Phys.org news

Phys.org / Zapping stem cells could boost growth of new tissues and organs

Scientists in Melbourne have discovered how tiny electrical pulses can steer stem cells as they grow, opening the door to new improved ways of creating new tissues, organs, nerves and bones.

Dec 2, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Smart hydrogels act as 'micromachines' to squeeze and study living cells

Within tissues, cells are embedded in complex, three-dimensional structures known as the extracellular matrix. Their biomechanical interactions play a crucial role in numerous biological processes. Scientists at the Max Planck ...

Dec 2, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Flood risks in delta cities are increasing, Shanghai study finds

New research shows how the combination of extreme climate events, sea-level rise and land subsidence could create larger and deeper floods in coastal cities in future.

Dec 2, 2025 in Earth
Phys.org / Southern Annular Mode in most positive state in 1,000 years, review finds

A new review has revealed that the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), the Southern Hemisphere's most influential climate driver, is now in its most positive state in more than 1,000 years. If greenhouse gas emissions continue to ...

Dec 2, 2025 in Earth
Phys.org / Urban sprawl could deny 220 million people access to clean water by 2050

A new study analyzing more than 100 cities across Asia, Africa, and Latin America has quantified the stark consequences of urban sprawl on water and sanitation access, finding that how cities grow might determine whether ...

Dec 2, 2025 in Earth
Phys.org / First fertilizer: A chemical process that may have sparked life on Earth

University of Alberta geochemists have discovered a missing piece to one of the great mysteries of science—the origin of life on Earth.

Dec 2, 2025 in Earth
Phys.org / Light-triggered nanoscale heating can control communication between nerve cells

Researchers at the Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, report the successful creation of artificial synaptic vesicles that can be remotely controlled by near-infrared (NIR) light. By embedding ...

Dec 2, 2025 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Tracking forever chemicals across food web shows not all isomers are distributed equally

When University at Buffalo chemists analyzed samples of water, fish, and bird eggs, they weren't surprised to find plenty of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). After all, these "forever chemicals" turn up nearly ...

Dec 2, 2025 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Emissions from global wildfires far higher than previously thought

The total emissions of greenhouse gases and airborne particles caused by wildfires are almost 70% higher than previously assumed. Researchers at Wageningen University & Research discovered this in a long-term study conducted ...

Dec 2, 2025 in Earth
Phys.org / Ocean microplastics can drift for years or sink rapidly: Analysis reveals two distinct pathways

Publishing in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, researchers at Kyushu University report that they have developed a new method to more accurately analyze the distribution of small microplastics in the ocean at ...

Dec 2, 2025 in Earth
Phys.org / Seeing physics as a mountain landscape for classification of nonlinear systems

Imagine standing on top of a mountain. From this vantage point, we can see picturesque valleys and majestic ridges below, and streams wind their way downhill. If a drop of rain falls somewhere on this terrain, gravity guides ...

Dec 2, 2025 in Physics
Phys.org / Crickets munch on microplastics—especially if they have a big mouth

To a human, microplastics are very small at less than 5 millimeters (mm) wide. But to an insect, microplastics might be the same size as the food they usually eat. Researchers reporting in the journal Environmental Science ...

Dec 2, 2025 in Earth