Cody Friesen, associate professor at ASU, wins the Lemelson-MIT Prize for his invention of SOURCE Hydropanels, a technology that generates clean drinking water from sunlight and air. The prize money will support a project in Colombia to provide SOURCE Hydropanels to communities in need.
The Compact X-ray Free Electron Laser (CXFEL) is a groundbreaking instrument that will help scientists explore various fields of research with spectacular clarity. The device, designed by physicist William Graves, is 100 times less expensive to build and operate than conventional XFELs, offering a precise tool for researchers.
A recent study by Arizona State University researchers found that tarballs, tiny organic particles formed during wildfires, can significantly impact local and global climate. The team's analysis revealed that tarballs form through chemical and physical changes of organic aerosols within the first hours following smoke production.
Researchers have discovered complex social behaviors in kombucha microbes, which could provide clues for understanding cooperation in human societies. By studying the interactions between different species in kombucha, scientists hope to develop new antimicrobial products and interventions for bettering human health.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed new technologies that combine light-gathering semiconductors and catalytic materials to produce clean fuel. The technologies use solar energy to drive chemical reactions capable of producing fuels, which store the sun's energy in chemical bonds.
The ASU/MCC project aims to develop an experiential learning course, fund master's-level students, and engage the community in addressing challenges at the urban-agriculture nexus. Students will conduct research on topics such as urban agriculture production systems and food safety.
A new study reveals that hunter-gatherers, farmers, and pastoralists made significant changes to the planet by 4,000 years ago. This finding suggests a longer history of human impact on the environment than previously thought.
A massive ocean heatwave is approaching the Hawaiian Islands, threatening unique life on Earth. ASU is providing real-time monitoring of coral reef health through its Global Airborne Observatory and Planet satellite program to help minimize additional stress on corals.
Researchers at Arizona State University describe an innovative diagnostic technique that pinpoints molecular signatures of Lyme disease with high accuracy. The method, using a multi-platform approach, uncovers six potential biomarkers for early identification of the disease.
A new study by Arizona State University researchers found that nearly one in four Arizona teens have used marijuana concentrate, a highly potent form of marijuana. The study also discovered that teens who used concentrates had more risk factors for addiction, including lower perceived risk of harm and peer substance use.
A new small molecule drug, DYR219, targets the early instigator of Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting DYRK1 kinase. This approach delays amyloid plaque formation and improves cognitive performance in hybrid mice bred to develop AD-like symptoms.
A recent ASU study reveals that a positive lab environment and enjoyable everyday tasks are key factors in maintaining undergraduate researchers. The study surveyed over 750 life sciences undergraduates and found that 50% of participants considered leaving their research experience due to inadequate support.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed new methods using data science to analyze the motion of single molecules. By leveraging Bayesian nonparametrics, they can efficiently detect and refine signals, reducing acquisition times and increasing the scope of biological research.
Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered the largest known impact crater in the US, which was formed 35 million years ago and lies buried beneath the Chesapeake Bay. The crater's age was determined using a new dating technique, providing valuable insights into the Earth's history.
Researchers have identified a contagious form of cancer in dogs, known as CTVT, which has persisted for thousands of years. The study reveals that cancer cells can evolve and stabilize over time, offering new insights into human cancer development and treatment.
A new study reveals that circular Rep-encoding single-stranded DNA viruses have acquired their genetic components through complex evolutionary processes. The findings show that these viruses are 'obsessive borrowers', appropriating genetic material from various sources, including bacterial and eukaryotic cells.
Paul Westerhoff, an ASU Regents Professor, has been awarded the 2019 Clarke Prize for his contributions to water science and technology. He will receive a medal and a $50,000 prize, recognizing his work on nanomaterials and machine learning in solving global water problems.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to predict seismic activity from wastewater disposal, which can help the energy industry manage injection-caused earthquakes and reduce risks. The team's physics-based framework successfully reproduces the distribution of actual earthquakes by frequency, magnitude, and time.
Researchers used observations and physics theory to estimate magnetic field strengths for four hot Jupiters, ranging from 20 to 120 gauss. The findings suggest that internal heat flux plays a key role in determining planetary magnetic fields.
Arizona State University will create a field-deployable device that can detect epigenetic signatures created by exposure to threat agents in under 30 minutes. The project, valued at $38.8 million, aims to identify and discriminate epigenetic changes to reveal the exact type and time of exposure.
A recent Arizona State University study suggests that scientific engagement can promote belief in a more abstract view of God. Researchers found that experiencing awe from science leads people to believe in an abstract God described as mystical or limitless.
Recent advances suggest that plant viruses are not just disease-causing entities, but can also play a significant role in the functioning of diverse ecosystems. Viruses have been found to be present in humans, with around 100,000 pieces of viral DNA elements making up 8% of our genome.
Researchers have identified a single gene variation responsible for non-male-producing (NMP) trait in Daphnia, a type of planktonic crustacean. The discovery sheds new light on the species' unique reproductive strategies and could lead to innovations in fertility treatment or pest management.
A team of scientists found that iron pseudocarbynes combine with carbon molecules to form molecular chains. These chains have identical spectra to common carbon molecules, explaining the elusive iron detection.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new hypothesis to explain the phenomenon of women being more prone to autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and lupus. The Pregnancy Compensation Hypothesis suggests that women's immune systems evolved to facilitate survival during pregnancy, leading to heightened immune su...
