Phys.org news

Phys.org / From Earth to alien worlds: Exploring the fundamental limits to life

Extraterrestrial and artificial life have long captivated the human mind. Knowing only the building blocks of our own biosphere, can we predict how life may exist on other planets? What factors will rein in the Frankensteinian ...

Dec 24, 2024 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / AI-designed 'nanocages' mimic viral behavior for enhanced gene therapy

Researchers have developed an innovative therapeutic platform by mimicking the intricate structures of viruses using artificial intelligence (AI). Their pioneering research was published in Nature on December 18.

Dec 24, 2024 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Enhanced Raman microscopy offers clearer chemical imaging of cryofixed samples

Understanding the behavior of the molecules and cells that make up our bodies is critical for the advancement of medicine. This has led to a continual push for clear images of what is happening beyond what the eye can see. ...

Dec 24, 2024 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Novel molecular design achieves 1,300-fold increase in scintillator radioluminescence

Scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a highly effective and general molecular design that enables an enhancement in radioluminescence within organometallic scintillators by more than three ...

Dec 24, 2024 in Physics
Phys.org / Researchers reveal full-gray optical trap in structured light

A research group led by Prof. Yao Baoli and Dr. Xu Xiaohao from Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics (XIOPM) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have revealed a full-gray optical trap in structured light, which ...

Dec 24, 2024 in Physics
Phys.org / Fly vs. wasp: Stealing a defense move helps thwart a predator

In the continual arms race between parasites and their hosts, innovation was thought to be the key to a successful attack or defense that one-ups the competition. But sometimes, as in the corporate world, outright theft can ...

Dec 24, 2024 in Biology
Phys.org / Nanovaccine derived from pre-chemotherapy tumors combats multiple tumors in mice

A research team led by Prof. Nie Guangjun from the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and collaborators have demonstrated a tumor membrane antigens-based nanovaccine ...

Dec 24, 2024 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Ants prove superior to humans in group problem-solving maze experiment

Anyone who has dealt with ants in the kitchen knows that ants are highly social creatures; it's rare to see one alone. Humans are social creatures too, even if some of us enjoy solitude. Ants and humans are also the only ...

Dec 23, 2024 in Biology
Phys.org / Microbiome study finds bacteria in human gut rarely update their CRISPR defense systems

Within the human digestive tract are trillions of bacteria from thousands of different species. These bacteria form communities that help digest food, fend off harmful microbes, and play many other roles in maintaining human ...

Dec 23, 2024 in Biology
Phys.org / Geochemical surveys reveal ancient copper industry in King Solomon's mines did not pollute environment

A new study from Tel Aviv University overturns prevailing scientific beliefs that King Solomon's Mines not only harmed the health of workers in the ancient copper industry but also pose risks to the health of modern residents ...

Dec 23, 2024 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Two Earth-sized exoplanets orbiting nearby star detected

An international team of astronomers has reported the discovery of two exoplanets orbiting a nearby star known as HD 101581. The newfound alien worlds are slightly smaller than Earth and orbit its host very closely. The discovery ...

Dec 23, 2024 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Grapes of math: Ordinary fruit enhances performance of quantum sensors

Macquarie University researchers have demonstrated how ordinary supermarket grapes can enhance the performance of quantum sensors, potentially leading to more efficient quantum technologies.

Dec 23, 2024 in Physics