Phys.org news

Phys.org / A new medium for canine stem cells that doesn't contain any human components

Canine induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells possess the ability to differentiate into any type of cell, making them a useful tool for investigating common canine diseases and disease states, including those of humans.

Dec 12, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Feedback loops from oil fields accelerate Arctic warming and other atmospheric changes, study shows

The climate is changing and nowhere is it changing faster than at Earth's poles. Researchers at Penn State have painted a comprehensive picture of the chemical processes taking place in the Arctic and found that there are ...

Dec 12, 2025 in Earth
Phys.org / Unique bond identified as key to viral infection speed

Viruses are typically described as tiny, perfectly geometric shells that pack genetic material with mathematical precision, but new research led by scientists at Penn State reveals a deliberate imbalance in their shape that ...

Dec 12, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Roundworms discovered in Great Salt Lake are new to science

Nematodes discovered in the Great Salt Lake belong to at least one species that is new to science, and possibly two. A University of Utah research team has published a new paper characterizing the tiny roundworm. The team ...

Dec 12, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Pinpointing the glow of a single atom to advance quantum emitter engineering

Researchers have discovered how to design and place single-photon sources at the atomic scale inside ultrathin 2D materials, lighting the path for future quantum innovations.

Dec 12, 2025 in Physics
Phys.org / Rare-earth europium substitution allows for more control over CO₂-to-fuel conversion

The electrochemical CO2 (carbon dioxide) reduction reaction takes harmful pollutants and transforms them into valuable products like fuel. However, selectively tailoring various processes in this reaction to successfully ...

Dec 12, 2025 in Chemistry
Phys.org / 'Self-activation' is part of the success strategy of parasitic weeds

Parasitic weeds extract water and nutrients from their host plants. But what makes these parasites so successful? A study led by Prof Susann Wicke from the Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity at the University of Münster ...

Dec 12, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / 'Hidden' contrails in cirrus clouds contribute to climate warming, research finds

Researchers at the Institute for Meteorology at Leipzig University have, for the first time, determined the climatic impact of contrails that form within natural cirrus clouds. Contrails account for the largest share of aviation's ...

Dec 12, 2025 in Earth
Phys.org / Glycitein biosynthetic pathway sheds light on soybean disease resistance

Researchers from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have uncovered the long-elusive biosynthetic pathway of glycitein, a key soybean isoflavonoid. They also reveal ...

Dec 12, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Genomic study reveals how vascular plants adapt to aquatic environments

Aquatic plants are specialized evolutionary groups adapted to life in water. They play critical roles as food and medicinal supplies (e.g., lotus root and foxnut) and industrial raw materials (e.g., reeds), as well as in ...

Dec 12, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Swedish freshwater bacteria reveal lost genes and unexpected photosynthesis abilities

Bacteria are among the most diverse and ancient forms of life on Earth. Yet, much of what is known about them comes from a small group of species, mostly studied for their roles in human health.

Dec 12, 2025 in Biology
Phys.org / Storm study shows adaptive selection in southeast lizards

How do intermittent events like hurricanes impact natural selection? How do animals adapt to challenging weather? A University of Rhode Island professor has set out to track natural selection in the Anolis lizard over time ...

Dec 12, 2025 in Biology