Researchers discovered ancient stone tools in Ethiopia, older than previously known evidence, suggesting that humans invented stone tools multiple times throughout history. The tools, dated to around 2.6 million years ago, show a significant shift in tool-making skills and accuracy, highlighting the complex origins of human innovation.
A team of scientists at Arizona State University has determined the structure of a massive photosynthetic supercomplex, uncovering crucial details about its functionality. The complex, composed of over 700 molecules, is unique in size and complexity, with 591 chlorophylls bound within.
Researchers discovered that whales and elephants have evolved to beat cancer through unique genetic mechanisms. By studying the genomes of humpback whales and other cetaceans, scientists found evidence of faster-evolving parts of the genome that help these animals adapt to their environment.
Researchers at Arizona State University have detected water in samples from the asteroid Itokawa, which suggests that impacts early in Earth's history may have delivered as much as half of our planet's ocean water. The team used ASU's NanoSIMS technology to analyze tiny mineral grains and found they were enriched in water compared to o...
A team of researchers at Arizona State University has made significant progress in optimizing artificial photosynthesis systems that mimic the first stage of photosynthesis. They have developed a way to use DNA to self-assemble structures that capture and transfer energy over long distances with high efficiency.
A team of Arizona State University psychologists tested how people interpret the timing and sequence of physical touches, finding that people tend to prioritize their own action when sequencing events. The study used three experiments to test this effect, with consistent results showing a 50 millisecond delay in perceived time.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to render the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tool 'immunsilent', allowing for reliable and stealthy gene repair. This breakthrough brings CRISPR closer to safe clinical application, addressing key safety concerns.
Ten ASU engineering faculty members have received NSF CAREER Awards to fund their research projects, totaling $5 million over five years. The awards support various specialties, including nanoscale assembly and solar energy conversion.
A tiny piece of a comet has been discovered inside a primitive meteorite, providing insights into the solar system's structure and evolution. The finding is significant as it reveals details about how our solar system took shape during its early stages.
Researchers reveal how the modern human face evolved over four million years, influenced by dietary changes, tool use, and social interactions. The study's findings suggest that the face's shape and features reflect our species' adaptability to different environments and cultural contexts.
Researchers used satellite radar data to map the extent of standing water and measure land subsidence in the Houston-Galveston area, revealing large flooded areas fell outside FEMA designated flood zones. The study highlights the need for revising flood hazard zone maps and resilience plans in coastal regions.
A new study found that Microbiota Transfer Therapy (MTT) led to significant improvements in autism symptoms and gut health, persisting even two years post-treatment. Parents reported slow but steady reductions in ASD symptoms over time.
Researchers at Arizona State University are developing advanced grid models and control technologies to increase the amount of renewable power operating in distribution systems. The goal is to improve grid resilience and performance while ensuring reliable power to critical infrastructures.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to assemble protein and DNA building blocks into three-dimensional cages. The technique allows for precise control over cage structure and size, opening up new possibilities for targeted delivery, structural biology, biomedicine, and catalytic materials.
A study by Arizona State University researchers found that cultural evolution can generate new adaptive knowledge even when individuals don't understand what they are doing. Participants in an experiment adjusted weights on a wheel to optimize its speed, showing improvement without increased understanding.
A recent ASU study found that short-term foster care, also known as sleepovers, can significantly reduce stress in shelter dogs. The study tracked the dogs' stress hormone cortisol levels before, during, and after sleepovers, showing a significant decrease in stress levels.
Researchers measured groundwater loss and storage capacity during 2012-2015 drought, finding a permanent loss of up to three percent of the aquifer's storage capacity. The study provides water resource managers with better tools to monitor groundwater health and implement sustainable practices.
Research on 144 chimpanzee groups found that high levels of human impact significantly reduce behavioral diversity, including the loss of unique tools and hunting behaviors. The study suggests population size and social learning play key roles in maintaining cultural traits.
Researchers found that the hippocampus uniquely represents bound features, such as faces and houses combined, which is essential for forming complex associations during learning. The study's findings have important implications for understanding how the brain's memory systems contribute to learning and decision-making.
Researchers have successfully reversed and made repulsive Casimir forces, tunable and enhanced by external magnetic fields. By inserting a chiral material between plates, they created an oscillatory force with large magnitude, reflecting macroscopic effects of quantum fluctuations.
Proteins exhibit surprising electrical conductivity when connected to electrodes via specific molecules, paving the way for sensitive chemical sensors. The study identifies six proteins capable of conductance, with two specific contacts resulting in highest conductivity.
Researchers have discovered evidence of significant ocean oxygenation before the Great Oxidation Event (GOE), which occurred around 2.5 billion years ago. This finding challenges previous understanding of oxygen accumulation, suggesting it may have extended over large regions of the ocean and even reached the sea floor.
A volunteer astronomer has found an ancient white dwarf star with multiple dust rings, forcing researchers to reconsider planetary system models. The discovery challenges current understanding of how planetary systems evolve and could provide insights into the distant future of our solar system.
Studies show that specific rabbit genes contribute to acquired resistance to the myxoma virus, while co-evolutionary forces drive parallel adaptation between viruses and hosts. The research demonstrates how genetic variations can lead to changes in virus pathogenicity.
Researchers have created a new breed of devices with unique properties, harnessing the power of quantum interference to fine-tune electrical conductance. By controlling quantum strangeness, they demonstrated that electrical conductance can be modulated over two orders of magnitude in single molecules.