Arizona Science

Arizona water researchers came out with a major study on boosting groundwater supplies. University of Arizona environmental sciences professor Neha Gupta contributed to the report and discusses its impact on the state's water future. Neha Gupta spoke with Erika Hamden, astrophysics professor at the University of Arizona.

Scientists are researching the smallest tools for advanced electronics. University of Arizona Materials Science professor Zafer Mutlu works with objects too small to be seen with the naked eye or even standardized microscopes. He describes how nano technology can make electronics stronger under extreme conditions. Zafer Mutlu spoke with Erika Hamden, professor of astrophysics at the University of Arizona.

A drug called Rapamycin impacts the immune system to help organ transplant patients accept foreign tissue. University of Arizona pharmacy professor Bonnie LaFleur says researchers have discovered it can also be useful as an anti-aging drug. Bonnie LaFleur spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Radio astronomers search the sky for sources sending out invisible light, including black holes and exploding stars. University of Arizona researcher Kate Alexander investigates locations known to emit radio light, and links her findings with other types of light on the electromagnetic spectrum. Kate Alexander spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Plant scientists are discovering the original variant of popular crops might bring a higher quality of produce. University of Arizona professor Alonso Favela explains why returning to the past could be necessary for advancing sustainable agriculture. Alonso Favela spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Evidence found in tree rings has uncovered massive mudflows that shaped the Pacific Northwest 500 years ago. University of Arizona researcher Bryan Black discusses how seismic activity that rocked Mount Rainier in the 16th century turned the landscape into what we see today. Bryan Black spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

The latest in a series of outer space observatories is sending back images and data from Earth orbit. University of Arizona planetary scientist Daniel Apai discusses the new Pandora Space Telescope, and what it is expected to tell astronomers about exoplanets and their atmospheres. Daniel Apai spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Nuclear fusion holds the promise of solving the world's energy challenges. University of Arizona researcher Tomas Diaz de la Rubia discusses the latest breakthroughs in developing nuclear fusion and how it has advantages over currently-operating nuclear power plants.Tomas Diaz de la Rubia spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Scientists have spent decades studying whale fossils found on land near the Chile's Pacific coast. University of Arizona Geosciences professor Barbara Carrapa discusses how volcanic activity in the Andes Mountains actually led to the demise of the whales seven million years ago. Barbara Carrapa spoke with Erika Hamden, professor of Astrophysics at the University of Arizona.

Evolution plays a role in why some species have more longevity than others. University of Arizona molecular scientist George Sutphin discusses how the process of aging produces what is naturally best for animals ranging from sharks to humans.George Sutphin spoke with Erika Hamden, astrophysicist at the University of Arizona.

A common antibiotic designed to help kids with breathing problems isn't performing as expected. University of Arizona pediatrics professor Fernando Martinez discusses why certain medications are not effective for treating asthma, and could lead to increased hospital stays instead. Fernando Martinez spoke to Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Some parts of southern Arizona have received higher-than-usual rainfall this summer. National Weather Service forecaster Julia Tetrault discusses what is making the monsoon more active than previous years, and why the conditions are just right for rain in southern Arizona. Julia Tetrault spoke with Erika Hamden, astrophysicist at the University of Arizona.

Scientists have discovered when one plant or animal faces extinction, the whole ecosystem is threatened. Michael Robinson with the Center for Biological Diversity talks about protecting the Mexican gray wolf in southern Arizona, and how it is crucial to wildlife patterns across the region. Michael Robinson spoke with Erika Hamden, Astrophysics professor at the University of Arizona.

Scientists have discovered certain plants get a head start on survival in drought conditions. University of Arizona researcher Alexander Bucksch discusses how some root systems use tiny hooks that bring in water and keep plants alive. Alexander Bucksch spoke with Erika Hamden, Astrophysics professor at the University of Arizona.

A new space telescope called PUFFINS will soon be viewing faraway stars through interstellar dust. University of Arizona astronomer Ramya Anche talks about solving the mysteries of polarization and stellar evolution using tools found only in outer space. Ramya Anche spoke with Erika Hamden, astrophysicist at the University of Arizona.

Warnings about hurricanes and tornadoes help save lives, but researchers are beginning to study how alerts about extremely hot and cold weather can make a difference, too. University of Arizona economics professor Derek Lemoine discusses the connection between better weather forecasts and mortality rates. Derek Lemoine spoke with University of Arizona astrophysics professor Erika Hamden.

Ongoing research into the forever chemicals known as PFAS is putting an emphasis on the health risks firefighters face. University of Arizona public health professor Melissa Furlong discusses her studies regarding firefighters and their exposure to cancer-causing PFAS chemicals. Melissa Furlong spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Scientists are discovering more facts about how dogs age and what humans can learn from them. University of Arizona veterinary researcher Evan MacLean discusses the similarities between dogs and people when it comes to cognitive decline in their twilight years. Evan MacLean spoke to Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

A new study suggests we are facing a literal loss for words. University of Arizona psychology professor Mattias Mehl discusses the impact of people speaking hundreds of fewer words every day, and how devices like supermarket self-checkouts have eliminated ordinary chit-chat. Mattias Mehl spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

If you feel "butterflies in your stomach" during times of anxiety, it is likely your brain communicating with your gut. University of Arizona physiologist Maya Kaelberer discusses how the gut connects with the nervous system and impacts our behavior. Maya Kaelberer spoke with Erika Hamden, professor of Astrophysics at the University of Arizona.