Phys.org news

Phys.org / Cellular crowding in fruit fly embryos triggers a critical DNA reorganization, biologists find

After fertilization, embryos race through rapid cell divisions before slowing down to build specialized cells that will carry out distinct functions in the developing body—but the signals that trigger this shift have remained ...

Nov 20, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Understanding bacteria's role in transforming steroids to pharmaceuticals

For decades, pharmaceutical companies have been using bacteria found in soil and water to chemically convert steroids into effective treatments for human diseases. One example is cortisol, which is used to treat asthma and ...

Nov 20, 2025 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Could the solution to the carbon problem be carbon itself?

Can we use carbon to help decarbonize the world and transform the energy and chemical industries? Yes, it seems, but there are some key challenges to overcome first.

Nov 20, 2025 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Scientists map the hidden cellular 'postal codes' that shape every human face

Why do no two human faces look quite the same? Although we all follow the same biological blueprint, our features—the curve of a lip, the angle of a nose, the breadth of a jaw—diverge in endlessly subtle ways.

Nov 20, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Multicellular cyanobacteria switch gene activity between day and night cycles

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, occur worldwide in many varieties, including in single-cell form and in chains called filaments. While these tiny life forms can strongly influence many ecosystems, the details ...

Nov 20, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Humans bring gender bias to their interactions with AI, finds study

Humans bring gender biases to their interactions with Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to new research from Trinity College Dublin and Ludwig-Maximilians Universität (LMU) Munich.

Nov 20, 2025 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Subverting plasmids to combat antibiotic resistance

Researchers in the Blavatnik Institute at Harvard Medical School have opened a new window into understanding the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

Nov 20, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Scientists get a first look at the innermost region of a white dwarf system

Some 200 light years from Earth, the core of a dead star is circling a larger star in a macabre cosmic dance. The dead star is a type of white dwarf that exerts a powerful magnetic field as it pulls material from the larger ...

Nov 20, 2025 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / AI traces prehistoric trade routes of Europe's prized 'green gemstone' trade

A multidisciplinary team of Spanish and Portuguese archaeologists and artificial intelligence experts has combined non-destructive archaeological measurement techniques, machine learning and explainable artificial intelligence ...

Nov 20, 2025 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Metal-phase protection enables durable acidic CO₂ electroreduction to formic acid

The electroreduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable chemicals and fuels typically operates under alkaline or neutral conditions, but the carbonation side reaction causes carbon loss. In addition, the main product is ...

Nov 20, 2025 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Isotope-based method can detect unknown selenium compounds

Although present in very small amounts, selenium (Se)-based compounds play important roles in protecting the body from oxidative stress, regulating thyroid hormones, strengthening the immune system, and even detoxifying heavy ...

Nov 20, 2025 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Hormone-free plant regeneration method works for multiple crops

Researchers at Wageningen University & Research (WUR), working in close collaboration with KeyGene, have developed a method that enables plant cells to regenerate into complete plants without the need for added hormones.

Nov 20, 2025 in Biology