Researchers have successfully reengineered the Photosystem I complex to produce biohydrogen, a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The innovation could lead to the creation of low-cost, renewable energy platforms using sunlight and water.
A new framework, called a 'detectability index,' has been developed to help scientists narrow down the field of exoplanets that require additional study. The index takes into account factors such as oxygen levels and water content on planets, providing a tool for prioritizing targets for observation.
Researchers at ASU have found a unique SARS-CoV-2 mutation with 81 deleted letters, similar to one from the 2003 SARS outbreak. The discovery was made using next-generation sequencing technology and has attracted global interest from scientists, including the World Health Organization.
Researchers propose a new 15-rank classification scheme to categorize coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2 within the vast virosphere. The system groups RNA viruses and DNA viruses into distinct realms, enabling clear communication among virologists.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to monitor the novel coronavirus in wastewater, offering a new approach to tracking disease outbreaks and identifying hotspots. This technique uses reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT qPCR) to detect viral RNA genomes in wastewater samples.
The Caribbean coral reef decline began in the 1950s and 1960s due to local human activities such as fishing and land-clearing. Researchers used fossil data, historical records, and underwater survey data to reconstruct the abundance of staghorn and elkhorn corals over the past 125,000 years.
A team of international researchers has provided a mineralogy lab study for water-rich exoplanets, revealing an unexpected new solid phase with silicon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The findings suggest that the distinction between water and rock layers in these planets may be 'fuzzy' at high pressure and temperature.
A new model developed by Arizona State University researcher Adam Lampert suggests that countries should work together to control the spread of harmful species, including diseases like COVID-19. The model indicates that in some cases, a clear division of labor may be necessary, while in others collaboration is more effective.
A new study using wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) analyzes caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol consumption in a large university population, providing valuable data on psychotropic compound use. The findings highlight the utility of long-term monitoring networks for improving student health and identifying disease trends.
Recent discoveries by ASU professors Xiaojun Tian and Xiao Wang explore the impact of memory circuit topologies on host cell behavior, revealing a first in the field of synthetic biology. The research expands scientific understanding of complex interactions between engineered gene circuits and biological host cells.
Researchers at Arizona State University found that activating the anterior insula restored prosocial behaviors in animals with opioid addiction, a potential breakthrough in treating social behavioral deficits. The study used chemogenetic methods to selectively activate the brain region involved in both prosocial and addictive behaviors.
Researchers unveil 2 million-year-old Homo erectus skull, shedding light on three co-existing human ancestors in Africa. The discovery confirms African origin of Homo erectus and provides insights into childhood growth and development.
A new study published in Science Advances used CT-scanning technology to view fossil skulls of Australopithecus afarensis and shed light on the evolution of brain organization and growth. The research reveals that while Lucy's species had an ape-like brain structure, the brain took longer to reach adult size.
Research reveals a significant decline in aboveground carbon storage along Malaysian Borneo's forest edges, impacting the global carbon budget. The study found that buffer zones could mitigate edge-related declines in forest carbon stocks.
The Network for Computational Modeling in Social and Ecological Sciences (CoMSES Net) is a global clearinghouse for computer models that can simulate the spread of the coronavirus. Thousands of scientists are developing these models, but their assumptions and algorithms need to be scrutinized and improved upon.
Researchers suggest that infectious agents may play a role in Alzheimer's disease, challenging the current amyloid hypothesis. Recent studies have linked certain viruses and bacteria to AD pathology, sparking fresh interest in this unorthodox approach.
Researchers found that gastric bypass surgery alters both fecal and mucosal microbiomes, leading to improved metabolic outcomes. The study suggests manipulating the gut microbiome could be a potential alternative to surgery for sustained weight loss.
A new study reveals unprecedented details of the bacterium Francisella tularensis' key membrane protein Flpp3, responsible for its virulence. The researchers used X-ray free electron laser technology to gather detailed structural information, which will help develop targeted drugs and effective vaccines against tularemia.
Researchers have developed a new technique to detect point mutations relevant to human health, providing accurate early diagnosis and guiding therapy. The method, called SNIPRs, can be applied in living cells and offers a rapid, highly accurate, and inexpensive means of identifying mutations.
A new theoretical framework based on adaptive phenotypic plasticity explains why cultures differ, providing insights into human behavior and making predictions about cultural variation. The framework suggests that proximity to family is related to high rates of prosocial behaviors.
A team of researchers studied microbial communities in the Cuatro Cienegas Basin, a nutrient-poor ecosystem that may resemble early Earth and past Martian wetlands. They found that organisms in these environments have evolved to process biochemical information efficiently, with species adapted to low-resource strategies dominating nutr...
Social media pages can become memorials when someone dies, but digital ownership and access are unclear. Faheem Hussain explores these issues in his research, highlighting the need for global solutions to ensure data management is inclusive and secure.
Research by Arizona State University's Tess Neal found that psychological tests used in courts are not always scientifically valid and are rarely challenged. The study examined 364 commonly used psychological assessment tools and found that only about 40% have generally favorable reviews of their psychometric properties.
A recent study highlights journalism's role in preventing the spread of misinformation, particularly in science and health. According to Dan Gillmor, co-founder of the News Co/Lab, journalists have a special duty to avoid being fooled and help consumers learn to sort out truth from falsehood.
