Spring/summer 2007

A mosaic image made with data from ASU's Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) shows a massive landslide in the Martian canyon Noctis Labyrinthus. --by Robert Burnham

Galaxy NGC 1672 is an active star-forming galaxy in Earth's cosmic backyard. ASU astronomer Rogier Windhorst uses pictures like this Hubble image to study the birth and evolution of these giant wonders.

Frustrated by frequently losing battery power in your laptop computer, digital camera, or portable music player? Take heart. A better source of "juice" is in the works. --by Joe Caspermeyer

Long used in spas as a beauty treatment, French green clay may have more power than people realize. ASU researchers are studying the antibacterial properties of this clay in the hopes that it may be used to heal as well as beautify. Here is some more dirt on the stuff we call clay. --by Margaret Coulombe

Artist John Risseeuw's medium is "the stuff of tragedy." He makes his own paper using materials straight from his subject matter. In the Paper Landmine Project, he presents art about landmines on papers he made from the clothing of landmine victims and currency from countries that produce landmines. --by Jessica McCann

Steve Doig challenges his journalism students to use the computer to enhance their stories and give context to the larger issues facing society. He also conducts research to give American newspapers a view of whether their staffs represent the communities they serve. --by Candace S. Hughes

The U.S. government debt is massive and growing out of control. Our debt is a burden on our grandchildren. Those are statements that most Americans have become accustomed to hearing. Edward Prescott says they are two of seven widely propagated myths. --by Carrie Barnett

What do cancer clusters and galaxy clusters have in common? Quite a bit, it turns out. Astronomer Rogier Windhorst has discovered that software he uses to analyze telescopic images can also be used to effectively detect cancer cells and early signs of diabetes. --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

Some people bounce back well from traumatic events or from life's many defeats, large or small. Others lack the skill. ASU scientists are studying the natural capacity for "resilience" among older Americans. --by Adelheid Fischer