Matabele ants recognize infected wounds and treat them with antibiotics

The African Matabele ants are often injured in fights with termites. Their conspecifics recognize when the wounds become infected and initiate antibiotic treatment. | Continue reading


@phys.org | 10 months ago

Tissue-integrated sensitive glucose nanosenor uses inactive glucose oxidase enzyme for continuous monitoring

Monitoring glucose levels is one of the key elements in health monitoring. A research team from the University of California, Berkeley, has now developed a battery-independent fluorescent nanosensor based on single-wall carbon nanotubes and an inactive form of the enzyme glucose … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 10 months ago

TRAPPIST-1c isn't the exo-Venus we were hoping for, but don't blame the star

A recent study posted to the arXiv preprint server and accepted to The Astrophysical Journal uses computer models to investigate why the exoplanet, TRAPPIST-1c, could not possess a thick carbon dioxide (CO2) atmosphere despite it receiving the same amount of solar radiation from … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 10 months ago

Quantum thermal transistors: Harnessing quantum measurement and feedback

Researchers are actively engaged in the dynamic manipulation of quantum systems and materials to realize significant energy management and conservation breakthroughs. | Continue reading


@phys.org | 10 months ago

First step towards synthetic carbon dioxide fixation in living cells

Synthetic biology offers the opportunity to build biochemical pathways for the capture and conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2). Researchers at the Max-Planck-Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology have developed a synthetic biochemical cycle that directly converts CO2 into the cen … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 10 months ago

Uncovering how tiny plastics threaten our soil and health

In a study published online in Eco-Environment & Health, researchers from Zhejiang Shuren University and China Agricultural University have delved into the interaction of tiny plastics and soil, aiming to provide insights into the mechanisms and implications of plastic pollution … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 10 months ago

Novel switch turns genes on/off on cue, a promising step toward safer gene therapy

Just like a doctor adjusts the dose of a medication to the patient's needs, the expression of therapeutic genes, those modified in a person to treat or cure a disease via gene therapy, also needs to be maintained within a therapeutic window. Staying within the therapeutic window … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 10 months ago

New high-speed video system uses sensors, infrared illumination to track insects in large wild areas

Our ability to learn more about insect behavior—which affects ecology, health, and economy on a global scale—depends largely on suitable recording technology. But until now, these tools have been considerably limited. | Continue reading


@phys.org | 10 months ago

New ultra-short period binary discovered

Using the Tsinghua University–Ma Huateng Telescopes for Survey (TMTS), an international team of astronomers has discovered a new binary known as TMTS J052610.43+593445.1. The newfound system is an ultrashort-orbital-period binary consisting of a subdwarf star and a white dwarf co … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 10 months ago

Powerful earthquakes leave at least 48 dead, destroy buildings along Japan's western coast

A series of powerful earthquakes that hit western Japan have left at least 48 people dead and damaged thousands of buildings, vehicles and boats. Officials warned that more quakes could lie ahead. | Continue reading


@phys.org | 10 months ago

HKDC1 protein found crucial to maintaining two mitochondria subcellular structures, mitochondria and lysosomes

Just as healthy organs are vital to our well-being, healthy organelles are vital to the proper functioning of the cell. These subcellular structures carry out specific jobs within the cell; for example, mitochondria power the cell, and lysosomes keep the cell tidy. | Continue reading


@phys.org | 10 months ago

The zaï technique: How farmers in the Sahel grow crops with little to no water

Hubert Reeves once wrote that "on the cosmic scale, liquid water is rarer than gold". And what is true for the universe is even truer in the Sahel, the name given to the vast, arid belt that skirts the Sahara and stretches across Africa from east to west. | Continue reading


@phys.org | 10 months ago

Selective conversion of CO₂ into dimethyl ether over hydrophobic and gallium-modified copper catalysts

The selective conversion of CO2 and H2 into valuable chemicals and fuels is a promising route for carbon recycling. Multiple routes have been developed for the CO2 hydrogenation to methanol, higher alcohols, dimethyl ether (DME), aromatics, hydrocarbon, and olefins. Among these p … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 10 months ago

Chemical synthesis using titanium dioxide: An eco-friendly and innovative approach

Heterocyclic compounds are organic molecules with a ring structure comprising at least two or more elements. In most cases, these rings are composed of carbon atoms along with one or more other elements such as nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. They are highly sought after as raw mate … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 10 months ago

