Arizona Science

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.

The success of NASA's Artemis II mission is leading to discussion about a long-term human presence on the lunar surface. Former Paragon Space Development CEO Grant Anderson describes the challenges involved in creating a moon habitat for future explorers. Grant Anderson spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Biologists are reporting progress in unlocking the secrets of ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease. The University of Arizona's Russ Buchan and Kevin Rhine describe their collaborative efforts investigating the role genetics plays for patients coping with ALS. Russ Buchan and Kevin Rhine spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

COVID 19 became part of our lives as a global pandemic in March of 2020. Since then, scientists have tracked the phenomenon of Long COVID, where symptoms have lasted well after the patient has recovered. University of Arizona medical professor Sairam Parthasarathy discusses the ongoing research into Long COVID and why so many questions about the disorder remain unanswered. Sairam Parthasarathy spo...

Researchers have been studying data from NASA's Juno spacecraft since the summer of 2016. University of Arizona planetary scientist Bill Hubbard looks back on nearly a decade of discovery from the orbit of Jupiter, our solar system's biggest planet. Bill Hubbard spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

A protein complex inside every living cell that tells it how to grow. Problems with the protein's signaling system can lead to neurological issues. University of Arizona biologist Andrew Capaldi describes how scientists are examining the inner workings of cells. Andrew Capaldi spoke with Leslie Tolbert, Ph D. Regent's professor emerita in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.

Move over Biosphere 2, make room for Biosphere 3. Biosphere 2 director Joaquin Ruiz explains how artificial intelligence is moving the concept into the digital age, taking data and helping scientists develop new theories about the evolution of planet Earth. Joaquin Ruiz spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of planetary science at the University of Arizona.

Scientists are reassessing the potential for life on Trappist 1e, an Earth-type planet orbiting a star more than 40 light years from Earth. University of Arizona planetary scientist Sukrit Ranjan explains why the latest findings are casting doubt on an exoplanet that was once a top candidate for discovering extraterrestrial life. Sukrit Ranjan spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of planetar...

Seven states in the Colorado River basin failed to meet a key deadline February 14 on a plan to conserve their shared water supplies. University of Arizona Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences professor Laura Condon talks about the difficult choices ahead for water management in Arizona amid the ongoing drought. Laura Condon spoke with Leslie Tolbert, Ph. D. Regents Professor Emerita in Neuroscience...

Plasma scientists investigate ionized gases and how they interact with various materials. University of Arizona mathematics professor Lise-Marie Imbert-Gerard is studying how waves of energy travel through plasma. The findings could help scientists improve nuclear fusion technology. Lise-Marie Imbert-Gerard spoke with Leslie Tolbert, Ph. D Regents professor emerita in Neuroscience at the Universit...

Fruit flies have been crucial for researchers developing the basic principles of biology and disease. University of Arizona neuroscientist Martha Bhattacharya describes how the insects became pivotal instruments in learning about human genetics. Martha Bhattacharya spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Many causes of death share the same common factor, the onset of advancing age. University of Arizona biologist George Sutphin describes how our understanding of aging could transform medicine in the future. He will be the first speaker in this year's College of Science free lecture series at Centennial Hall. George Sutphin spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus in Planetary Science at the Univ...

Sonoyta Pupfish are native to southern Arizona and listed as critically endangered. University of Arizona professor Peter Reinthal designed a project that brought the fish to Biosphere 2's Desert Biome habitat and give it a head start on survival. Peter Reinthal spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Los Angeles firefighters battled the Palisades Fire in January 2025. University of Arizona environmental health researcher Melissa Furlong talks about a study looking at the challenges the firefighters are now facing, including changes in blood proteins that can lead to cancer. Melissa Furlong spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

We often hear about feelings that come from our gut. Researchers led by University of Arizona physiologist Maya Kaelberer are working to understand how our gut and brain communicate. Their studies could lead to new strategies for addressing diet-related diseases and more. Maya Kaelberer spoke to Leslie Tolbert, Ph. D Regent's professor emerita in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.

The Trump administration is moving to dismantle some of the world's leading climate and weather research institutions. It's the latest result in the politicization of climate science. University of Arizona Environmental Science professor Kathy Jacobs explains how explaining climate science has turned increasingly difficult over the past several years. Kathy Jacobs spoke with Leslie Tolbert, Ph. D....

Scientists from around the world have spent two years examining material brought back to Earth from the asteroid Bennu by the University of Arizona-backed Osiris REx mission. U of A planetary scientist Jess Barnes discusses some of the findings from the Bennu samples, including how one of the minerals resembles ordinary kitchen table salt. Jess Barnes spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of...

Many tribal communities are using sustainable practices associated with their culture, but water access is still an issue. University of Arizona environmental professor Karletta Chief discusses how tribes are adapting to drought conditions and ensuring there's enough water for farms and homes. Karletta Chief spoke with Leslie Tolbert, Ph. D Regent's professor in Neuroscience at the University of A...

The rapid influence of artificial intelligence is making choice-making behavior more important than ever. University of Arizona marketing professor Martin Reimann discusses how potential consumers who can detect AI in advertising are less likely to choose those products over others. Martin Reimann spoke with Leslie Tolbert, Ph. D. Regent's professor emerita in Neuroscience at the University of Ari...