Phys.org news

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 / 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 / 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
Phys.org / Composing nanomaterials—open-source platform unites AI and automated synthesis

LMU researcher Professor Alexander Urban and his team have developed a tool that could revolutionize the design of new materials. Synthesizer is a platform that combines automated chemical synthesis, high-throughput characterization, ...

Jan 15, 2026 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Flowers shape the spread of viruses among wild bees, study finds

A recent study shows that viruses in wild bees are closely linked to the flowers they visit and the availability of floral resources across the landscape. Researchers found that certain floral communities increase the likelihood ...

Jan 15, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / DNA's hidden 'traffic controller' protein may hold clues to cancer prevention

A new LUMC study has changed our understanding of how cells work. Researchers have discovered that the CFAP20 protein acts as a kind of "traffic controller" on DNA. Without this protein, chaos ensues, potentially causing ...

Jan 15, 2026 in Biology
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 / Large parts of the tropics overlooked in environmental research, study says

Environmental research in the tropics is heavily skewed, according to a comprehensive study led by Umeå University. Humid lowland forest ecosystems receive a disproportionate amount of attention, while colder and drier regions ...

Jan 15, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / Earth system models overestimate river flow increases, research reveals

Understanding how water moves through the Earth system is fundamental to predicting climate impacts and ensuring sustainable water management. Yet despite decades of research, uncertainties persist regarding how global precipitation ...

Jan 15, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / ISS astronauts splash down on Earth after first-ever medical evacuation

Four International Space Station crewmembers splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, NASA footage showed, after the first ever medical evacuation in the orbital lab's history.

Jan 15, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Exploring metabolic noise opens new paths to better biomanufacturing

Much like humans, microbial organisms can be fickle in their productivity. One moment they're cranking out useful chemicals in vast fermentation tanks, metabolizing feed to make products from pharmaceuticals and supplements ...

Jan 15, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Overcoming symmetry limits in photovoltaics through surface engineering

A recent study carried out by researchers from EHU, the Materials Physics Center, nanoGUNE, and DIPC introduces a novel approach to solar energy conversion and spintronics. The work tackles a long-standing limitation in the ...

Jan 15, 2026 in Physics