately, however, it also carries a risk as it can easily be confused with the young deadly fiber cap, which can potentially ...