
Episodes
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Reading the feed…
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.
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 spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus in Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.
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 planetary science at the University of Arizona.
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 at the University of Arizona.
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 University of Arizona.
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 University of Arizona.