Phys.org news
Phys.org / Binding to surface sugars enhances omicron variant's cell attachment, researchers discover
Researchers at Umeå University have discovered that the SARS-CoV-2 variant omicron has developed a stronger binding to human lung cells through optimized interaction with heparan sulfate, a sugar molecule on the cell surface. ...
Phys.org / Controlling quantum light at room temperature with tunable nanostructures and low voltage
The ability to control the color, or emission wavelength, of light from quantum sources is central to the development of secure quantum communication networks and photonic-based computing. However, most systems capable of ...
Phys.org / Fixing cracks in space bricks with bacteria
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a bacteria-based technique to repair bricks that can be used to build lunar habitats if they get damaged in the moon's harsh environment.
Phys.org / Newborn warty birch caterpillars defend the world's smallest territory
Some creatures defend territories extending over several kilometers, but when Jayne Yack (Carleton University, Canada) encountered miniature newborn warty birch caterpillars (Falcaria bilineata), she wondered if she might ...
Phys.org / Compostable sensors could help grow impact of digital agriculture
Screen-printed, biodegradable soil sensors that can be composted at the end of their lifecycle could enable farmers to improve crop yields while reducing electronic waste, researchers say.
Phys.org / 'Superhuman vision': Powerful 3D imaging technology paves way for next-generation eye-tracking
Eye tracking plays a critical role in the latest virtual and augmented reality headsets and is an important technology in the entertainment industry, scientific research, medical and behavioral sciences, automotive driving ...
Phys.org / A starting signal for cell division: Molecular switch ensures that cells divide at the right time
About 100 cells divide every second in our body. A key protein in cell division is a protein kinase termed Plk1, because it activates other proteins involved in this process. Plk1 is also overexpressed in many types of cancer. ...
Dialog / Revolutionizing 3D vision: How miniaturized snapshot polarization imaging is transforming depth sensing
Capturing precise 3D details with a single camera has long been a challenge. Traditional methods often require complex dual-camera setups or specialized lighting conditions that are impractical for real-world applications. ...
Phys.org / The battle between resilient plants and cunning viruses: Study discovers a novel RNA silencing mechanism
Unlike animals, plants do not possess an adaptive immune system with antibodies or T cells to fight viral infections. Instead, they rely on the RNA silencing system, which serves as their innate immune defense by recognizing ...
Phys.org / Bitcoin investor buys an entire SpaceX flight for the ultimate polar adventure
A bitcoin investor who bought a SpaceX flight for himself and three polar explorers blasted off Monday night on the first rocket ride to carry people over the North and South poles.
Phys.org / Scientists develop ultraprecise, efficient and flexible technique for counting and analyzing nanoplastics
While the threat that microplastics pose to human and ecological health has been richly documented and is well known, nanoplastics, which are smaller than one micrometer (1/50th the thickness of an average human hair), are ...
Phys.org / Female mosquito salivary glands could unlock key to malaria transmission
Malaria, responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths each year worldwide, is caused by a parasite transmitted through the salivary glands of female Anopheles mosquitoes.