Researchers have developed an interactive platform to identify future trafficking hotspots, revealing where criminal networks are most likely to strike next. The tool combines landscape ecology with criminology to identify high-risk corridors, particularly across southeastern Mexico and the Yucatán Peninsula.
A new study from Arizona State University finds that past immune encounters can predict future vaccine response, opening a path toward more personalized vaccination strategies. Researchers analyzed blood samples from over 4,000 people, identifying antibody signatures that distinguish strong responders from weak ones.
Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered an overlooked physical process that significantly impacts sweat's cooling effect in hot, dry environments. The study found that temperature and humidity can create an opposing upward flow near the skin, canceling out airflow and increasing body heat storage.
Researchers from Arizona State University challenge a decades-old theory by showing that genetics alone does not explain the origins of eusociality in insects. The study found that haplodiploidy, a genetic system, does not predict the evolution of eusociality across insects more broadly.
Researchers found that clouds in sub-Neptune atmospheres actively shape their interior conditions, driving temperatures higher and potentially creating magma oceans. This discovery challenges the interpretation of James Webb Space Telescope data, suggesting clouds may be distorting our view of these planets' true bulk composition.
Researchers found that long noncoding RNAs can become integrated into ancient cellular pathways regulating cancer, providing fresh insights into disease and potential therapeutic targets. The study identified a specific lncRNA, MIR497HG, as a key player in this process.
Researchers warn that teens' reliance on AI chatbots may bypass opportunities for developing essential relationship skills. The technology offers immediate, nonjudgmental guidance but lacks needed safeguards, potentially reinforcing unhealthy relationship patterns and increasing vulnerability to mental health problems.
A new study has unveiled a high-resolution global map of seagrass, revealing areas of loss and recovery, and providing valuable insights for conservation efforts. The map shows that seagrass ecosystems store approximately 640 trillion grams of carbon, equivalent to the yearly emissions of 500 million cars.
A new study reveals that early life experiences shape aging in multiple tissues, leaving a lasting epigenetic signature. Researchers found that aging does not occur uniformly across the body, with some tissues exhibiting strong and distinct age-related patterns.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed an online tool called Cool Routes that uses real-time weather forecasts and shade data to find the coolest paths for walkers. The tool has been shown to reduce heat exposure by up to 4.5 degrees, making hot-weather walking less of an ordeal.
A new mathematical model developed by Arizona State University researchers estimates how much of the calories people absorb from food, considering the role of gut microbes. The model, DAMM, suggests that short-chain fatty acids produced by gut microbes contribute to an average of about 140 calories per day.
A new screening tool tests for microbial metabolites in urine to identify children at risk for autism, with 90% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The test may guide more targeted interventions, including approaches to restore a healthy gut microbiome.
Researchers at Arizona State University measured air temperatures downwind and upwind of data centers in Phoenix, finding a significant impact on surrounding neighborhoods. Temperatures downwind averaged 1.3-1.6 degrees warmer than upwind, with detectable effects up to five city blocks away.
Researchers found bacteria thriving in fog droplets, breaking down pollutants like formaldehyde. The discovery suggests fog is a temporary water habitat for microbes that clean the air we breathe. Further studies are needed to understand the impact on drinking water and weather forecasting.
A new study provides groundbreaking information about the social structures of primates, revealing that single-level societies are more like soccer leagues with exclusive teams competing for resources. Multi-level societies, on the other hand, resemble schools with students divided into classes but interacting regularly.
Scientists at Arizona State University have isolated and studied proteins essential for tularemia's infection process, revealing a potential vulnerability that could lead to new treatments. The research advances understanding of the bacterium's biology and paves the way for developing targeted therapeutic strategies.
Researchers have found that asphalt releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can cause respiratory problems and even lung cancer. As pavement ages, these VOCs become more toxic and can lead to neurological damage. Scientists are working on developing less-toxic asphalt formulations using algae.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new method to understand protein motion, which can aid in designing effective drugs and treatments for cancer. By analyzing natural fluctuations in proteins, scientists can predict larger motions and improve drug design.
Research finds that body size and tracheole count can compensate for low atmospheric oxygen levels, challenging the theory of oxygen-constrained insect maximal size. The study suggests alternative explanations for the existence of giant insects during high-oxygen periods.
A new study finds that the amount of time per year that extreme heat makes it unsafe to go about daily life has doubled since the 1950s, with younger adults facing 2x more hours of heat-related limitations, while older adults face 50% more
Scientists at Arizona State University have developed new materials that can capture carbon dioxide from the air using a low-energy process called moisture-swing direct air capture (DAC). The materials, which are commercially available polymers, were found to capture more CO2 and release it faster when their pores were larger.
Researchers at Arizona State University uncovered a scientific principle governing how nanoparticles interact with water in the body, leading to improved drug delivery. The study measured hydration energetics on biomolecule-coated magnetite nanoparticles, revealing altered interactions, immune recognition, and circulation potential.
Growing evidence shows water insecurity is an increasing challenge in the US and other high-income countries. Rural areas face unreliable access to safe and affordable water due to aging infrastructure, lack of maintenance, and extreme weather events.
Research by ASU professor Anne Stone examines the evolutionary history of infectious disease, tracing tuberculosis from ancient DNA. She identifies recurring patterns in ecological and social conditions that facilitate widespread transmission of pathogens.
Researchers from Arizona State University are addressing the challenges of aging, loneliness and cognitive decline through innovative technology-enabled interventions. The university's Edson College is leading a panel discussion on scalable solutions for older adults living alone with cognitive decline.
