Phys.org news

Phys.org / Protein 'dark energy' provides insight into form vs. function in structure

Astronomers use the term dark energy to refer to energy in the universe that is unaccounted for by ordinary matter but necessary to explain cosmology. Astronomy, however, isn't the only field with missing energy. Rice University ...

22 hours ago in Biology
Phys.org / Data-driven 3D chromosome model reveals structural and dynamic features of DNA

Chromosomes are masters of organization. These long strings of DNA fold down into an ensemble of compact structures that keep needed parts of the genome accessible while tucking away those that aren't used as often. Understanding ...

22 hours ago in Biology
Phys.org / Finnish birdwatchers' app data fuel world's most accurate model for predicting bird occurrence

New cutting-edge research, led by Academy Professor Otso Ovaskainen of the University of Jyväskylä and David Dunson at Duke University, combines citizen bird observations with artificial intelligence and the computing power ...

23 hours ago in Biology
Phys.org / Raman sensors with push-pull alkyne tags amplify weak signals to track cell chemistry

Seeing chemistry unfold inside living cells is one of the biggest challenges of modern bioimaging. Raman microscopy offers a powerful way to meet this challenge by reading the unique vibrational signatures of molecules. However, ...

22 hours ago in Chemistry
Phys.org / A new route to synthesize multiple functionalized carbon nanohoops

The field of nanomaterials is witnessing a transformative shift at the intersection of organic chemistry and molecular engineering. Among the most promising molecular structures are carbon nanohoops, of which [n]cycloparaphenylenes ...

23 hours ago in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / A specific immune system protein may drive antibiotic tolerance

If you have had strep throat or an ear infection, there's a good chance you received amoxicillin or penicillin to effectively kill the troublesome bacteria. These drugs, which belong to a broad group of antibiotics called ...

22 hours ago in Biology
Phys.org / Net-casting spiders' adjustable silk stiffness point to tunable fiber design

What makes spider silk so extraordinarily strong and elastic at the same time? This was the focus of recent investigations carried out by researchers from the University of Greifswald, the University of Bonn and the Museum ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / How gut bacteria share antibiotic resistance genes and fuel dangerous hospital infections

Researchers from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), have uncovered how a high-risk class of genetic vectors can efficiently spread antibiotic resistance within the gut, enabling ...

23 hours ago in Biology
Phys.org / Cuttlefish use polarized light to create a dramatic mating display invisible to humans

Many organisms leverage showy colors for attracting mates. Because color is a property of light (determined by its wavelength), it is easy for humans to see how these colors are used in animal courting rituals. Less obvious ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Highly stable Cu₄₅ superatom could transform carbon recycling

After years of trying, scientists have finally created a stable superatom of copper, a long-sought-after chemical breakthrough that could revolutionize how we deal with carbon emissions.

Jan 27, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Amazon Leo satellites exceed brightness limits, study finds

Seeing a satellite zip across the night sky can be a fascinating sight. However, what may be spectacular for people on the ground is becoming a major problem for astronomers. A new study published on the arXiv preprint server ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / The Great Mongolian Road: Japanese Imperial Army maps reveal first detailed documentation

In a study published in the Journal of Historical Geography, researchers Dr. Chris McCarthy and his colleagues have documented, for the first time, the Great Mongolian Road, a major yet understudied east-west caravan route ...

Jan 27, 2026 in Other Sciences