University of Arizona in the News

CNN Feb. 4, 2021
Here's why that second coronavirus shot can be such a doozy

Many people are starting to report that second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can cause more side-effects than the first dose. "The second time you give a person the shot, those cells are sitting around like a clone army and can immediately start producing a very big immune response, which is what is happening when people feel like they have been kicked in the teeth," said Michael Worobey, head of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona.
Scientific American Feb. 3, 2021
U.S. cities are underestimating their greenhouse gas emissions

In a study of 48 U.S. urban areas, researchers found that the average city had underreported its carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 20%. But in some cases, the report was more than 100% off. "You can imagine in something as large as a major urban area, there are literally hundreds of emission sectors," said Riley Duren, a carbon monitoring expert at the University of Arizona and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
The Washington Post Feb. 2, 2021
U.S. response to coronavirus variants emphasizes masks and vaccines instead of lockdowns

As America faces the potential for catastrophic coronavirus spikes fueled by highly infectious variants, public health authorities remain wary of imposing the stricter measures adopted by other nations. Instead, they continue to embrace a stick-to-the-basics strategy: Wear a mask, maybe even two. Avoid crowds. And get vaccinated — fast. Colleges and universities across the country are on high alert for the viral variants as they begin the spring term. "Obviously any kind of mutation of this virus is very disturbing and problematic," said University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins. The university started its winter semester with almost all classes taught remotely. He said schools must "keep our eyes wide open and remain vigilant."
The Cut Feb. 1, 2021
How worried should we be about the coronavirus variants?

Michael Worobey, head of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona who studies the evolution of flu viruses, is interviewed about COVID-19 variants and exactly how concerned people should be.
The Washington Post Jan. 31, 2021
How to deal with 'pandemic fatigue'

From practicing mindfulness to spending time outdoors, experts offer some tips for overcoming what some are calling "pandemic fatigue" and avoiding burnout. David Sbarra, a professor of psychology at the University of Arizona, is interviewed.
The Associated Press Jan. 30, 2021
UA research: Arizona economy recovering with big variances

University of Arizona research indicates the state's economy has seen substantial recovery toward its pre-pandemic peak last February but that the breadth of the recovery during the pandemic has varied widely by both job sector and by geography. Professor George Hammond of the university's Eller Economic Business and Research Center reports that Arizona as of December outpaced the nation as a whole by replacing over two-thirds of the 294,600 jobs lost from February to April while remaining 90,100 jobs below the February Peak.
Deseret News Jan. 29, 2021
What to do when your small town is overrun by the rich

A new study examines the planning challenges that residents and officials in the rural mountain American West have been watching unfold for years. The researchers specifically looked at over 1,500 "gateway communities" – rural communities adjacent to national parks, forests, rivers and other outdoor recreational amenities.
Vox Jan. 29, 2021
The EU-AstraZeneca vaccine fight, explained

Experts say a spat between the European Union and the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca is threatening to hamper global vaccine efforts, and is raising tensions on the continent as European countries struggle to vaccinate their populations amid the threat of new, more virulent strains of the coronavirus. It has turned into "a very bureaucratically cumbersome process," said Paulette Kurzer, an expert on European politics and public health at the University of Arizona. The EU had to consult with the individual governments and balance all their interests.
Arizona Public Media Jan. 29, 2021
All about the vaccines

Deepta Bhattacharya, an associate professor in the University of Arizona's Department of Immunobiology, is deeply involved in research related to COVID-19. His lab is a leader in researching how vaccines generate an adequate immune response to the virus including their safety, efficacy and role in getting us past the pandemic.
NBC News Jan. 28, 2021
U.S. is in a 'race against time' with new coronavirus variants, scientists warn

The United States is in a race against time to vaccinate as many people as possible before other potentially more worrisome variants of the coronavirus emerge, according to experts. "The reason we're doing this phased approach is because there is limited supply," said Deepta Bhattacharya, an associate professor of immunobiology at the University of Arizona. "By and large, if you can fix the supply issues, you can vaccinate as many people as fast as possible."