Krystal Tsosie emphasizes Indigenous science offers frameworks for equitable governance, accountability, and stewardship in genomics and AI. Her talk at the AAAS Annual Meeting highlights the need to recognize Indigenous ways of knowing and include them in advancing science responsibly.
Sally C. Morton shares a practical framework for aligning research with local and national priorities, highlighting ASU's pioneering model of use-inspired research that strengthens communities through economic, social, and cultural impact.
A new study reveals that a tiny, disordered protein in mitochondrial supercomplexes can increase energy-conversion efficiency by up to 30% through its acidic and flexible region. This 'molecular flycatcher' protein hooks and shepherds electron carriers toward reaction centers, reducing the energy barrier for efficient metabolism.
Researchers have developed a device that cuts sample consumption by as much as 97% while producing high-quality structural data for X-ray crystallography. This innovation enables the study of rare proteins and accelerates drug discovery, unlocking new insights into disease mechanisms.
ASU researchers use DNA to store and protect information in fundamentally new ways, offering a nature-inspired alternative to silicon-based solutions. The approach uses tiny DNA structures that act like physical letters to record and analyze electrical signals, providing high accuracy and scalability.
Researchers from ASU found that status inequality in influence has been part of human societies since early times, with people gravitating towards skilled and successful individuals. This 'prestige' effect creates a snowball effect where popular leaders emerge quickly, shaping group decisions and driving imbalance.
A new study finds that U.S. middle-aged adults experience higher loneliness, depressive symptoms, and poorer memory and physical strength compared to peers in Nordic Europe. This decline is largely attributed to the lack of comprehensive family policies, inadequate healthcare access, and rising income inequality.
Researchers found that adding nitrogen fertilizer to the soil increases plant protein and reduces carb content, making them unpalatable to locusts. The study showed a doubled crop yield in treated plots with fewer locusts and less damage to crops.
Researchers have decoded the logic of microRNA strand selection using AI, revealing a conserved and programmable mechanism governing gene regulation. The study found that this decision follows conserved rules rather than chance, with mammalian microRNAs showing a strong bias towards a single dominant strand.
A new global study finds that nearly half of livestock production occurs in areas with destocking, a process that poses new ecological and land management challenges. Destocking can increase wildfire risk and biodiversity decline, but also enables ecosystems to capture more atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Researchers at Arizona State University introduce powerful tools to analyze microbial family trees and biological data, strengthening microbiome research, disease tracking and environmental monitoring. The new software library scikit-bio provides a foundation for analyzing large biological datasets.
Researchers have identified two previously unknown circoviruses in short-finned pilot whales and orcas from the Caribbean region of the North Atlantic Ocean. The newly discovered viruses, named shofin circovirus and orcin circovirus, represent a distinct clade within the genus Circovirus.
Researchers found that people perceive dogs as happier when they are in a sad mood and vice versa. The study suggests that there is a significant gap in understanding canine emotions, which can impact human-animal interaction and animal care.
Researchers assign a hominin foot fossil from Lucy's time to a different species, providing evidence that two ancient human ancestors coexisted in the same region. The Burtele foot belongs to A. deyiremeda, which retained an opposable big toe for climbing but likely pushed off with its second digit on two legs.
Researchers identified biological markers of inflammation, liver stress, and early damage to brain cells in young adults with obesity. Low blood levels of choline, essential for liver health and long-term brain function, were also found. These findings suggest that metabolic stress and inflammation may begin far earlier than expected.
A new ASU study found that instructors who briefly disclose their identities in class experience a positive impact on students, particularly those from marginalized groups. The study, which surveyed over 2,000 undergraduates across nine classrooms, reveals that even brief moments of disclosure can make classrooms more inclusive.
Genetic engineers design gene circuits to program cells with new functions, but dilution causes loss of function. Researchers use liquid-liquid phase separation to form transcriptional condensates around genes, protecting genetic programs and maintaining stability across cell generations.
Researchers at Arizona State University discovered two new forms of bacterial movement: swashing and shifting strategies. Bacteria can move across moist surfaces using currents created by fermentation, while other types use the type 9 secretion system to glide across surfaces.
Researchers at Arizona State University discovered that SerpinB3 plays a natural role in the body's wound-healing process, helping skin recover after damage. The protein helps activate keratinocytes to rebuild tissue and improve skin strength.
A new study from Arizona State University and the University of Michigan explores the strategic trade-offs individuals make when facing punishment for dissent. The research reveals that self-censorship is a rational response shaped by the interplay of boldness, surveillance, and punishment severity.
A molecular system called PrrAB helps the TB bacterium generate energy and breathe, making it a promising target for new treatments. Researchers have identified an experimental compound DAT-48 that kills several strains of TB, including clinical ones, with potential synergy when combined with existing drugs.
The John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering will train students to blend multiple disciplines for innovative healthcare leadership. Graduates will receive dual degrees and leverage new tools like AI and data science to connect with patients and develop innovative practices.
Researchers developed solar-powered lights to reduce sea turtle entanglement in fishing nets. The LED lights are highly effective, with 63% lower bycatch rates compared to unlit control nets.
Post-menopausal women from the Tsimane forager-horticultural community experience increased blood lipid levels, contributing to heart disease risk. The study's findings suggest a human universal association between menopause and cardiovascular health, regardless of lifestyle choices.
Researchers have identified specialized immune cells in the intestine that produce chemical messengers triggering anaphylaxis. Targeting these chemicals, like zileuton, may offer a new approach to preventing food-triggered anaphylaxis.