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Arizona State University


A study of skull growth and tooth emergence reveals that timing is everything

A study by Arizona State University researchers reveals that the coordination between facial growth and chewing muscle mechanics determines when adult molars emerge. The study found that human molars come in at a later age due to slow jaw growth and short faces, which creates a mechanically safe space for molar emergence.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2021

Inspired by photosynthesis, scientists double reaction quantum efficiency

Researchers at Arizona State University have created a bioinspired catalyst that lengthens the productive state of chemical reactions, mimicking the process of photosynthesis. By employing proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET), they successfully slowed charge recombination and improved catalytic efficiency.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2021

Scientists discover a host of reasons for the evolution of social parasites in ants

A team of researchers led by Christian Rabeling has discovered the origins and evolution of social parasitism in ants. The study reveals that social parasites evolved from an ancestor that lost the ability to establish new colonies independently, and that highly specialized parasites can evolve from less complex social parasite syndromes.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021

Study suggests earliest use of bone tools to produce clothing in Morocco 120,000 years ago

Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered a worked bone assemblage found near the Atlantic Coast of Morocco dating back to 120,000 years ago, suggesting the manufacture of clothing during this period. The find provides strong evidence for the emergence of complex culture and specialized tool manufacture in early humans.

SourceArizona State University·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 2021

Safeguarding clean water for spaceflight missions

A team of researchers characterized different bacterial populations isolated from the International Space Station's potable water system, exploring their functional properties and long-term interactions. The study aimed to improve microbial risk assessments for human-built environments in space and on Earth.

SourceArizona State University·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2021

New research advances clean energy solutions

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a synthetic diiron-containing porphyrin that can efficiently catalyze the conversion of radiant energy from the sun into chemical energy. This breakthrough has potential applications in creating non-fossil-based fuels and electrochemical cells for renewable energy storage.

SourceArizona State University·JournalChemElectroChem·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

Are laundry and dish pods biodegradable? Not exactly, ASU study shows

A recent ASU study reveals that up to 75% of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) used in laundry and dish pods goes untreated in US wastewater treatment plants, amounting to around 8,000 tons released annually. This raises concerns about the environmental impact of these products, as PVA can sequester heavy metals and alter gas exchanges.

SourceArizona State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 27, 2021

A new model of Alzheimer's progression

A new study from Arizona State University and MIT sheds light on how Alzheimer's disease manifests in patients, highlighting the link between toxic proteins, neurodegeneration, and glial cells. The analysis captures a detailed molecular profile of changes in protein levels and alterations in brain tissue.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Aging·DateJun 14, 2021

Challenging the standard model of cancer

Researchers propose a new atavistic model of cancer, suggesting that ancient genes and reversions to ancestral forms are responsible for cancer's ability to survive and proliferate. The Serial Atavism Model challenges the conventional standard model of cancer, offering a novel perspective on the disease.

SourceArizona State University·JournalBioEssays·DateMay 20, 2021

How to become 'ant-i-social'

Researchers sequenced the genomes of three socially parasitic ant species, finding evidence of widespread genomic rearrangements and gene losses. The study sheds light on the evolutionary consequences of transitioning from social to parasitic behavior, with significant impacts on sensory capabilities and behavioral repertoire.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 2021

How evolution can change science for the better

Researchers developed an agent-based model to analyze the priority rule in science, finding that excessive rewards for priority can lead to lower-quality research. However, reforms like scoop protection can help mitigate this issue. To further improve science, measures like preregistration and criticism of research plans can encourage ...

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJan 28, 2021

Cyber-evolution: How computer science is harnessing the power of Darwinian transformation

Researchers in Arizona State University's Biodesign Center explore how evolutionary computation simulates nature's evolution principles, enabling machines to find novel solutions to complex problems. The study highlights six hallmarks of Darwinian evolution and demonstrates progress in applying these features to AI and engineering design.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateJan 18, 2021

New perspectives in human behavior and culture

ASU researchers Kim Hill and Rob Boyd advocate for a new, fully integrated evolutionary theory of human behavior, combining adaptive behavioral ecology and cultural evolution approaches. Recent studies show that cultural history plays a significant role in shaping human behavioral variation, persisting for hundreds or thousands of years.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateJan 14, 2021