Phys.org news

Phys.org / Quantum simulator reveals how vibrations steer energy flow in molecules

Researchers led by Rice University's Guido Pagano used a specialized quantum device to simulate a vibrating molecule and track how energy moves within it. The work, published Dec. 5 in Nature Communications, could improve ...

Jan 14, 2026 in Physics
Phys.org / Bulk inorganic crystals grown from water emit 'handed' light

Researchers at Kumamoto University have discovered that a purely inorganic crystal grown from water solution can emit circularly polarized light, a special form of light whose "handedness" distinguishes left from right.

Jan 14, 2026 in Chemistry
Phys.org / Researchers expand human genome map to 2.37 million regulatory DNA elements

A research team led by Zhiping Weng, Ph.D., and Jill Moore, Ph.D."18, at UMass Chan Medical School, has nearly tripled the known number of potential regulatory elements in the genome to 2.37 million, creating the most comprehensive ...

Jan 14, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / How 'smart' nanoparticles can deliver targeted gene therapy in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a highly prevalent joint disease that leads to cartilage breakdown, pain and disability, yet there are still no FDA-approved treatments that can slow or reverse its progression. RNA-based therapies hold ...

Jan 14, 2026 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / Homo habilis: The oldest and most complete skeleton discovered to date

An international research team has unveiled a significant discovery in human paleontology: an exceptionally well-preserved Homo habilis skeleton dating back more than 2 million years.

Jan 14, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Researchers film foraging strategy of wood mice choosing between healthy and moth-damaged chestnuts

A mouse scurries up to six chestnuts. Three look healthy. Three have exit holes where moth larvae ate the insides before they left. What does the mouse do?

Jan 14, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Major river deltas are sinking faster than sea-level rise, study shows

A study published in Nature shows that many of the world's major river deltas are sinking faster than sea levels are rising, potentially affecting hundreds of millions of people in these regions.

Jan 14, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / Rocks and rolls: The computational infrastructure of earthquakes and physics of planetary science

Sometimes to truly study something up close, you have to take a step back. That's what Andrea Donnellan does. An expert in Earth sciences and seismology, she gets much of her data from a bird's-eye view, studying the planet's ...

Jan 14, 2026 in Earth
Phys.org / Ancient teeth are treasure troves of data on Iron Age lifestyles

Teeth provide a wealth of information about the lives of Iron Age Italians, according to a study published in the open-access journal PLOS One by Roberto Germano of Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and colleagues.

Jan 14, 2026 in Other Sciences
Phys.org / Atomic-level surface control boosts brightness of eco-friendly nanosemiconductors by 18-fold

Light-emitting semiconductors are used throughout everyday life in TVs, smartphones, and lighting. However, many technical barriers remain in developing environmentally friendly semiconductor materials.

Jan 14, 2026 in Nanotechnology
Phys.org / First-time use of AI for genetic circuit design demonstrated in a human cell line

There are hundreds of cell types in the human body, each with a specific role spelled out in their DNA. In theory, all it takes for cells to behave in desired ways—for example, getting them to produce a therapeutic molecule ...

Jan 14, 2026 in Biology
Phys.org / Do even low-mass dwarf galaxies merge? New clues from the outer stars of a Milky Way satellite

Using the Subaru Telescope's wide-field camera, astronomers have discovered a previously unknown structure surrounding a tiny satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. The newly discovered structure exhibits features resembling ...

Jan 14, 2026 in Astronomy & Space