University of Arizona in the News

CNN Sept. 14, 2023
Abandoned Apollo 17 lunar lander module is causing tremors on the moon

A spacecraft left behind by Apollo astronauts on the lunar surface could be causing small tremors known as moonquakes, according to a new study. The analysis offers new insights into how the moon responds to its surroundings and what can affect its seismic activities. The rumbles were not dangerous and likely would be imperceptible to humans standing on the moon's surface. Understanding moonquakes could be essential to any permanent lunar outpost. "How strong do we need to build our structures, and what other hazards do we need to mitigate for?" Angela Marusiak, an assistant research professor at the University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory who was not directly involved in the study, though she did have contact with the authors as a fellow expert in lunar seismology.
STAT News Sept. 14, 2023
The 'Hispanic Paradox' intrigues a new generation of researchers determined to unravel it

Research led by University of Arizona professor of psychology John Ruiz examines the so-called "Hispanic paradox" – the tendency of people of Hispanic descent to have equal or even better outcomes across numerous health measures than other ethnic groups, even when accounting for socioeconomic status. In a paper published in 2020, Ruiz noted the paradox was global and not tied solely to immigration. In addition to Hispanics living in the U.S., people living in countries such as Nicaragua, Columbia, Cuba and Peru lived longer than whites in the U.S., possibly due to lower smoking rates and more cohesive social and family networks.
The New York Times Sept. 13, 2023
What can turmeric actually do for your health?

A new study concludes the spice turmeric – often sold in supplements as curcumin – could be effective at alleviating stomach discomfort. Previous research led by University of Arizona professor of medicine Dr. Janet Funk found curcumin supplements probably helped relieve for osteoarthritis and provided some benefit to people with insulin resistance or diabetes. However, some products can contained industrial solvent residues, albeit below toxic levels.
The Conversation Sept. 13, 2023
Offering treatment to drug users instead of arresting them reduces crime and addiction – new research into police diversion program shows

Josephine Korchmaros, a professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Arizona, writes that emerging research shows that when police get suspected drug abusers treatment rather than arresting them, those people are less likely to abuse drugs or commit drug-related crimes in the future.
The Conversation Sept. 13, 2023
Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are times for soul-searching, but not on your own – community has always been at the heart of the Jewish High Holidays

David L. Graizbord, an associate professor of religious studies at the University of Arizona, writes that while the Jewish High Holidays may seem like days of individual soul-searching and repentance alone, their focus is actually communal, taking stock of an entire people's identity and traditions.
NPR Sept. 13, 2023
The new COVID boosters are coming: Here's what you need to know

On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration approved updated COVID boosters. On Tuesday the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended them for everyone age six months and up. "I think there's every reason to expect that people will make decent antibodies against the variants that we know about right now," said University of Arizona professor of immunobiology Deepta Bhattacharya.
Discover Magazine Sept. 12, 2023
Meet 9 of the many scientists who helped create the James Webb Space Telescope

Several key figures in the development and deployment of the James Webb Space Telescope are profiled, including University of Arizona Regents Professors of Astronomy Marcia and George Rieke, who were integral to the construction of and on-going observations by the Near Infrared Camera and Mid-Infrared Instrument.
Reuters Sept. 12, 2023
Billion dollar US climate disasters prompt $1 billion Red Cross response

This week's billion-dollar disaster report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration counts 253 people dead in 23 climate events through August. One of the biggest risk factors in many of the report's tallied events is people continue to crowd coastal areas where hurricanes hit or near forests that can burn. "The value of real estate along the coast in particular has been rising as people continue to build new infrastructure and buildings in high-risk areas," said University of Arizona professor of environmental science Katharine Jacobs, who added that is courting trouble, given "the intensity and frequency of severe events is increasing due to climate change."
The Conversation Sept. 12, 2023
What Arizona and other drought-ridden states can learn from Israel's pioneering water strategy

Sharon B. Megdal, professor of environmental science and director of the Water Resources Research Center at the University of Arizona, contributes to an article that recommends engineered projects be considered as part of a broader water management portfolio that responds holistically to imbalances in supply and demand.
The Conversation Sept. 12, 2023
30 years after Arafat-Rabin handshake, clear flaws in Oslo Accords doomed peace talks to failure

Maha Nassar, associate professor in the School of Middle Eastern and North African Studies at the University of Arizona, writes that 30 years later, it is clear the Oslo Accords have achieved neither peace nor a two-state solution.