Why some people don't trust science—and how to change their minds

During the pandemic, a third of people in the UK reported that their trust in science had increased, we recently discovered. But 7% said that it had decreased. Why is there such variety of responses? | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

'Foul and loathsome' or jewels of the natural world? The complicated history of human-frog relations

When was the last time you saw a frog? Perhaps you came across one in your garden and wondered at its little hands, glossy skin, and what looked very much like a contented smile. | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Want to get into stargazing? A professional astronomer explains where to start

There are few things more peaceful and relaxing than a night under the stars. Through the holidays, many people head away from the bright city lights to go camping. They revel in the dark skies, spangled with myriad stars. | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

The curious joy of being wrong—intellectual humility means being open to new information and willing to change your mind

Mark Twain apocryphally said, "I'm in favor of progress; it's change I don't like." This quote pithily underscores the human tendency to desire growth while also harboring strong resistance to the hard work that comes with it. I can certainly resonate with this sentiment. | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

First pulsar detected in globular cluster GLIMPSE-C01

Using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA), astronomers have discovered a millisecond pulsar in the globular cluster GLIMPSE-C01 as part of the VLA Low-band Ionosphere and Transient Experiment (VLITE). This is the first pulsar ever detected in this cluster. The finding was r … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Sodium's high-pressure transformation can tell us about the interiors of stars, planets

Travel deep enough below Earth's surface or inside the center of the sun, and matter changes on an atomic level. | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Surf's up: Big waves pound US West Coast

Huge surf was battering the US West Coast on Friday, with forecasters warning of more danger ahead after a rogue wave swept pedestrians off their feet and swamped a hotel. | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

New study examines perspectives from South Florida practitioners

A study led by researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, assessed the perspectives of 76 diverse South Florida climate adaptation professionals. The study titled, "Practitioner perspectives on climate mobilities in South F … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

These creepy crawlies could be Florida's next big invasive threats, scientists say

Florida has long been home to an unnatural assortment of creatures from faraway lands and habitats, and these tourists turned permanent residents have wreaked havoc on the natural ecosystem. | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

A new way to characterize habitable planets

For decades, science fiction authors have imagined scenarios in which life thrives on the harsh surfaces of Mars or our moon, or in the oceans below the icy surfaces of Saturn's moon Enceladus and Jupiter's moon Europa. But the study of habitability—the conditions required to sup … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Ban on fires extended amid poor air quality caused, in part, by people ignoring the burn ban

Angelenos hoping to cozy up by the fireplace this week should make other plans. | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Orange County's new wetlands ordinance aims to protect 'Earth's kidneys'

Orange County is strengthening its protections for the area's vast expanse of wetlands, delicate but critical natural areas often imperiled by pressure for new development. | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

The crucial role of realistic 3D canopy models in light interception analysis for crop resilience and sustainability

Grasping the complex interplay between light and plant canopies is crucial for unlocking the secrets to enhanced crop yields and resilience. | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Molecules exhibit non-reciprocal interactions without external forces, new study finds

Researchers from the University of Maine and Penn State discovered that molecules experience non-reciprocal interactions without external forces. | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Bison vs. urban growth: Rocky Mountain Arsenal seeks solutions to water runoff

A growing herd of 250 bison, re-introduced at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge to help restore toxic wasteland to the native short-grass prairie, often descends through a floodplain to reach First Creek and cross to the northern half of the refuge. | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

3D printed multilayer structures for high-numerical aperture achromatic lenses

Flat optics are made of nanostructures containing high-refractive index materials to produce lenses with thin form factors that function only at specific wavelengths. | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Revolutionary nanodrones enable targeted cancer treatment

A study led by Professor Sebyung Kang and Professor Sung Ho Park in the Department of Biological Sciences at UNIST has unveiled a remarkable breakthrough in cancer treatment. The research team has successfully developed unprecedented "NK cell-engaging nanodrones" capable of selec … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Novel solution for Pichia pastoris enzyme production platform

The demand for industrial enzymes is continually rising, driven by the growing need to shift towards more sustainable industrial processes. Our research outlines a novel approach to enzyme production, harnessing the untapped potential of cyanobacterial biomass within the P. pasto … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Enhancing model performance and data efficiency through standardization and centralization

