April 2014: Month in Review

From the launch of a major capital campaign to a globally important liver disease discovery, here are some of the top news stories from the UA during the month of April.

UA’s Arizona Now Campaign Aims to Raise $1.5 Billion

The UA kicked off the largest fundraising campaign in University history on April 11 with multiple events and a fireworks display. The campaign, Arizona Now, aims to raise $1.5 billion over the next several years. Donors have already given nearly $860 million.

Ancient Fossil Reveals Oldest Known Circulatory System

A fossil creature buried in an "invertebrate version of Pompeii" more than half a billion years ago reveals the first known cardiovascular system in exquisitely preserved detail.

Mystery of 1918 Pandemic Flu Virus Solved by UA Researchers

University of Arizona researcher Michael Worobey and his team have discovered that the key to understanding influenza pandemics may lie in flu exposure during childhood.

Scientists at the UA Make Critical End-Stage Liver Disease Discovery

The discovery of an unknown cellular pathway has helped scientists and physicians better understand end-stage liver disease and offers a potential target for new therapeutics.

UA Opens Nation’s First Resource Center for Student Vets Studying Health Care

As the first in the nation, the UA's new VETS Center at the Arizona Health Sciences Center will create convenient access to resources while encouraging a sense of camaraderie for military veterans pursuing health science degrees.

A Century-Long Track Record of Serving Arizona and Benefiting the State's Economy

The UA's Cooperative Extension is celebrating 100 years of serving Arizonans through programs designed to support agriculture, business, community health, the local economy and more.

Sensors May Keep Hospitalized Patients From Falling

Hospitalized patients at risk for falls may soon be safer with the help of UA researchers who are using sensors to detect warning signs.

UA Scientists to Begin Construction on NASA Spacecraft That Will Visit Asteroid in 2018

The UA-led OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission successfully passed NASA's Mission Critical Design Review, allowing the endeavor to proceed from the planning and design stage to building the spacecraft and developing the ground system in preparation for launch in 2016.

Project Diversifies Voices in the National Public Sphere

The UA College of Social and Behavioral Sciences has brought The OpEd Project to Tucson. The national media outreach campaign trains women thought leaders on how to have a strong editorial voice.

UA Alums Involved in Effort to Legally Prosecute Non-Indians on Pascua Yaqui Tribe

Southern Arizona's Pascua Yaqui tribe is one of three selected in the nation to legally prosecute non-tribal members for domestic violence crimes against Native Americans.

Top NASA Fellowship Winners Head to the UA to Pursue Their Research

For the first time, the UA has attracted postdoctoral research fellows from each of NASA's top three fellowship programs.

 Two UA Choirs Prepare for Historic Performances in Vienna and Prague

UA students and faculty have been invited to Vienna and Prague to perform in May on some of the world's oldest and most prestigious stages. It is a rare invitation for a university.

UA Student Wins Cash and Prizes on 'Wheel of Fortune'

UA senior Steven Palmer appeared as a contestant on "Wheel of Fortune" earlier this month.

From Grad School to Startup

While working toward advanced degrees, UA graduate students are producing new knowledge and products and forming companies that address significant challenges facing our state, nation and world.