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ARIZONA SCIENCE DESK
The University of Arizona COVID-19 Early Warning Sewage Testing Project detected increased levels of the coronavirus in wastewater testing sites around Yuma County at the end of March. Researchers say the elevated levels mean the public shouldn't be worried, but health officials should stay alert.
April 13, 2021
With nearly everything connected, hackers can stealthily move around once they breach a system. The state’s equivalent to a fire engine for responding to cyberattacks has been called to action in Arizona seven times since 2019. The Homeland Security secretary recently warned that cyberattacks are on the verge of life-threatening.
April 12, 2021
As part of KJZZ's Q&AZ project, one listener asked why has the number of windy days in metro Phoenix increased in recent years. April is most likely the windiest month in Arizona, although it may depend on where in Arizona you are.
→ Got A Question? Ask Q&AZ
→ Got A Question? Ask Q&AZ
April 9, 2021
During the months of the pandemic, many people have suffered tremendous losses — including deep illness and the deaths of loved ones. And — often in the nicest ways — we’re encouraged to get on with our lives and realize how wonderful the future can be. But can that emphasis on positivity be toxic, if we don’t embrace our true feelings?
April 8, 2021
The opioid epidemic continues to be a significant problem in Arizona, according to a new report from the Arizona Public Health Association. That’s despite efforts in 2018 by the Legislature and governor to put a dent in the crisis.
April 8, 2021
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Recently, one research study was completed that focused on whether marijuana could help veterans with PTSD. The Valley’s Dr. Sue Sisley led the study, and The Show spoke with her about some of the conclusions.
April 8, 2021
Beneath the surface, the amount of moisture held in the ground can play a big role in how much water makes it down to rivers and reservoirs — and eventually into the pipes that feed homes and businesses.
April 8, 2021
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Two weeks ago, Arizona was averaging about 500 COVID-19 infections per day, according to Biodesign Institute data. The average is now about 630 per day.
→ Get The Latest News On COVID-19 In Arizona
→ Get The Latest News On COVID-19 In Arizona
April 7, 2021
There are fewer butterflies in the western U.S. now than in the past. Katy Prudic is an assistant professor in citizen and data science in the School of Natural Resources at University of Arizona. The Show spoke with her about how significant of a decline is happening.
April 7, 2021
A bill under consideration at the Arizona Capitol would require parents to opt in before their children could take sex education classes. Parents can currently opt their kids out of those classes, but SB 1456 would reverse that.
April 7, 2021
The pandemic has affected an extraordinarily high number of aspects of our lives, including how and how often we gather together in groups. That has had a dramatic impact on funerals and memorial services. At least in part, that’s also led to an increase in how many cremations are being carried out.
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→ More Stories From The Show
April 7, 2021
In an effort to help pet owners, pets and the community, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, an affiliate of City of Hope, will conduct COVID-19 tests on pets. They will be visiting the homes of pet owners who have tested positive within the past two weeks.
April 7, 2021
Rising temperatures could diminish nature’s way of helping keep carbon out of the atmosphere. That’s according to new multi-disciplinary research from Northern Arizona University (NAU), along with scientists in Massachusetts and New Zealand. Katharyn Duffy is a postdoctoral researcher at NAU and the lead author on this research. The Show spoke with her for more about about how warmer temperatures make plants take less carbon and therefore leave more carbon in the atmosphere.
April 6, 2021
Almost half of the U.S. population vaccinated with at least one dose, compared to only 7% of Mexico’s population. And there are reasons and implications of the disparity.
April 5, 2021
It’s estimated that there’s more than 2 million cacti at Saguaro National Park. That's a roughly 7% increase from the 2010 saguaro census. Still, experts are worried about the low number of young saguaros that are cropping up to replace their towering elders.
April 5, 2021
For many, the social isolation, financial uncertainty and strain on support services caused by the pandemic has made losing loved ones even less bearable. Now, a new study raises concerns about the well-being of the many children who have lost a parent to COVID-19.
April 5, 2021
Clinical trials are an important step in finding treatments for certain diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease which has no cure. But because of the coronavirus pandemic, there are concerns that participation in these trials has been lagging.
April 5, 2021
Arizona has been dealing with a shortage of physicians and other medical professionals for years. And that problem is even more dramatic in rural areas of the state, leaving certain places to rely — in some cases — on one doctor.
→ Get The Latest News On COVID-19 In Arizona
→ Get The Latest News On COVID-19 In Arizona
April 2, 2021
Studies in Germany and the United Kingdom show that 20-70% of COVID-19 patients experience neurological and psychiatric problems months after other symptoms have subsided. A recent review explains some of the ways the virus might affect the brain.
April 1, 2021
Last week, Intel announced it would spend $20 billion to expand its Arizona facilities. That followed on the heels of Taiwan Semiconductor’s plans to invest $12 billion in a north Phoenix factory. But is the area poised to become the “Silicon Desert” that has been pushed for years?
April 1, 2021
