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Arizona State University


City birds prefer rich neighbors

A study of 15 community parks found that bird diversity and abundance are linked to neighborhood income, not park size or vegetation. However, the correlation between trees and bird populations is weak, suggesting other factors, such as cat populations or urban planning, may be at play.

Evidence of martian life dealt critical blow

A team from Arizona State University has questioned the evidence for bacterial life in a Martian meteorite, citing limitations in microscope technology and data selection. The researchers argue that the shapes of magnetite crystals found in the meteorite are not uniquely identifiable with bacteria.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2001

Earthquakes reveal diamonds' origins

By analyzing seismic waves, scientists have mapped the physical properties of the earth below, identifying regions with seismically fast mantle that produce gem-quality diamonds. This discovery could aid in locating new diamond mines by targeting areas with similar characteristics.

SourceArizona State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 13, 2001

Insects caught in a nutrient-poor food web

A study published in Nature found that plant-eating insects have diets so poor in nutrients they impair growth, unlike aquatic animals which thrive on nutrient-rich foods. The researchers analyzed the chemical composition of plants and animals to determine how different environments affect food webs.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateNov 28, 2000

ASU professor finds new twist to old theory

Ralph V. Chamberlin has successfully extended the mean-field theory of ferromagnetism to describe the behavior of ferromagnetic materials at lower temperatures, eliminating the need for an alternative theory. This breakthrough allows for the accurate description of ferromagnets in a wider range of temperatures.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateNov 15, 2000

Meteorite research indicates Mars had Earth-like oceans

A recent analysis of a 1.2 billion-year-old Martian meteorite has shown the presence of water-soluble ions that resemble those found in Earth's oceans. The study suggests that ancient Martian oceans had a chemical composition similar to Earth's, with elements like sodium and chloride present in high concentrations.

SourceArizona State University·JournalMeteoritics and Planetary Science·DateJun 21, 2000

Comets, Like Cars, Leave Carbon Monoxide In Their Wake

A recent Arizona State University study found that comet gas tails contain high concentrations of ionized carbon monoxide, contrary to previous assumptions that they were composed mostly of water. The team's discovery explains why carbon monoxide molecules are more resilient than water molecules when exposed to sunlight.

SourceArizona State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateFeb 18, 1999