Recent advancements in agricultural computer vision have heavily relied on deep learning models, which, despite their success in general tasks, often lack agricultural-specific fine-tuning. This results in increased training time, resource use, and lower performance due to the re … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

JWST sets a new record, sees newly forming stars in the Triangulum galaxy

Our Milky Way bristles with giant molecular clouds birthing stars. Based on what we see here, astronomers assume that the process of star creation also goes on similarly in other galaxies. It makes sense since their stars have to form somehow. Now, thanks to JWST, astronomers hav … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Study of Mongolian Arc adds to mystery surrounding its purpose

A team of archaeologists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel, working with a colleague from the National University of Mongolia, has conducted a study of the 405-km wall system in eastern Mongolia known as the Mongolian Arc in order to learn more about its history and … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Novel electrification strategy enhances low-temperature NOx removal

Prof. Zhang Jian's group from the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, cooperating with Prof. Zhang Zhaoliang's group from University of Jinan, has developed a novel electrification strategy to improve NOx pollutant removal … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Geometric origin of intrinsic dark counts in superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors

In a recent leap forward for quantum computing and optical technologies, researchers have uncovered an important aspect of photon detection. Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs), pivotal in quantum communication and advanced optical systems, have long been hi … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Curiosity captures a martian day, from dawn to dusk

When NASA's Curiosity Mars rover isn't on the move, it works pretty well as a sundial, as seen in two black-and-white videos recorded on Nov. 8, the 4,002nd Martian day, or sol, of the mission. The rover captured its own shadow shifting across the surface of Mars using its black- … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Novel food regulations are a barrier for edible insects

Edible insects could be the key to a more sustainable food system, yet food regulations could be restricting alternative environmentally friendly sources of protein for consumers, a new report has found. | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Unraveling the evolutionary origins of umami and sweet taste preferences

The perception of taste is one of the most important senses and helps us identify beneficial foods and avoid harmful substances. For instance, our fondness for sweet and savory foods results from our need to consume carbohydrates and proteins. Given their importance as an evoluti … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

New strategy for high-performance cathodes in aqueous zinc ion batteries

A new strategy was proposed in the field of aqueous zinc-ion battery to help increase the capacity of the cathodes, making them more efficient, according to a recent study published in ACS Nano. | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Revolutionizing grape cultivation: AS-SwinT and the future of automated berry thinning

Berry thinning is crucial for cultivating high-quality table grapes, traditionally carried out by skilled laborers who are becoming scarce due to an aging population. To address the labor-intensive and time-consuming process, researchers are focused on developing an intelligent m … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Revolutionizing wheat yield prediction: Introducing SPSI for enhanced panicle number estimation using UAV imagery

Wheat is crucial for global food security, and panicle number per unit ground area (PNPA) is key to its yield. Traditional manual counting methods are accurate but inefficient, prompting a shift towards remote sensing and image processing for rapid, nondestructive PNPA estimation … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Hubble captures throng of spiral galaxies

This Hubble Picture of the Week features a richness of spiral galaxies: the large, prominent spiral galaxy on the right side of the image is NGC 1356; the two apparently smaller spiral galaxies flanking it are LEDA 467699 (above it) and LEDA 95415 (very close at its left) respect … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

NASA's Juno to get close look at Jupiter's volcanic moon Io on Dec. 30

NASA's Juno spacecraft will on Saturday, Dec. 30, make the closest flyby of Jupiter's moon Io that any spacecraft has made in over 20 years. Coming within roughly 930 miles (1,500 kilometers) from the surface of the most volcanic world in our solar system, the pass is expected to … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Advanced CNN techniques for accurate detection and reconstruction of passion fruit branches

In traditional fruit production, formidable challenges arise from labor costs and shortages, prompting extensive research into agricultural automation and the use of intelligent robots for tasks like fruit picking and branch pruning. | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Revolutionizing plant phenotyping: 3D plant shoot segmentation with deep learning

The quest for efficient 3D plant shoot segmentation, vital for extracting plant phenotypic traits, has driven the integration of deep learning with point clouds. Traditional 2D methods, while prevalent, encounter challenges in depth perception and structural determination. The em … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago

Future labor losses due to heat stress in China under climate change scenarios

Climate change is the biggest global health threat in the 21st century, and the rising temperatures have undermined the health and safety of the working population, as well as caused labor losses, which are closely tied to social-economic development. Although the future temperat … | Continue reading


@phys.org | 11 months ago