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Arizona Science

Explore the latest scientific research and technological innovations taking place in Southern Arizona and at the University of Arizona, all in under six minutes.
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Episodes

Episode 404: Using waste products to create sustainable plastics

Researchers are investigating ways to use waste from fossil fuels to create a new class of advanced plastics. University of Arizona chemistry professor Jeff Pyun talks about how scientists are changing the way companies are thinking about plastic production. He will be the final speaker for the College of Science free lecture series next Wednesday.

Feb 23, 20245 min

Episode 403: Uncovering details about exoplanets

The University of Arizona-backed James Webb Space Telescope has opened new insight about planets outside our solar system. UA planetary scientist Sara Moran reveals the latest knowledge about exoplanets and the bizarre materials that make up their atmospheres. Dr. Moran is one of the featured presenters in the 2024 College of Science lecture series.

Feb 16, 20245 min

Episode 402: Finding twists in tree ring research

Each ring on a tree stump can mark a complete cycle of the seasons, dating back thousands of years. University of Arizona researcher Charlotte Pearson talks about how trees have recorded events through time, from floods to solar storms. She will give a talk on the subject next Wednesday at the College of Science free lecture series.

Feb 09, 20245 min

Episode 401: Revealing surprises about black holes

Scientists began developing theories about black holes more than a hundred years ago. University of Arizona professor Sam Gralla explains why the existence of black holes continues to raise questions about the basic concepts of physics. He will be the leadoff speaker for this year's College of Science lecture series next week.

Feb 02, 20245 min

Episode 400: Studying the ways humans interact with animals

Animals are filling a growing need in the field of therapy and service work. University of Arizona veterinary medicine researcher Maggie O'Haire notes it isn't always dogs who are best suited to help people with physical disabilities and mental stress.

Jan 19, 20245 min

Episode 395: Finding early clues for Alzheimer's

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.

Dec 22, 20235 min

Episode 394: Insect societies and cyberscience

The key to better cybersecurity might be found in a beehive. University of Arizona Ecology and Evolutionary Biologist Anna Dornhaus talks about the strategies bees and ants use to direct collective behavior, and applying those methods to computer software to create better cybersecurity.

Dec 15, 20235 min

Episode 393: New directions in archeological research

Archeologists don't always focus on stone statues and drawings on walls. University of Arizona anthropologist Ed Jolie explains why items like clothing, baskets, nets or string made from organic material can also tell us a lot about ancient civilizations.

Dec 08, 20235 min

Episode 392: Reacting to the rapid advance of artificial intelligence

Some experts think putting more effort into making artificial intelligence more intelligent is better than worrying about it making mistakes. University of Arizona computer scientist Mihai Surdeanu talks about how keeping A. I. systems in check is creating new opportunities for people inside and outside the technology sector.

Dec 01, 20235 min

Episode 390: Exploring space with the Giant Magellan Telescope

The University of Arizona built Giant Magellan Telescope is expected to start scanning the heavens within the next decade. U of A astronomer Buell Januzzi reveals how the telescope's size and scale will put it above other Earth-bound telescopes in its ability to find hidden details between the stars.

Nov 17, 20235 min

Episode 388: How tree ring research is detailing a natural disaster in the Pacific Northwest

A devastating earthquake that struck what's now the northwestern corner of the United States 1,100 years ago is still part of native American legend in the region. University of Arizona tree ring researcher Bryan Black is leading a team discovering more about the event, and reveals how linked fault lines beneath the Earth's crust might pose a further threat to the region in the present day.

Nov 03, 20235 min

Episode 386: How reclaimed water can help solve Arizona's water needs

Researchers continue to explore ways Arizona and the Southwest can draw water from unique sources. University of Arizona environmental engineering professor Kerri Hickenbottom discusses how what was formerly called treated wastewater plays a role in providing water for both irrigation and human consumption.

Oct 20, 20235 min

Episode 383: Finding early clues for Alzheimer's

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.

Sep 29, 20235 min

Episode 381: Getting ready for Osiris-REx's second act

Planetary scientists are re-targeting the Osiris-REx spacecraft for a close encounter with the asteroid Apophis in 2029. New principal investigator Dani DellaGiustina talks about plans to use the robot explorer's instruments for another spectacular mission.

Sep 15, 20235 min

Episode 380: The monsoon and climate change

With climate change already impacting much of the weather around the world, what difference will it make in the Southwest monsoon? University of Arizona environmental sciences professor Mike Crimmins talks about the weather patterns that determine monsoon activity in our region and in other spots around the world.

Sep 08, 20235 min
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