Researchers at Arizona State University have received a $1 million grant to develop a next-generation 3D imaging microscope called Cell-CT. This technology enables scientists to observe and assess the functional pathways of disease, such as cancer, by performing CT imaging on individual living cells.
Researchers found that perennial bioenergy crops can significantly impact regional climate, with local cooling effects and altered water balance. The study suggests a broader perspective on the impacts of bioenergy conversion, beyond just carbon emissions.
Scientists have successfully controlled the electrical conductance of a single molecule by manipulating its mechanical properties. The research uses a type of molecule called pentaphenylene and demonstrates that changing the tilt angle can increase conductance up to 10 times, thanks to lateral coupling effects.
Archaeologist C. Michael Barton is revolutionizing the field of archaeological modeling by integrating new methods with a radical shift in thought. His research suggests that even small communities can experience significant environmental impacts from practices like shifting cultivation and grazing.
A recent study emphasizes the importance of considering urban dynamics, national policies, and economic globalization when researching tropical deforestation. The researcher argues that current models are too simplistic, ignoring the complex feedback loops between human decisions and environmental changes.
Attendees of ASU Sustainable Phosphorus Summit emphasize economic opportunities and new industry solutions to 'wicked' problem. Key findings include education, efficient use of P on farms, protection of water quality, and developing affordable fertilizers for farmers.
A 3.2 million-year-old fossil foot bone found in Ethiopia shows that human ancestors walked bipedally with a modern human-like foot, resolving a long-standing debate among paleoanthropologists. The discovery provides strong evidence for the arches and supports a modern-human style of locomotion for Lucy's species.
Researchers propose cancer cells employ ancient genetic pathways, a 'toolkit' from 1 billion years ago, to evade control and develop resistance. This concept offers new hope for personalized medicine and potentially reveals clues about life's history.
Researchers at Arizona State University developed a new method to determine biomolecule structures, achieving over 3 million clear diffraction patterns with the Linac Coherent Light Source. This milestone has significant potential for discoveries in biology, medicine, clean energy, and the development of targeted cancer drugs.
The genome sequences of four ants - red harvester ant, Argentine ant, fire ant, and leaf-cutter ant - have been published in coordinated releases. The international collaborative effort sped up the advancement of these genome projects, providing insights into social behavior and pest management.
Researchers have developed a new microscopy technique, electrochemical impedance microscopy (EIM), that can explore subtle features of cell adhesion, apoptosis, and electroporation. EIM provides sub-micron spatial resolution and is label-free, making it non-invasive to samples.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed synthetic antibodies that can be used for diagnostic tools. By optimizing binding affinity using random peptide sequences, these synbodies show promise in detecting diseases early on.
Gravitational lensing distorts the view of very distant galaxies, making them harder to detect and study. The distortion can be as much as an order of magnitude, potentially boosting the number of visible galaxies by up to 10-30.
A new study aims to shut down the viral assembly line of coronaviruses, a process crucial for their replication. The research focuses on the M protein, which forms the outer shell of the virus and is critical for its pathogenesis.
A new study has identified over 30 breast cancer gene targets involved in drug resistance to chemotherapy, including several novel genes. The findings may aid in the development of a more personalized approach to therapy and early screening for those who may become resistant to treatment.
Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered a core with an iron-rich center, resembling Earth's core, using array processing techniques on Apollo seismic data. The discovery sheds light on the lunar interior's composition and structure, providing insights into the Moon's ancient origins.
Seven ASU engineering faculty members receive $100,000 seed funding grants to tackle Grand Challenges in areas like wireless biosensors, brain-machine interfaces and environmental sensors. The goal is to establish major research centers to drive technological progress.
New research suggests that a large number of high-production-volume chemicals used in US industries are likely to persist in post-treatment sludge and enter the environment. Eleven chemicals were identified as potential hazards to human and environmental health due to their propensity for accumulation and persistence.
Researchers at Arizona State University have identified a broad panel of 28 early predictors, or biomarkers, that may aid in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. The biomarkers were specific to breast cancer patients and not found in healthy women or those with benign breast disease.
Researchers from Arizona State University are studying Anolis lizards to understand their ability to regenerate tissues, with potential applications in treating human osteoarthritis and spinal cord injuries. The team is using molecular methods and the lizard's genome sequence to identify key genes involved in regeneration.
ASU professors Patricia Gober and Craig Kirkwood assess the impact of climate change on water shortages in Phoenix. Their study provides options for solutions, including changing landscape type, limiting pools, and investing in leak fixes. By embracing uncertainty, residents can reduce risk and protect themselves from water scarcity.
Researchers confirm that US western states' unsustainable water practices are causing long-term environmental costs, with salt usage linked to $2.5 billion in crop revenue losses and high-quality produce prices rising.
Researchers detect signal from the Epoch of Reionization, a period 13 billion years ago when the universe was dark and hydrogen gas dominated. The discovery provides insights into how the first galaxies formed and evolved, shedding light on the early universe's history.
Scientists have found a bacterium that can grow using arsenic instead of phosphorus, challenging our understanding of life's chemical requirements. This discovery expands the scope of the search for life beyond Earth and suggests that alternative forms of life might exist in unusual environments.
Researchers from Arizona State University have discovered a calcium-driven pump mechanism in endolithic cyanobacteria, which dissolves carbonate substrates. This finding has implications for coral reefs and mussel aquaculture, addressing a long-standing geochemical paradox.
