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Arizona State University


Are humans causing cancer in wild animals?

Researchers from Arizona State University warn that human activities are influencing cancer rates in wild animal populations. Studies have shown that pollution, pesticides, microplastics, and artificial light pollution are contributing to the prevalence of cancer in various species.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 21, 2018

Study finds very few pages devoted to climate change in introductory science textbooks

A recent study found that less than 2% of pages in leading biology, chemistry, and physics textbooks discuss climate change. The research team analyzed over 15,000 combined pages from current editions of 16 undergraduate textbooks published between 2013 and 2015, concluding that there is a significant lack of emphasis on renewable ener...

SourceArizona State University·JournalEnvironmental Communication·DateApr 30, 2018

The shapes of water

Researchers at Arizona State University have observed a previously unseen property of water, where it changes from one liquid to another under super-cooling and specific conditions. This phenomenon, known as a liquid-liquid phase transition, was only seen in computer simulations until now.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateMar 8, 2018

Unlocking the secrets of the universe

A team of astronomers has detected the fingerprints of the earliest stars in the universe, revealing a wealth of information about their formation and evolution. The detection provides the first evidence for the oldest ancestors in our cosmic family tree, born just 180 million years after the universe began.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateFeb 28, 2018

Why are there so many types of lizards?

An ASU study has shed light on the biodiversity of anole lizard family trees by comparing their genomes with those of other animals. The research found that genes involved in interbrain development, color vision, and hormones may contribute to species boundaries.

SourceArizona State University·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 23, 2018

Sugar-coated world

Glycans are complex structures composed of sugar molecules that play vital roles in cell communication, immunity, and inflammation. Researchers have created a library of enzymes to study glycans' functions, revealing their importance in health and disease. This discovery may lead to new diagnostics and therapeutics for various conditions.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 18, 2017

Learning from photosynthesis

Researchers have developed a synthetic system for energy gathering, conversion, and transport inspired by natural photosynthesis. The system uses DNA nanotechnology to spatially control and organize chromophores, mimicking the arrangement of densely packed chromophores in plants and photosynthetic bacteria.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 13, 2017