Researchers used dynamical systems theory to understand the origins of plant and animal domestication. They found that changes in resource density, mobility, and population size brought societies closer to or further away from adopting food production. This insight may help explain why farming emerged in some places at different times.
A new ASU project will leverage social media to monitor and analyze conversations to determine significant dangers. The goal is to develop a logic-based framework to understand extremist mindset and motivations, supporting counter-messaging strategies.
A study by Arizona State University researchers found that mass killings and school shootings in the US are contagious, with a contagion period of approximately 13 days. The analysis revealed that roughly 20-30% of such tragedies are inspired by previous events, highlighting the complex dynamics underlying these incidents.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to predict when Yellowstone volcano might erupt again. By analyzing the chemical composition of magma crystals, they found that eruptions can occur within 10 months or 10 years after new magma enters the base of the volcano.
A new study from Arizona State University has revealed the causes of stress-corrosion cracking in metal alloys, leading to a deeper understanding of how to design crack-resistant materials. The research team's findings suggest that certain metals can fracture at high speeds, threatening the mechanical integrity of critical infrastructure.
Researchers found that news media created public panic during the 2014 U.S. Ebola outbreak, with tweets and Google searches peaking in response to news clips. The study used social media data to show how news media manipulated public emotions, highlighting its potential impact on future outbreaks.
Researchers at Arizona State University identify five foundations of multicellularity that cancer cells bypass to fulfill their selfish needs, leading to disastrous outcomes for the organism. The study provides clues about how to diagnose and treat cancer, a disease with rapid evolution capabilities.
Climate change is expected to significantly impact the energy generation capacity of power plants in the Western US, potentially leading to power shortages. Researchers recommend upgrading systems and technologies to withstand changing conditions.
Researchers aim to create a computational model for flying robots to detect specific odors in natural environments. Insect behavior and molecular work will focus on separating target odors from background scents.
A team of researchers from Arizona State University found that Tau Ceti, a popular candidate for supporting life, is unlikely to have planets in the habitable zone. The star's high magnesium-to-silicon ratio could lead to unique planetary compositions and potentially habitable worlds with different geological processes.
Researchers at Arizona State University are working with the University of Tennessee's Anthropological Research Facility to analyze human remains using isotopic analysis. The team aims to determine a person's diet, birthplace, and travel history using oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, strontium, and lead isotopes.
Researchers at Arizona State University have identified a new mechanism of charge transport through DNA, differing from previously recognized patterns. The discovery has important implications for the design of functional DNA-based electronic devices and understanding health risks associated with oxidative damage to DNA.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells exhibit high genetic diversity, driven by convergent evolution and mutation rates, leading to increased treatment resistance. Researchers are exploring a new paradigm that leverages cancer's evolveability to develop more effective treatments.
A new study from Arizona State University examines the environmental consequences of rapid urban expansion in California's Central Valley. The research explores temperature-mitigating technologies and strategies to reduce urban heat island effects, but also reveals potential secondary effects on air quality.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a novel method capable of mimicking Nature's ability to sort, capture, transport and release molecules. This technique sets the stage for continuous and efficient manipulation of a range of molecules relevant to human and environmental health.
A study found a significant decrease in male genetic diversity around 4-8 thousand years ago during global growth, suggesting that wealth and power played a stronger role than natural selection. This decline is linked to sedentary farming and the accumulation of material wealth.
Researchers at Arizona State University explore a new type of battery formulation that could give batteries an even longer life cycle, making them suitable for grid storage and electric vehicles. The study demonstrates highly energy-dense lithium-ion cells with impressive cycling lives.
A fossil lower jaw found in Ethiopia pushes back the human genus evidence to 2.8 million years ago, providing clues to changes in the jaw and teeth of early Homo species. The discovery helps narrow the evolutionary gap between Australopithecus and early Homo.
A new study suggests that understanding species extinction can help drive cancer cells to annihilation. The authors identify two critical factors governing species resistance to extinction: evolveability and robustness to perturbations. These characteristics may have important correlates among some types of cancer cells.
The Arizona State University-SoilCarbon Nation team is examining the adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing management technique to compare its effectiveness with conventional, continuous grazing methods. This approach aims to sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide while improving ranch ecosystems and wildlife habitat.
Scientists at Arizona State University have created a mathematical framework to detect emerging innovation in research networks, identifying key individuals and patterns. The filter, developed by Nadya Bliss and Manfred Laubichler, has promising applications for funding agencies and interdisciplinary research.
A team of bioarchaeologists and archaeologists used isotopic analysis to study the diets of 14 individuals from Paracas Necropolis in Peru, dating back almost 2,000 years. The findings suggest that ancient Peruvians primarily consumed marine products and C4 and C3 plants during their final months of life.
A team of researchers has refined the timeline of meteorite impacts on the moon by analyzing argon isotopes in Apollo 17 samples using laser microprobe technology. The study provides new insights into the lunar impact record and its implications for understanding Earth's early bombardment history.
Researchers from Arizona State University and Georgia State University model the impact of timely diagnostic testing on Ebola's spread across populations. Early detection provides the opportunity to safely isolate and treat individuals before they become contagious, significantly reducing the number of infected individuals.
Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered a novel mechanism driving the evolution of green-to-red photoconvertible phenotype in green fluorescent proteins. The study reveals that hinge migration, driven by long-range dynamic motions, can lead to the acquisition of red fluorescence.
