Arizona Science Desk

The EPA set new standards for outdoor air quality. Who sets the standards for indoors?
In February, the Environmental Protection Agency issued new air-quality standards for fine particulate matter. The goal is to make the air outdoors more healthy now and for the future. But what does it take for the air inside a building to be safe to breathe? Well there is no real short answer.
April 1, 2024
The Colorado River rarely reaches the sea. Heres why
For most of its 6 million-year existence, the Colorado River ran from the Continental Divide, high in the Rocky Mountains, downward and west, through forest and red rock, to a lush delta at the northernmost tip of the Gulf of California. Its winding descent carved, among other wonders, what people now call the Grand Canyon.
March 29, 2024
How kids born during COVID-19 quarantines may be affected by allergies
There’s a growing body of research looking into how kids born during COVID-19 quarantines may be affected by allergies going forward.
March 26, 2024
Yuma man is the first person to get the Neuralink brain implant device
A Yuma man is the first person to have a Neuralink implant placed on his brain. Noland Arbaugh, 29, received the implant from the company co-founded by Elon Musk.
March 24, 2024
Once-in-a-lifetime photo of devils comet captured in Tucson
Adam Block, a researcher at the University of Arizona’s Steward Observatory, recently was able to capture a once-in-a-lifetime image of the Pons-Brooks comet in Tucson. He told The Show that there may be an even more interesting comet coming in October.
March 22, 2024
Can America win the chips manufacturing race?
President Biden just awarded $8.5 billion dollars to the company Intel to help fund semiconductor factories in Arizona, Ohio, New Mexico and Oregon.
March 22, 2024
SpaceX launches 22 new Starlink satellites
Aerospace manufacturer SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, lit up the sky across the southwestern United States after the launch of 22 satellites into orbit on Monday evening.
March 19, 2024
Debate rages on about whether Pluto should be classified as a planet
National Geographic writer Eric Alt spoke with The Show about what he learned from talking to pro- and anti-Pluto as a planet astronomers.
March 19, 2024
How Californias atmospheric rains are increasing cases of Valley fever
The atmospheric rivers that’ve pummeled California this winter have caused flooding, mudslides and other impacts. But the phenomenon is also leading to an increase in Valley fever cases in that state.
March 19, 2024
Health officials warn of possible measles exposure in Flagstaff
Health officials in Coconino County are warning of a possible measles exposure in Flagstaff, with one case already confirmed.
March 12, 2024
It does more damage than it does good: Doctor says Arizona has it right on daylight saving time
Arizona's clocks, of course, stay on the same time year-round — Dr. Michael Grandner says that’s likely better for our sleep and overall health.
March 12, 2024
New book from NPR Science correspondent Nell Greenfieldboyce takes a personal turn
NPR Science correspondent Nell Greenfieldboyce has a new book called, “Transient and Strange: Notes on the Science of Life.” KJZZ's Tom Maxedon spoke with her about it.
March 9, 2024
UA student leads research into planet formations using Webb telescope
A study published in the The Astronomical Journal provides new insight into how planets are formed. With contributions from members of the University of Arizona, the findings were based in part on observation of a young star known as T Cha.
March 8, 2024
GCU  hosts Forensic Science Day to grab interest from prospective students
Seniors in Grand Canyon University's forensic science program took part in an event on Thursday to get prospective students interested in the field. More than 1,000 high school and community college students filed into the campus arena to check out various booths and activities.
March 7, 2024
Toilet to tap may be one way to help ease the water crisis
"Toilet to tap" is a catchy phrase used to simplify the idea of putting recycled and purified water back into the drinking supply. The real process is far more complex, resulting in water that's in some cases more pure than bottled water. It's also one solution ADEQ is looking into to help ease Arizona's growing water troubles.
March 6, 2024
How we talk about opioids can affect a patient’s treatment
Policymakers have tried to mitigate the opioid crisis, with steps like limiting the number of pills physicians can prescribe and the types of providers that can prescribe them. Peter Torres says his research suggests how patients and their doctors talk about opioids could also play a role.
March 6, 2024
Dehydration a greater threat than heat stress in bees
A new study examined how honey bees behave in high temperatures. The study found that while heat is a danger, the biggest threat was the possibility of the bees drying out.
March 4, 2024
CDC relaxes some of its COVID-19 safety protocols
On Friday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said people with no symptoms, but who test positive, do not need to quarantine.
March 1, 2024
Why one ASU student is concerned about the universitys OpenAI partnership
Arizona State University announced earlier this year that it would partner with OpenAI, the firm behind ChatGPT. In a new column in the State Press, student Katrina Michalak asks whether the potential benefits of the new arrangement are worth the potential risks to students.
Feb. 29, 2024
How topological acoustics can help us better understand a warming climate
The University of Arizona recently received a $30 million grant from the National Science Foundation. It’ll use the money to create a new center called New Frontiers of Sound. The project will bring together scientists in the area of topological acoustics.
Feb. 28, 2024

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