Arizona Science

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.

The Lazuli Space Telescope is slated to be the first of its kind to be completely funded by private dollars. University of Arizona planetary scientist Ewan Douglas discusses the spacecraft designed to be larger than the Hubble Space Telescope, which was launched in 1990. Ewan Douglas spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

A small Earth orbiting observatory called SPARCS (SPARKS) is surveying solar activity that might impact life on faraway planets. University of Arizona planetary scientist Travis Barman describes how data from SPARCS can increase understanding about our own solar system.

REPEAT. Researchers studying prostate cancer have found introducing the disease in mice does not always produce accurate results.

REPEAT. Cochlear implants can open a world of possibilities by restoring a sense of sound and speech. Retired University of Arizona honors professor Ted Glattke is taking the latest research in auditory science to small towns in Mexico, helping children overcome hearing issues.

REPEAT. Studies into Alzheimer's disease have found men's and women's brains age differently, except when men develop prostate cancer. University of Arizona neurology professor Roberta Brinton discusses research on who is more likely to develop Alzheimer's and describes how menopausal hormone therapy might provide a key for treatment.

REPEAT. Recycling wastewater has proven successful in places as diverse as the International Space Station and Disneyland.

REPEAT: Researchers have found non-white Hispanics live longer and have better health outcomes than people from other ethnic and cultural groups.

REPEAT: The U-S Surgeon General says loneliness and social isolation can have a devastating impact on mental and physical health

REPEAT: The University of Arizona-backed OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will return its long-awaited sample of rocks and dust from the asteroid Bennu this week.

REPEAT. Game theory helps scientists produce predictions about how people will behave.

COVID-19 vaccination programs are slowly gaining momentum as people line up for their shots.

REPEAT: What the behavior of birds can tell us about how humans respond to stress.

REPEAT. Astronomer Tod Lauer explains how the process for data imaging has made major technological advances.

REPEAT. The UA-led GUSTO mission which will send a balloon to near space to study the Milky Way galaxy.

REPEAT. Why is it easier for children to learn new information than it is for adults?

REPEAT. Applying knowledge from ants and bees to human engineering, computing, and more.

REPEAT. How the brain controls muscles to produce movement

REPEAT. The role of astronomical themes in the arts.

REPEAT. Of all environmental threats, particles are responsible for the most deaths globally.

REPEAT. The UA insect collection is helping researchers understand more about our world

REPEAT. Studying the dramatic differences between how female and male brains generate the energy they need as the brain ages

REPEAT. New findings provides evidence that climate shifts can happen suddenly

REPEAT. Treating Parkinson's and more with stem cells

REPEAT. The monsoon is changing as our temperatures rise.

REPEAT. Computer-guided practice will speed up surgical learning

REPEAT. The science of superfloods.

REPEAT. Helping threatened honeybees with biology.

REPEAT. How a common parasite might help in treating brain disorders

Geological fieldwork is unlocking details of the creation of the Basin and Range Province in which Tucson sits.