Phys.org news

Phys.org / Sugar molecule could help protect against dangerous hospital fungus Candida auris

Researchers have developed a potential new approach against the highly drug-resistant hospital fungus Candida auris. They discovered that a synthetic sugar molecule that is a natural part of the fungus's cell wall, but is ...

22 hours ago
Phys.org / Early hardship may shape how oxytocin influences altruism

While humans are inherently social beings, they can interact and connect with others in very different ways. For instance, while some people tend to be more altruistic, others are less prone to helping their friends, acquaintances ...

Aug 13, 2026
Phys.org / Active supermassive black holes may help form massive planets

A popular myth about black holes is that they act like giant cosmic vacuum cleaners, sucking in everything around them. But Wladimir Lyra's research found a new mechanism around supermassive black holes that is more like ...

Aug 13, 2026
Phys.org / Protein-like nanoparticles sort themselves inside growing crystals, enabling controlled release

The tiny bones in your fingers withstand countless taps and swipes thanks to a precise blend of materials. Flexible collagen fibers form the framework, reinforced by hard calcium phosphate hydroxyapatite crystals. This is ...

Aug 13, 2026
Phys.org / Rapid warming may tip Atlantic circulation at 2°C, while slower warming may avert collapse

For several years, climate scientists have shown that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) could come to a halt if the world warms too much. New research from Utrecht University shows that this picture is ...

Aug 13, 2026
Phys.org / Nature's original bioplastic may have fed animals for hundreds of millions of years

Long before humans discovered biodegradable plastics, microorganisms had already invented their own. Many bacteria and archaea produce natural bioplastics called polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), storing them inside their cells ...

Aug 13, 2026
Phys.org / Teaching AI the biology of antibodies speeds drug discovery

Designing an effective antibody drug is like searching for the right key in a warehouse of locks. Scientists may begin with millions—or even billions—of antibody candidates, but only a tiny fraction will recognize and bind ...

Aug 13, 2026
Phys.org / Uniaxial strain reveals new way to tune electron flow in altermagnet material

Altermagnetism is a new, third type of magnetism of great interest for spin-transport applications like computer memory. If properly harnessed, it could combine the benefits of the two existing types of magnetism, ferromagnetism ...

Aug 13, 2026
Phys.org / Three supermassive black holes discovered in a single galaxy for the first time

An international team of astronomers led by the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics has identified three actively accreting supermassive black holes in the galaxy J0148-4214. Matter is falling into the black ...

Aug 12, 2026
Phys.org / Satellite constellations could create spiraling space debris

To date, close to 30,000 satellites have been launched into Earth's orbit, leading to mounting concerns over the debris created when they collide. In a new analysis posted to the preprint server arXiv, Hugh Lewis of the University ...

Aug 12, 2026
Phys.org / Long-sought Zhang-Rice singlet visualized directly in cuprate superconductor

Superconductors are materials that conduct electricity with zero electrical resistance below specific temperatures. Most of these materials become superconducting at very low temperatures, but some also exhibit superconductivity ...

Aug 12, 2026
Phys.org / Recyclable glue bonds underwater in seconds and holds for years

Most glues need a dry surface to stick properly. Bonding materials underwater is challenging because water forms a thin film on any surface, so instead of an adhesive touching a material directly, it touches a layer of water, ...

Aug 12, 2026