World of Biology

Read about research projects being conducted at Arizona State University. Many of the articles you find on this page are written by graduate students in the life sciences departments. The list is always growing so be sure to come back and visit often.

Marveling at the Marine Biomes

Written by: Robert Wildermuth

The largest biome on Earth is also one of the least explored. Come take a look in the mysterious ocean, a watery world that is home to organisms of all kinds.
Also in: Français | Español

Metamorphosis – Nature’s Ultimate Transformer

Written by: Page Baluch

Transforming robots are favorites of television and movies, but nature has some of the best transformers. Animals that can change in ways that almost seem unbelievable.
Also in: Español

Mighty Morphing Tree Lizards

Written by: Danika Painter

Biologists at Arizona State University hope that by learning more about animal behavior, they will also be able to understand why people act the way they do. Also in: Español

Migrating Monarchs

Written by: Tracy Fuentes

Thousands of orange and black shapes flutter through the trees. Welcome to one of the few wintering homes of the monarch butterfly.
Also in: Español | Français

Mite Mighty Foe to 'Killer' Bees in State

Written by: Paul Matthews of the Tribune Newspapers of Arizona

Africanized "killer" bees have fallen prey to a deadly predator of their own- parasitic mites whose infestation has dropped their wild colony numbers by as much as 70 percent statewide.

Nanobiotechnology: Nature's Tiny Machines

Written by: Julio Bernal, Tara MacCulloch

Fascinating and bizarre interactions control the world around us, at a scale too small to see—the nanoscale. By studying the nanoworld, we can create nanomachines that mimic nature.

Also in: Italiano | عربى

Nanoparticles - A Matter of Scale

Written by: CJ Kazilek

You may not think about it, but size does matter. It is especially true when talking about the very tiny things that exist in the nano world.

Nature's Colors of Love

Written by: Kevin McGraw

Colors are not just for humans. In fact, Mother Nature has been playing with color and love for very long time. What are these colors of love? Are they all the brightest and boldest colors, or is there more to the story?

An illustration of a Darwin moth eating from a Darwin orchid

Nature's dynamic duos

Written by: Victoria Kent

Did you know that inside most figs there is a tiny wasp, or that garter snakes eat one of the most toxic animals in the world? Learn more about how some species evolve together to become friends or rivals.

Nature's Medicine

Written by: Beth Judy

Medicinal plants come in all shapes and sizes. Probably some of the weeds growing in your yard, fields, or even cracks in your sidewalk are medicinal. Who knew there was a different kind of drugstore—a vital and ancient one—all around us?
Also in: Holandés

Not So Scary Scorpions

Written by: Christopher Putnam

Scorpions are often misunderstood. Many people say that scorpions are so aggressive they will sting themselves to death, but this is not a natural behavior of scorpions in the wild.
Also in: Français | Español

Observing the Open Ocean

Written by: Robert Wildermuth

The open ocean is the largest biome on earth and it is the least understood. What undiscovered life might float in the dark, deep, depths of the sea?
Also in: Français | Español

Ouch - Body Defense and Repair

Written by: Kimberly Repp

Ouch! You just got a paper cut on your finger. What happens now? Besides the sting you are feeling from the cut, there are germs on that paper that are preparing to invade your body. For your immune system, this means war.
Also in: Türk

Perfect Python Parenting

Written by: Zachary Stahlschmidt

Being a parent is hard work. Though a snake might not seem comforting to you, pythons are actually very dedicated moms that take good care of their kids.
Also in: Español

Phosphate Fix

Written by: Joshua Haussler, Karla Moeller

You may know that plants need air, water, and sunlight to survive. But they also need a special molecule called phosphate. Learn more about phosphate, plants, and why genetic modification may be able to fix some of our plant problems.
Also in: Español

Pollen - Nature's Tiny Clues

Written by: Vaughn Bryant and Gretchen Jones

Most might be surprised that pollen is being used to catch thieves, illegal drug dealers, murders, terrorists, and even catching those who commit less visible crimes such as making and selling fake prescription drugs.
Also in: Türk | தமிழ்

Puzzling Pathogens

Written by: Steven Hart

You know you're sick, but what might you have? Is it bacteria, fungi, or viruses that are causing your illness? Learn about the differences between these pathogens and about how certain medicines can treat some, but not others.
Also in: Español

Revealing the Rainforest

Written by: Karla Moeller

The rainforest is the wettest biome on Earth and is home to half of all species.
Also in: Français | Español | Italiano | Português

Rising Cicadas

Written by: Tyler Quigley

Every so often, cicadas rise up from their quiet underground burrows to “sing” their best ballads. Aside from their sound, what do you know about the patient, musical lifestyle of these insects?

Sea Urchins Do Research

Written by: CJ Kazilek

No, urchins are not indigenous to the desert. The usual home for Strongylocentrotus purpuratus is the ocean's rocky floor for grazing along the intertidal and subtidal areas.
Also in: Français | Español

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