ASU Insight

While America's presidential candidates stump for education reform, some of the nation's most distinguished scholars are developing research-based recommendations to help our country's next leader formulate effective education policies. --by Verina Palmer Martin

ASU undergraduate Bryan Rolfe conducts research on isotope effects on environmental systems using mass spectrometry. He credits his father for his science-oriented mind, and a high school teacher for winning him over to the world of chemistry. --by Debra Fossum

ASU researchers are using new genetic tools to trace the evolution of tuberculosis, a bacterium that claims millions of lives each year. Their study of the past can help us develop better treatments for the disease in the future. (photo: Janice Carr, CDC) --by Rebecca Howe

Greenhouse gases aren't the only factors that contribute to climate change. New research on brown carbons--nanoscale particles released by combustion engines--may help predict the effects of climate change more accurately. --by Joe Kullman

New research challenges beliefs that the Latino population is only interested in handouts from government. Latinos in Phoenix are willing to pay for local services such as ambulance, library and youth programs--even more so than whites. --by Christine Lambrakis

Butterfly wings, peacock feathers, opals and pearls are some of nature's jewels that use nanostructures to dazzle us with color. It's accomplished through the way light reaches our eyes after passing through the submicroscopic mazes within these materials. Now, a group of researchers has found a simple method for creating this effect. --by Joe Kullman

When it comes to a pandemic flu outbreak, some of the most vulnerable people are the 2.5 million residents of the nation's 18,000 residential care (nursing home) facilities. A team of researchers is figuring out what interventions offer the best protection at various levels of outbreak. --by Skip Derra

ASU computing experts are using satellite images to help humanitarian organizations provide disaster relief to cyclone-ravaged Myanmar. The images could help determine if aircraft could land in an area or if roads are blocked, for example. --by Joe Kullman

Growing up as a Mexican-American youth in El Paso, Miguel Arciniega was taught by his father to be un caballero--a gentleman--who takes care of his family and respects his wife. But his peers encouraged him to be a macho man--sexist, violent and unemotional. Now Arciniega is studying gender roles and values among Mexican American men, and has created an academic scale to define what it means to be a gentleman or a macho man. --by Verina Palmer Martin

The existence of "superbugs" like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) have raised public concern over bacterial infections. A mathematical model that looks at different strategies for curbing hospital-acquired infections suggests that antimicrobial cycling and patient isolation may be effective approaches when patients are harboring dual-resistant bacteria. --by Carol Hughes