Phys.org news
Phys.org / Chemists capture structure of the elusive borylnitrene trapped in a crystal using X-ray
Nitrenes are the ghosts of synthetic chemistry, formed in an instant and gone just as quickly, rearranging into something entirely different. These highly reactive intermediates are widely used in synthesis, yet remain notoriously ...
Phys.org / First synthetic protein motor moves along DNA in controlled, programmable steps
Researchers from UNSW Sydney have built the first artificial protein motor capable of taking controlled, directional steps along a DNA track. The protein, dubbed Tumbleweed, moves by alternating between three "feet" that ...
Phys.org / Traces of Earth's primordial magma ocean discovered in lava from a modern volcanic eruption
In May 2018, the island of Mayotte, between Madagascar and Mozambique, began to experience a series of earthquakes that led to the discovery of an underwater volcano, now called Fani Maoré. Multiple scientific expeditions ...
Phys.org / Phylogenomics reveals angel insects' ancestry, resolving century‑old 'Zoraptera problem'
Zoraptera, also known as angel insects or ground lice, are tiny termite-like insects generally found underneath bark or in decaying wood. The Zoraptera group includes a few dozen known insect species that closely resemble ...
Phys.org / Bioinspired strategy creates complex 3D curved structures via programmed shrinkage
The shape of biological structures, ranging from flower petals to the limbs or organs of animals, is often naturally best suited for performing specific functions. Biological structures also often present curved surfaces ...
Phys.org / Preparing birds for life in the wild: New technique boosts survival after release
Every year, thousands of parrots confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade arrive at rehabilitation centers across Latin America. For many of these birds, rescue centers can provide safety but not necessarily a path back ...
Phys.org / Japan releases snowman-like asteroid image after flyby
Rare images taken by a Japanese space probe during a flyby of a near-Earth asteroid have revealed that the space rock resembled a snowman, scientists said Monday.
Phys.org / Q&A: How camera-equipped homing pigeons could improve robotic vision in flight
Contrary to common assumptions, pigeons do not lock their eyes in place during flight. Instead, they make slow, subtle eye movements that may help them gather more information about their surroundings.
Phys.org / AI system translates protein sequences into text, helping reveal functions of unknown proteins
In a paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers from Technion and Tel Aviv University present BetaDescribe, an AI system that translates protein sequences into natural-language descriptions, ...
Phys.org / Hummingbirds speed up pineapple family's evolution
Hummingbirds make bromeliad plants split into new species twice as fast as other pollinators do, scientists at the University of Reading have found. The research team gathered records of which animals pollinate 403 types ...
Phys.org / Euclid discovers the most ancient quasars in the universe
The European Space Agency's Euclid space telescope has discovered 31 of the most ancient quasars ever found. Two of these giant and dazzling galaxy cores, powered by gargantuan black holes, are the earliest quasars yet observed ...
Phys.org / Webb uncovers dust-shrouded heart of Centaurus A after galaxy clash 2 billion years ago
In new images from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to celebrate its fourth science anniversary, a familiar galaxy transforms into something far richer and far more complex than ever seen before. Webb's unprecedented sensitivity ...
