One day soon a biosensing nanodevice may eliminate long lines at airport security checkpoints and revolutionize health screenings for diseases like anthrax, cancer and antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Even more incredible than the device itself, is that it is based on the world's tiniest rotary motor: a biological engine measured on the order of molecules. --by Margaret Coulombe (Read the full text in SOLS News)

By attempting to solve avian E. coli infections in poultry, ASU researchers are hoping to also protect people against Salmonella, the leading cause of food-borne illness. --by Joe Caspermeyer

Scientists have developed a method that extends the power of fluorescence-mediated bioimaging to see discrete pigments inside live cells of bacteria. The method is providing fresh insights into what happens on a molecular level during photosynthesis. It also promises to provide important information about the inner workings of cells as they engage in the process of collecting sunlight and turning it into chemical energy. --by Skip Derra

Scientists have long known that most compounds in living things exist in mirror-image forms. The two forms are like hands; one is a mirror reflection of the other. But amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, are all "left-handed," while the sugars of DNA and RNA are "right-handed." ASU scientists have found new evidence that extraterrestrial amino acids, found in meteorites, are also largely left-handed. Their work suggests that precursor molecules, the aldehydes, also carried an excess of left-handedness. --by Jenny Green

Imagine a planet where everyone and everything is named Bob. The "unbelievably sexy" Hugh Downs narrates this laugh-out-loud video explaining the nature of taxonomy--the system for naming and classifying species--and why it's important. Here's everything you never realized you wanted to know about taxonomy!

Researchers have cracked the genetic code of a bacterium that harvests far-red light by making a rare form of chlorophyll (chlorophyll d). The bacterium, Acaryochloris marina, uses light from a part of the spectrum that few other organisms can use. Understanding how it works could help drive advances in agriculture and bioenergy. --by Skip Derra

An unusual new species of whirligig beetle from India has been named Orectochilus orbisonorum in honor of the late rock and roll legend Roy Orbison and his widow Barbara. ASU entomologist Quentin Wheeler announced the description and discovery of the beetle species Jan. 25 during a Roy Orbison Tribute Concert at ASU. Barbara was also presented with an original print titled "Whirligig," created by ASU's CJ Kazilek.

ASU researchers are using bacteria and sunlight to generate hydrogen, a clean fuel that produces no greenhouse gases. The biohydrogen project aims to harness the energy in sunlight using microbial photosynthesis to produce hydrogen. --by Skip Derra

The elusive Gila monster hides a nifty trick under its belt--a bladder that acts like a canteen, making up 20 percent of its body weight when full. The adaptation lets the lizard survive up to 95 days without access to water--long enough to endure the rigors of the Sonoran Desert. --by Margaret Coulombe

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.

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

Butterflies have taken their colors and flash seriously--into the ultraviolet wavelengths where humans cannot see, but butterflies can. They utilize pigments and nanoscale structures that make human nanofabrication look downright crude, and make female butterflies swoon. (full text in SOLS News)

By crystallizing and imaging photosystem I, scientists are learning how the 2.5-billion-year-old process of photosynthesis actually works. --by Diane Boudreau

When it comes to the social behavior of honeybees, evolution may have taught old genes some new tricks.--by Dan Jenk

In frogs, a chemical called Allurin acts like designer perfumes. Males are lured to the right spot to meet Princess Froggy. If it's good enough for frogs, what about humans? --by Margaret Coulombe

Antarctica is one of the most rapidly warming regions on Earth. ASU’s Tad Day studies the dance of tundra and ice as they move across the landscape in response to the accelerating beat of warming temperatures. --by Adelheid Fischer