A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine explores the role of citizen science in supporting science learning and education. The study found that citizen science can facilitate large-scale research, provide opportunities for diverse perspectives, and enhance science education when designed with inc...
Long-standing human stressors like agricultural run-off and overfishing have contributed to coral reef die-offs. Coral communities were being transformed by human activities much earlier than previously thought, according to recent studies.
Stephanie Gil, an assistant professor at Arizona State University, has been awarded a Sloan Research Fellowship for her groundbreaking robotics research. Her work focuses on coordinating control across systems of multiple robots, with implications for search and rescue operations and emergency services.
A new study suggests that human cooperativity is an outcome of competition between cultural groups. Researchers found that culturally different groups compete, leading to the spread of traits that give groups a competitive edge, including cooperation.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new method called TREE to edit genes implicated in Alzheimer's disease, achieving 90% efficiency in human stem cells. The breakthrough uses base editors to make single DNA edits with high accuracy, paving the way for personalized medicine and disease modeling.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed bioinspired materials with tailored physical properties for various industries. The new materials are inspired by nature's mechanisms and can be custom-tailored to suit specific needs, offering a cheaper and more efficient alternative to conventional catalysts.
Infants integrate both personal and observational learning to decide how and when to attempt tasks, rather than randomly mimicking others. They use a cost-benefit analysis approach, considering the potential risks and rewards of persistence.
Grasshoppers adjust their cardiovascular and respiratory activity in response to gravity, with mechanisms similar to those found in vertebrates. The study reveals that insects have functional valves and can control fluid flow to prevent blood pooling in the brain.
A recent study published in Science Advances analyzed a shocked meteorite sample, revealing the presence of bridgmanite and metallic iron nanoparticles. Bridgmanite is considered the dominant material in the Earth's lower mantle, making up about 38 volume percent of our planet.
Scientists from Arizona State University led a broadest study to date assessing how Bornean elephants utilize different landscapes in Sabah. They found that elephants actively avoided urbanized areas, preferring to travel along ridgelines, and that they required less space than previously thought.
A new project aims to connect networks of groups developing sustainable and resilient cities worldwide. The NATURA network will link early-career scholars and practitioners to share knowledge on climate change resilience.
Research reveals that current patterns of tropical and subtropical mammal diversity are shaped by both past and present climate and human impacts, with specific effects varying by region. The study found that legacies of the ancient past continue to structure patterns of life on Earth today.
A global survey of over 7,000 people from 27 countries reveals that kin care and long-term relationships are the most important motivations in life, surpassing mate seeking. People who prioritize family values tend to be more satisfied with their lives and have better well-being.
Researchers have developed a new technique to study flagellate organisms, tiny eukaryotic creatures that provide clues about the emergence of complex life on Earth. By analyzing mitochondrial DNA and exploiting unique protein structures, scientists can fill in the gaps of the eukaryotic puzzle and better understand the history of life.
Researchers developed a new dynamic measurement model that uses standardized test scores to predict future academic performance, capturing what is going on in the data and predicting learning potential three times better than existing methods.
Researchers from Arizona State University uncover the structure and function of plant telomerase RNA, a 'missing link' between ciliates and humans. This discovery may hold promise for extending human lifespan and improving health in elderly individuals by understanding the regulation of telomerase enzyme.
Arizona State University received five prestigious Department of Energy awards totaling $9.8 million to advance solar energy research and development. The funding will support projects to lower solar electricity costs, boost manufacturing, and make solar systems more resilient.
The J.M.K. Innovation Prize recognizes 10 non-profit and mission-driven organizations addressing pressing challenges through social innovation, providing up to $175,000 in funding over three years. The award aims to shine a spotlight on innovators tackling issues in under-resourced parts of America.
Researchers at Arizona State University found that some aquatic plants depend on the landscape for carbon through bicarbonate extraction, not just atmospheric CO2. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding how freshwater ecosystems function and respond to environmental changes.
Researchers used ultrashort X-ray pulses to study Photosystem I, a large biomolecular system converting sunlight into chemical energy. This breakthrough paves the way for time-resolved studies on electron transfer in photosynthesis, with potential applications in medicine and next-generation solar energy storage.
Researchers discovered enzymes can efficiently conduct electricity under proper conditions, enabling new innovations in medical diagnostics and DNA sequencing. The study's findings could lead to the development of biological parallel processors and revolutionize the field of nanotechnology.
A new research project will improve solar cell technology and explore new uses for photovoltaic devices. The collaboration includes five universities in three countries, with a focus on additive manufacturing and 3D printing for low-cost solar cell production.
Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered a common source of tumor mutations that could lead to the development of universal cancer vaccines. They found that errors in RNA transcription and splicing in tumors can produce unique protein fragments, or peptides, that can be recognized by the immune system.
A study by Arizona State University found that urban agriculture can meet 90% of Phoenix's current annual fresh produce consumption. The city could also increase green space by 17% and reduce CO2 emissions by displacing energy use equivalent to 6,000 homes.
A study published in the journal Aging Cell found that a lifelong dietary regimen of choline can improve spatial memory and reduce AD-like symptoms in female mice. Choline supplementation also reduces microglia activation, offering protection from brain inflammation and neuronal death.
A new test measures protein albumin proportions in blood plasma and serum samples to establish their integrity, addressing concerns about degraded samples producing spurious results. The study highlights the importance of proper sample handling and storage conditions to maintain reliability in medical research.