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Arizona State University


Less connectivity improves innovation

In this experiment, participants were asked to discover successive innovations to produce a virtual remedy and stop the spread of a virus. The results show that fully connected groups performed well in the short-run but rapidly converged toward the same solutions.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2016

One rule to grow them all

A new study found that a single embryonic rule regulates hominin tooth size, with variations in the expression of this rule accounting for differences in tooth size throughout human evolution. The researchers discovered that the inhibitory cascade pattern for adult molars is directly linked to the size of milk molars.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2016

Putting a price on nature, literally

Arizona State University researchers develop an equation to estimate monetary value of natural resources like groundwater and forests, accounting for ecosystem changes and human behavior. The framework enables valuation of natural capital on a balance sheet with traditional assets, guiding sustainable use.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2016

Researchers find microbial heat islands in the desert

Researchers at Arizona State University found that desert microbes can significantly warm the surface by producing sunscreen-like compounds, increasing reflectivity and altering ecosystem services. This phenomenon, known as biological soil crusts or biocrusts, could have important implications for global heat budgets and climate models.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 2016

Researchers find that in race stereotypes, issues are not so black and white

A study by Arizona State University researchers found that white Americans' stereotypes of black Americans mirror those of individuals from resource-poor and unpredictable environments. In contrast, stereotypes of whites match those of individuals from more resource-sufficient and predictable environments. The findings suggest that eco...

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 28, 2015

Scientists blueprint tiny cellular 'nanomachine'

Researchers have successfully mapped the structural map of a tiny cellular nanomachine called diacylglycerol kinase, which plays a critical role in bacterial cell wall synthesis. The nanomachine's evolution is an extraordinary feat of nature, and its molecular blueprint has shed new light on how it performs its cellular duties.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 2015

Volcanic rocks hold clues to Earth's interior

Researchers at Arizona State University propose a model of mantle dynamics involving plumes that transport chemically distinct material to the surface, explaining variability in ocean island basalts. This study provides insights into Earth's interior composition and evolution, as well as potential links to habitable planet formation.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2015

Forged in the hearts of stars

A team from ASU and UNC aims to resolve uncertainties in the nuclear fusion process that creates elements forged by stars. They will investigate the range of elements produced by a star, including calcium and carbon, to determine their variation in output.

Who mothers mommy?

A study by Arizona State University researchers found that four factors - unconditional acceptance, feeling comforted when needed, authenticity in relationships, and friendship satisfaction - play a crucial role in keeping mothers happy, healthy, and able to give of themselves. The study, which surveyed over 2,000 well-educated, upper-...

SourceArizona State University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateOct 29, 2015

How bees naturally vaccinate their babies

Researchers from Arizona State University and other institutions discovered how bees immunize their offspring against specific diseases using the bee blood protein vitellogenin. This process enables bee babies to better fight diseases once they are born, opening doors for creating edible vaccines for insects.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 31, 2015