ASU Discovers: New Perspectives on Research

PHOENIX…October 17, 2012…Go inside the laboratory and out into the community with Arizona State University’s top researchers as they find novel solutions to a variety of challenges. ASU Discovers: New Perspectives on Research airs Monday, October 22 at 9 p.m. on Eight, Arizona PBS.

Here’s a look at ASU research projects featured in the upcoming show:

NASA bone loss study – Are your bones getting stronger or weaker? Right now, it’s hard to know. Scientists at ASU and NASA are taking on this medical challenge by developing and applying a technique that originated in the Earth sciences. In a new study, this technique was more sensitive in detecting bone loss than the X-ray method used today, with less risk to patients. Eventually, it may find use in clinical settings, and could pave the way for additional innovative biosignatures to detect disease.

QESST – Solar energy has the capacity to meet the total demand for energy worldwide. This segment profiles the QESST (Quantum Energy and Sustainable Solar Technologies) Engineering Research Center and how it’s working to advance photovoltaic science and helping to develop cutting-edge technology in this quickly growing field.

Diabetes of Democracy – Arizona’s Latino community is especially at risk for type 2 diabetes. This segment looks at a unique, interdisciplinary pilot study at ASU that combined theater arts, cooking demonstrations and hands-on learning to transform the ways in which people think about food.

ASU Discovers: New Perspectives on Research is made possible by ASU’s Office of Knowledge Enterprise Development. OKED advances research, innovation, and entrepreneurship at ASU, promoting economic development in Arizona and beyond.