Life Sciences

This scanning electron microscope image shows the common mold Neurospora crassa. The image is part of a collection created by ASU cell biologist Robert Roberson. The collection has appeared in multiple galleries throughout the Phoenix area.

This image of the fungus Allomyces macrogynus glows with the colors of fluorescent dyes used to stain tissue samples for easier viewing. The image is part of a collection created by ASU cell biologist Robert Roberson. The collection has appeared in multiple galleries throughout the Phoenix area.

Advances in microscopy and bioimaging have paved the way for advances in everything from medicine to computers. But the images seen through a microscope's lens are more than just useful. Often, they are quite beautiful. These days, they are also advancing art.--by Diane Boudreau

The discovery of a dozen 3-foot-tall "hobbit" skeletons in Indonesia generated heated debate among anthropologists. Do the fossils reveal a new species of early human, or were they simply modern humans with a shared genetic defect? The answers may lie in their wrist bones. Matt Tocheri is using 3D imaging technology to find out.--by Nicholas Gerbis

The aye-aye is a rare and bizarre-looking primate, native to Madagascar. Its large eyes are a puzzle to biologists. Why does a nocturnal creature have the ability to see colors? Researchers at ASU are studying this endangered species in the hopes of learning more about the evolution of color vision. --by Joe Caspermeyer

Space flight has been shown to have a profound impact on human physiology as the body adapts to zero gravity environments. New research shows that microbes are affected as well. Space flight may turn normal germs into highly infectious superbugs, according to Cheryl Nickerson. --by Joe Caspermeyer

Paper wasps are primitive social insects. But when a paper wasp larvae slips into the quiet pupal stage, she doesn't know if she'll arise a worker or gyne (a future queen). Unless, of course, she consults with Arizona State University's social insect researcher Gro Amdam. --by Margaret Coulombe

How do primitive social organizations evolve to become more highly sophisticated networks such as those found in some insect collectives called "superorganisms?" Researchers have proposed a new model that may explain the selection pressures that mark the evolutionary transition from primitive society to superorganism. --by Margaret Coulombe

Mom always said, “Eat your veggies and good things will happen. She may have been right all along, according to the results from a new study of zebra finches at Arizona State University. --by Skip Derra

People have touted the healing properties of clays for thousands of years. But do they really have an effect? It turns out that certain clays can kill dangerous bacteria. ASU researchers are studying this clay and trying to figure out what makes it so special. --by Margaret Coulombe