Phys.org news

Phys.org / Researchers discover spontaneous chirality in conjugated polymers

Chirality, a property where structures have a distinct left- or right-handedness, allows natural semiconductors to move charge and convert energy with high efficiency by controlling electron spin and the angular momentum ...

Oct 16, 2025 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Engineers solve the sticky-cell problem in bioreactors and other industries

To help mitigate climate change, companies are using bioreactors to grow algae and other microorganisms that are hundreds of times more efficient at absorbing CO2 than trees. Meanwhile, in the pharmaceutical industry, cell ...

Oct 16, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Large fluctuations in sea level throughout the last ice age challenge understanding of past climate

Large changes in global sea level, fueled by fluctuations in ice sheet growth and decay, occurred throughout the last ice age, rather than just toward the end of that period, a study published in the journal Science has found.

Oct 16, 2025 in Earth
Phys.org / Mitochondria play an unexpected role in regulating cell death, study reveals

A new study from The University of Texas at Arlington has revealed how cells control their mitochondria—the "energy producers" of cells—during the process of cell death. The discovery sheds light on how the body manages ...

Oct 16, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Overheating bat boxes place bats in mortal danger during heat waves

Staying cool during heat waves is challenging for small creatures, but the problem could be even more extreme for nocturnal creatures that are unable to move to cooler locations while slumbering.

Oct 16, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Learning the language of lasso peptides to improve peptide engineering

In the hunt for new therapeutics for cancer and infectious diseases, lasso peptides prove to be a catch. Their knot-like structures afford these molecules high stability and diverse biological activities, making them a promising ...

Oct 16, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Extinct human relative was capable of making and using tools, study shows

For more than half a century, scientists have debated whether Paranthropus boisei, an extinct human relative known for its extremely powerful jaws and massive teeth, was capable of making and using tools.

Oct 16, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Expanding farming capabilities will not close Africa's 'hidden hunger' gaps, assessment finds

"Hidden hunger" in Africa cannot be addressed by expanding domestic farming alone, according to a new study from Cardiff University.

Oct 16, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / A hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy of space immunology

With the advent of commercial spaceflight, an increasing number of people may be heading into space in the coming years. Some will even get a chance to fly to the moon or live on Mars.

Oct 16, 2025 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Generative AI predicts and assembles cell drug responses like Lego blocks

Controlling the state of a cell in a desired direction is one of the central challenges in life sciences, including drug development, cancer treatment, and regenerative medicine. However, identifying the right drug or genetic ...

Oct 16, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Attaching 'fake targets' to tumor cells enables antigen-independent immunotherapy

A research team has introduced a novel cancer immunotherapy strategy. This approach involves attaching "fake targets" to tumor cells to guide immune cell attacks, overcoming the limitations of conventional antibody-based ...

Oct 16, 2025 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Decoding dangers of Arctic sea ice with radar, seismic methods and fiber-optic sensing

Sea ice coverage in the Arctic Ocean is at one of its lowest levels on record, yet there's no unanimity on when that ice will disappear completely during summer months.

Oct 16, 2025 in Earth