Phys.org news

Phys.org / Invisible actors in groundwater mapped for first time, revealing role in freshwater reservoir

Groundwater is considered the largest reservoir of liquid freshwater on Earth and a habitat for complex microbial communities that drive essential biogeochemical cycles. Until now, the role of viruses that infect microorganisms ...

Feb 4, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Quick test can curb antimicrobial resistance, identifying bacteria and antibiotic susceptibility in under 40 minutes

McGill researchers have developed a diagnostic system capable of identifying bacteria—and determining which antibiotics can stop them—in just 36 minutes, a major advance in the global effort to curb antimicrobial resistance ...

Feb 4, 2026 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / CFC replacements behind vast quantities of global 'forever chemical' pollution, research reveals

Chemicals brought in to help protect our ozone layer have had the unintended consequences of spreading vast quantities of a potentially toxic "forever chemical" around the globe, a new study shows. Atmospheric scientists, ...

Feb 4, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / From cryogenic to red-hot: Optical temperature sensing from 77 K to 873 K

An international collaboration involving researchers from the University of Innsbruck has developed a novel luminescent material that enables particularly robust and precise optical temperature sensing across an exceptionally ...

Feb 4, 2026 in Physics
Phys.org / An unusual dust storm on Mars reveals how the red planet lost some of its water

The current image of Mars as an arid and hostile desert contrasts sharply with the history revealed by its surface. Channels, minerals altered by water, and other geological traces indicate that the red planet was, in its ...

Feb 4, 2026 in Astronomy & Space
Phys.org / Platinum nanostructure sensor can differentiate mirror-image volatile scent compounds

Terpenes are volatile organic compounds that are responsible for, among other things, the typical scents of plants, resins or citrus fruits. These compounds occur naturally in the environment and influence chemical processes ...

Feb 4, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Nanocrystal biohybrids harvest light to reduce N₂ gas to ammonia

Ammonia, a key part of nitrogen fertilizers, is central to sustaining global food production. However, its manufacture is also energy intensive: Ammonia production requires 2% of global energy to meet global demand. Approximately ...

Feb 4, 2026 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Lab-grown beef: Novel line of bovine embryonic stem cells shows promise

Researchers in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources have developed a novel line of bovine embryonic stem cells, which have significant potential for a variety of new innovations, from lab-grown meat to ...

Feb 4, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / How lipid nanoparticles carrying vaccines release their cargo

A study from FAU has shown that lipid nanoparticles restructure their membrane significantly after being absorbed into a cell and ending up in an acidic environment. Vaccines and other medicines are often packed in little ...

Feb 4, 2026 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Oysters play unexpected role in protecting blue crabs from disease

Oysters famously filter their surrounding water, but it turns out they are removing more than algae and excess nutrients. New research from William & Mary's Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & VIMS shows they can ...

Feb 4, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Temperature of some cities could rise faster than expected under 2°C warming

New research led by the University of East Anglia (UEA) shows how many tropical cities are predicted to warm faster than expected under 2°C of global warming.

Feb 4, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / DIVE multi-agent workflow streamlines hydrogen storage materials discovery

Developing new materials can involve a dizzying amount of trial and error for different configurations and elements. Artificial intelligence (AI) has seen a surge of popularity in energy materials research for its potential ...

Feb 4, 2026 in Chemistry