EurekAlert! News by Subject: Chemistry & Physics

Chemistry & Physics

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 27-Oct-2026 18:17 ET (27-Oct-2026 22:17 GMT/UTC)

14-Jun-2026

Before the aliens, the amino acids

Weizmann Institute of Science
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In a study published in Nature Astronomy, an Israeli-US team led by researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science has now defined a new kind of life’s signature. It could offer a relatively simple way to address the age-old question: Are we alone? The new approach relies less on complicated chemistry and more on statistical patterns. The central idea is to examine molecular diversity, with the understanding that life reorganizes chemistry according to function. Sometimes that means expanding diversity and sometimes narrowing it. Instead of focusing on individual molecules, the researchers looked at statistical patterns in groups of molecules – their spread and relative abundances.

Journal: Nature Astronomy

14-Jun-2026

Gate-voltage-controlled topological phase transition achieved in β-Ag2Te, paving the way for a new class of low-power electronics

Science China Press
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Topological phase transition is attracting great attention in condensed matter physics, and its gate-voltage-reversible control is essential for electrically driven topological devices. Recently, Professor Jinxiong Wu’s team at Nankai University achieved the first gate-voltage-reversible topological phase transition in β-Ag₂Te nanodevices, evidenced by a π Berry phase transition. Theoretical attributes this to the Stark effect modulating band structure. Based on this, they built a prototype topological phase transition transistor with on-off ratio exceeding 10⁴, opening a new route for electrically controlled topological devices.

Journal: National Science Review

12-Jun-2026

Thiolated biochar helps keep toxic mercury locked in soil under climate-driven wet and dry cycles

Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study shows that thiol-modified biochar can maintain long-term mercury immobilization in contaminated soils, even when repeated drying and rewetting mimic heatwave-accelerated weathering.

Journal: Biochar

12-Jun-2026

New biochar composite offers a two-in-one strategy for safer rice and lower methane emissions

Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A titanium dioxide-loaded biochar material reduced arsenic mobilization and methane emissions in flooded paddy soil, offering a promising approach to address food safety and climate challenges at the same time.

Journal: Biochar

12-Jun-2026

AI helps scientists design better biochar catalysts for removing antibiotic pollution

Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study shows that deep learning can predict how fast biochar materials break down antibiotic contaminants, offering a faster path toward cleaner water and smarter environmental remediation.

Journal: Biochar

12-Jun-2026

This is how to beat the tumor cells that survive cancer therapy

University of California - San Francisco
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Cancer drugs can shrink fast-growing tumors. But sometimes a few tumor cells survive. These “persister” cells seed new tumors, forcing cancer patients into arduous cycles of testing and treatment.

Journal: Science Advances
Funder: Mark Foundation For Cancer Research, California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences

12-Jun-2026

Mountainous landscapes store far more carbon than previously thought, new research shows

University of Oregon
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Hilly and mountainous landscapes have a much greater ability to store carbon in the soil than previously thought, according to a new study co-led by scientists at the University of Oregon.

Journal: Science Advances

12-Jun-2026

Anti-inflammatory molecule shows potential against Parkinson’s in study with mice

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In an experiment, the Ac2-26 peptide protected neurons from cell death, which is characteristic of the condition. The study also demonstrated differences in disease progression and protection between males and females.

Journal: Neuropharmacology
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

12-Jun-2026

UCF researchers are studying wing shapes to advance drone technology

University of Central Florida College of Engineering and Computer Science
Grant and Award Announcement

• UCF Associate Professor Samik Bhattacharya’s research on wing shapes could help develop mathematical models that improve the performance and stability of the U.S. military’s amphibious vehicles.

• The technology can also be used for search-and-rescue missions and disaster response.

• The work is supported through a grant from the DEVCOM Army Research Office.