Microbiology

A series of microscopic time-lapse images show microtubules in the fungus 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.

Cell nuclei appear like spindles along the filaments of the cytoskeleton during cell division. This image is part of a collection created by ASU cell biologist Robert Roberson. The collection has appeared in multiple galleries throughout the Phoenix area.

An ASU research team, led by John Chaput, is trying to mimic the process of Darwinian evolution in the laboratory by evolving new proteins from scratch. Using new tricks of molecular biology, the scientists have evolved several new proteins in a fraction of the 3 billion years it took nature.--by Joe Caspermeyer

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

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

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