Explore every episode of the podcast Arizona Science

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.

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. Regent's professor in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.

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 Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

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 Arizona.

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 Arizona.

Scientists are learning about the current drought in the Southwest by studying climate change in the past. University of Arizona researcher Ellie Broadman discusses drought evidence found in tree rings that show what happened in the jet stream before man-made global warming took place. Ellie Broadman spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus in Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Generative artificial intelligence is emerging as a tool to look at how people learn language. University of Arizona professor Gondy Leroy discusses research into how advanced machine learning can help families diagnose autism through the way their children acquire speaking skills. Gondy Leroy spoke with Leslie Tolbert, Ph. D. Regent's professor in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.

Squirrels are notorious for being somewhat anti-social creatures. A team of researchers is trying to understand how the animals share crucial microbes that keep them healthy. University of Arizona evolutionary biologist Lauren Petrullo discusses the behavior of squirrels that leads to microbial exchange. Lauren Petrullo spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

People have spent decades trying to find a way to measure the dimension of imagination. University of Arizona neuroscientist Jessica Andrews-Hanna discusses what happens in our brains when we find ourselves lost in thought, or when we develop brand new ideas. Jessica Andrews-Hanna spoke with Leslie Tolbert, Ph.D. Regent's professor emerita in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.

Firefighters have found extensive underground burrows dug by prairie dogs helped them halt the advance of wildfires in some Western states. University of Arizona researcher Courtney Duchardt discusses data suggesting prairie dog colonies can alter landscapes and reduce wildfire spread and intensity. Courney Duchardt spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Tens of billions of pounds of wasted food ends up in landfills in the United States each year. University of Arizona professor Goggy Davidowitz is leading a team developing a system that collects food waste and dries it in a vertical greenhouse, so it can be used to fertilize fields and feed livestock. Goggy Davidowitz spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Researchers know dark matter exists in the universe, but the evidence is hard to find. University of Arizona astronomy professor Dennis Zaritsky explains how scientists are exploring the space between galaxies to resolve this decades-old mystery. Dennis Zaritsky spoke to Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of planetary science at the University of Arizona.

An organization that helps researchers win grants for their work on the University of Arizona campus nearly shut down because of the Trump administration's funding freeze earlier this year. BRISA Center for the Environment director Paloma Beamer discusses how it is continuing its mission despite losing support from the federal government. Paloma Beamer spoke with Leslie Tolbert, Ph. D Regent's professor emerita in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.

It's been almost 20 years since Pluto lost its status as the ninth planet in our solar system. Now astronomers think they have identified a candidate to take its place. Katherine Volk with the Tucson-based Planetary Science Institute discusses a rare object that is orbiting the sun in step with the eighth planet, Neptune. In this extended episode, Katherine Volk spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus in Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Astronomers released the first photographs from the Vera Rubin Observatory two months ago. Operations director Robert Blum describes how the University of Arizona-backed instrument is creating anticipation among scientists for new discoveries about the universe.

Dryland farming has been a staple for indigenous desert communities for centuries. University of Arizona professor Michael Kotutwa Johnson discusses how modern solutions to growing crops during the drought can be developed through traditional farming methods practiced on tribal lands. Michael Kotutwa Johnson spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Some of the earliest known evidence of humans living in and around southern Arizona and New Mexico has been traced to around 23,000 years ago. University of Arizona archeologist Vance Holliday discusses his finds near White Sands Missile Range and how they add to the book of human history in the region. Vance Holliday spoke with Leslie Tolbert, Ph.D. regent's professor emerita in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.

Asteroid trackers are scanning the Earth's neighborhood to find any objects that pose a threat to our planet. University of Arizona planetary scientist Vishnu Reddy discusses a network designed to coordinate efforts worldwide to respond to potential life-threatening asteroid impacts. Vishnu Reddy spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus in Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Researchers have found stress and trauma experienced during childhood leads to emotional and cognitive disorders later in life. University of Arizona behavioral neuroscientist Lindsay Halliday discusses how brain development is affected by our early environment. Lindsay Halliday spoke with Leslie Tolbert Ph. D. Regent's professor emerita in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.

The Sonoran Desert region called Pinacate is often compared to other worlds in our Solar System. David Crown with the Tucson-based Planetary Science Institute explains how researchers are comparing Pinacate's ancient lava flows to photographs taken of Mars by robotic explorers. David Crown spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Magicians have fascinated audiences for centuries. University of Arizona psychologist Eve Isham describes how magicians and illusionists use science to develop their effects and the connection with the inner workings of the mind. Eve Isham spoke with Leslie Tolbert Ph.D Regent's professor emerita in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.

Nanotechnology is allowing scientists to go beyond the microscope to see the smallest structures. University of Arizona optical scientist Euan McLeod describes high tech tools that let us observe and analyze objects at the molecular level. Euan McLeod spoke with Leslie Tolbert, Ph. D. Regent's professor emerita in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.

Neanderthals existed at the same time as Homo sapiens hundreds of thousands of years ago.