Phys.org news
Phys.org / DNA folding more important for cell function than previously thought
Tiny tweaks in DNA folding can have big effects. A study from Umeå University shows that even the most subtle changes in DNA's shape have an important influence on gene activity and energy production. This discovery challenges ...
Phys.org / Conquering disorder: Modeling a solid with liquid-like ion movement
Copper selenide (Cu₂Se) attracts scientific interest for its thermoelectric ability to convert heat into electricity, but a lack of atomic-level understanding has limited its practical applications for decades.
Phys.org / The 'pocketome': Study maps universe of protein binding sites across species
Proteins perform their many different functions via physical interactions with other molecules, in particular, small molecules present in cells, such as metabolites. These interactions occur on distinct binding pockets on ...
Phys.org / Nanoscale optical device enables independent control of light intensity and phase using electricity
A nanoscale optical device has been developed that allows independent control over the intensity and phase of light. By applying voltage, this innovative device can freely manipulate the phase and magnitude of second-harmonic ...
Phys.org / Water's density is key to sustainable lithium mining, study reveals
One of the biggest obstacles on the road to a low-carbon energy future is caused by the rare-earth element lithium, a critical component for the batteries that can store the abundant and sustainable energy from renewable ...
Phys.org / XRISM reveals surprisingly sluggish winds from neutron star differ from black hole outflows
The X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) has revealed an unexpected difference between the powerful winds launching from a disk around a neutron star and those from material circling supermassive black holes.
Phys.org / Delegation to AI can increase dishonest behavior
When do people behave badly? Extensive research in behavioral science has shown that people are more likely to act dishonestly when they can distance themselves from the consequences. It's easier to bend or break the rules ...
Phys.org / AI reveals gender bias in family courts
When parents separate in Australia, their futures—and their children's—often rely on the words chosen by judges in the Family Court. But those words aren't always neutral along gender lines, say a team of UNSW researchers.
Phys.org / Low-cost biosensor can detect airborne viruses in real-time
A research team from Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) and Universitat de València (UV) has developed an innovative biosensor capable of detecting airborne viruses in real-time and at low cost, without the need ...
Phys.org / Gulf of Aqaba corals survive record-breaking heat waves, offering hope amid global coral crisis
New study reveals that corals in the Gulf of Aqaba have withstood four consecutive and intensifying marine heat waves, including the world's most extreme 2024 event, without suffering mass bleaching—a resilience unmatched ...
Phys.org / New Cas9 proteins dramatically lower the error rate of prime editing
A genome-editing technique known as prime editing holds potential for treating many diseases by transforming faulty genes into functional ones. However, the process carries a small chance of inserting errors that could be ...
Phys.org / Coral reefs set to stop growing as climate warms
Most coral reefs will soon stop growing and may begin to erode—and almost all will do so if global warming hits 2°C, according to a new study in the western Atlantic. An international team, led by scientists from the University ...