Scientists have demystified glasses by analyzing the behavior of a metallic alloy as it cools down. The findings suggest that glassy states can be unfrozen and refrozen by changing temperature, contradicting previous theories on strong and fragile liquids.
The American Association of Science has awarded ASU's Ask A Biologist website the Science Prize for Online Resources in Education (SPORE) award. The website, developed by Charles Kazilek, features a range of interactive content, including games, quizzes, and podcasts, designed to engage children in science learning.
Researchers at Arizona State University have successfully produced plant-derived human butyrylcholinesterase, a bioscavenger that can neutralize organophosphate toxins. This breakthrough holds promise for protecting the nervous system from pesticide and nerve agent poisoning, as well as treating related diseases such as Alzheimer's.
The new book examines how nanotechnology can exacerbate social problems while addressing pressing issues. It includes topics such as gender equity, ableism and abilities governance, and practical advice for policymakers and researchers.
The ASU Public Health Law Network - Western Region has received a national grant to create a public health legal training curriculum and exercises. The curriculum will help state and local public health officials, legal counsel, and emergency managers prepare for emergencies by enhancing their understanding of the essential role of law.
Biophysicist Stuart Lindsay's new technique uses recognition molecules to grasp each base in turn, generating a distinct electronic signal that identifies each base. This allows for the reading of individual bases without interference from neighboring bases, including recognition of epigenetic modifications.
Arizona State University has received a $100 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop long-acting insect repellents for malaria prevention. The project aims to create skin-bonding repellents that can provide continuous protection against mosquitoes for two to three weeks.
Research by Arizona State University's Rolf Halden found that triclosan and triclocarban persist in wastewater sludge, soils, and natural water environments, posing risks of bioaccumulation and biomagnification. These chemicals are also linked to endocrine disruption and selective pressure on microorganisms, increasing the likelihood o...
Adolescents are more likely to engage in unprotected sex, despite early education promoting safe practices. Research also finds a decrease in age at contraction of sexually transmitted diseases among younger individuals.
A new study reveals that volunteering helps adults with functional limitations live longer by alleviating a sense of diminished usefulness. Older adults who volunteered were found to have lower mortality rates compared to those without such limitations.
A team of ASU professors will evaluate novel 'soft law' mechanisms for oversight of nanotechnology using the grant. They aim to bring cutting-edge analysis of innovative governance mechanisms to the rapidly-developing technology, focusing on industry groups, non-governmental organizations, and voluntary norms.
Researchers at Arizona State University found that aging bees impair their ability to extinguish memories of unsuitable nest sites. Despite poor learning in the lab, a few old bees still perform well in recalling suitable homes.
A consortium of educators from around the world is urging a radical transformation in international educational reform to address the complexity and diversity of perspective in the 21st century. The group's website outlines 11 principles for rethinking curricula that lack continuity, collaboration, and shared vision.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new 3D cell culture method that better mimics the in vivo environment, allowing for more accurate study of infectious diseases. This innovation has the potential to expand our understanding of disease onset and progression, and could lead to the development of novel therapeutics.
Rivers and streams face threats from human activities and climate change, altering their natural flow patterns and disrupting food webs. This can lead to the disappearance of large-bodied fish species, making them more vulnerable to droughts and floods.
The proposed 2020 CBD goals aim to address biodiversity loss through specific, measurable, ambitious, realistic, and time-bound targets. However, experts argue that the targets must consider trade-offs, timing, and complexity to be successful.
The 'Ask A Biologist' website provides educational content that grew from user requests, featuring expert answers from Arizona State University scholars. The site's popularity has expanded multimedia content, including a podcast competition and real-time interactions between users and experts.
Researchers at Arizona State University and Phoenix Children's Hospital are developing a brain-computer interface technology that allows people to communicate and interact using their own brain signals. The three-year, $469,000 grant will help refine the interface system for use by children and adults with severe brain disorders.
CNS-ASU will continue its research on the societal aspects of nanotechnology, focusing on issues like equity, equality, and responsibility in its development. The center will also pursue educational opportunities and engage with stakeholders to inform decision-making and anticipate emerging technologies.
Two social scientists are studying the pathways to commercialize graphene, examining strategies for research and development and fostering commercialization through external partnerships. The project aims to provide real-time insights into how nanotechnology research moves into early applications, addressing barriers and concerns.
A study published in PNAS reveals that large predatory fish and vascular plants emerged around 400 million years ago, coinciding with a significant increase in oxygen levels. This finding suggests that animals evolved under lower oxygen conditions than previously thought.
Researchers at Arizona State University created nanoscale DNA Möbius strips, measuring 50 nanometers across, using DNA origami and Kirigami techniques. The unique structures have potential applications in biology, chemistry, and electronics.
The specter of climate change is forcing scientists and managers to consider relocating endangered species to new habitats. This approach, known as managed relocation, raises important ethical questions about the feasibility and consequences of such actions. While some argue that relocation can help save species, others raise concerns ...
The NIH has awarded a $7.7 million grant to Arizona State University to unravel the structures of membrane proteins that play a key role in protecting against infectious diseases. The ASU center will target membrane proteins of key viral and bacterial pathogens, their infectious pathways and molecules involved in host defense.
The Arizona State University College of Law has established a regional office for the national Public Health Law Network, providing legal and policy solutions to public health practitioners, policymakers, and advocates. The Western region center will focus on issues such as food safety, health reform, and emergency preparedness in 11 s...