Researchers explore how bacteria survive destruction from antimicrobial peptides and uncover a strategy that can be disabled. A two-component system helps bacteria remove antimicrobial peptides, blocking their bactericidal effect.
New research at Arizona State University's Planetary Aeolian Laboratory found that wind speeds necessary to move sand-size particles on Titan are about 40 percent too low. Dune particles on Titan need winds of at least 3.2 miles per hour to start moving, contradicting previous estimates.
Scientists have developed a new technique to capture the fast dynamics of biomolecules using high-speed X-ray lasers, revealing subtle processes with unprecedented clarity. The study used the photoactive yellow protein as a model system and achieved snapshots of molecular movements at atomic resolution.
A team of scientists from Arizona State University and IBM have developed a prototype DNA reader that can distinguish individual chemical bases of DNA. The device is thousands of times smaller than the width of a human hair and could make whole genome profiling an everyday practice in medicine.
New research from Arizona State University reveals that lonsdaleite is not a separate type of diamond but rather a structurally disordered form of ordinary diamond. The study found defects in the crystal structure caused by shock metamorphism, plastic deformation, or unequilibrated crystal growth.
Research finds that young larvae emit specific pheromones influencing adult bee behavior, leading to increased pollen collection and reduced foragers returning empty. This discovery could benefit agricultural enterprises by optimizing pollination services through colony management.
Scientists created a global geologic and tectonic map of asteroid Vesta, revealing a history of large impacts from massive meteorites. The oldest surviving crust predates the largest impact event, the Veneneia impact, which occurred around 2.1 billion years ago.
A new study published in Current Biology by Feldblum et al. has found that male chimpanzee aggression towards females is an adaptive strategy, increasing mating frequency and paternal likelihood for high-ranking males. Genetic analysis of fecal material reveals long-term sexual coercion as a key factor in paternity.
Scientists mapped magnetic fields in a primitive meteorite, tracing back to the earliest steps of the solar system's formation. The findings point to shock waves traveling through the cloud of dusty gas around the newborn Sun as a major factor.
A study found that fast food marketing tactics are more prevalent in middle-income, rural, and majority-black neighborhoods than in other areas. Marketing strategies targeting children were associated with higher rates of unhealthy food consumption.
Researchers at Arizona State University are developing a cost-effective carbon capture technology using an electrochemical technique. The goal is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants by more than half, with the potential to spur economic development in renewable energy and energy security.
A family-focused intervention program for middle-school Mexican American children has been shown to reduce high school dropout rates and lower rates of alcohol and illegal drug use. The program, Bridges to High School, strengthens core competencies that allow youth to thrive, even when faced with adversity.
Researchers at Arizona State University found traces of 5 antibiotics in shrimp, salmon, and other seafood samples from 11 countries. The study highlights the need for regulation on antibiotic use in aquaculture to prevent resistance development.
A new study examines the trajectory of emerging chemical threats to human and environmental health over 30 years. The research reveals a common pattern of emergence, rising to peak concern within 14 years before declining, and identifies potential stages of concern related to these chemicals.
Researchers analyzed Ebola data to estimate case fatality rates and impact of control measures on epidemic size. They found that swift interventions can halt transmission and prevent outbreaks, with Nigeria's response being a successful example.
ASU researchers are developing artificial genetic polymers composed of threose nucleic acid (TNA) to address emerging health and defense threats. The team plans to search large combinatorial pools for TNA molecules with desired functional properties.
Researchers predict 6,800 new Ebola cases in West Africa by end of month due to increased rate of rise in August. Mass quarantine efforts may have worsened the outbreak by crowding people together in unsanitary conditions.
A new study of intergroup aggression in chimpanzees and bonobos finds that lethal aggression is an adaptive strategy, not a result of human impacts. Analysis of 152 lethal attacks reveals that killing other group members is part of the natural behavioral repertoire of chimpanzees.
The ASU Institute of Human Origins will conduct a multifaceted research project to increase understanding of human evolution, with a focus on cognition, culture, and cooperation. The $4.9M grant will support 11 linked projects, including studies on tool use and large-scale cooperation.
A new approach estimates CO2 emissions from fossil fuels at a global scale, providing detailed information for policy-makers. The 'Fossil Fuel Data Assimilation System' (FFDAS) uses satellite feeds, national fuel accounts, and power plant data to create high-resolution planetary maps.
Researchers analyzed case counts to find consistent high transmission rates, with Liberia and Sierra Leone reporting one to two new cases for every existing case. The study suggests that controlling the epidemic could be achieved by preventing more than half of secondary transmissions.
A team of researchers from Arizona State University and other institutions will develop computer models of stars to simulate the process of element creation. The project aims to understand the formation of heavier elements in the early universe, shedding light on the universe's evolution and diversity.
Researchers at Arizona State University found that smartphone applications like 'Lose It' enhance dietary self-monitoring, leading to improved consistency and reduced missed entries. However, they did not significantly impact diet quality.
Research at Arizona State University and University of Washington found evidence of gender-based gaps in biology classroom achievement and participation. Female students scored 2.8% lower on exams than males with similar GPAs, and males were more likely to respond to questions.
NASA's Asteroid Initiative aims to protect Earth from potentially hazardous impacts. Citizens participate in forums to discuss detection strategies, planetary defense, and asteroid exploration. The initiative seeks to balance costs, risks, and benefits of human exploration in space.