University of Arizona in the News

Quanta Jan. 27, 2021
'Unicorn' discovery points to a new population of black holes

In the past two years, researchers have found several possible black holes in the mass gap. Then, earlier this month, astronomers presented evidence of what might be our best candidate yet — a 2.9-solar-mass object dubbed "the unicorn." If the unicorn really is a black hole, it could be one of many in this gap waiting to be discovered and studied. "That's what's exciting about this paper. If we come to a point where we know more than one or two of these objects, then we can understand what types of processes lead to these smaller-mass black holes," said Feryal Özel, an astrophysicist at the University of Arizona.
Vox Jan. 27, 2021
4 reasons we're seeing these worrying coronavirus variants now

There are three mutated variants of SARS-CoV-2 of particular concern around the world. The rise of these variants "may have something to do with the use of convalescent plasma," said Michael Worobey, head of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona.
Engadget Jan. 27, 2021
NASA's asteroid-sampling OSIRIS-REx probe will head back to Earth in May

Since its launch in September 2016, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft has traveled billions of miles, mapped the surface of an asteroid in unprecedented detail, and made new scientific discoveries about near-Earth asteroids. Now, it's preparing to bring a piece of asteroid Bennu home.
Atlas Obscura Jan. 26, 2021
In Iceland, testing the drones that could be the future of Mars exploration

NASA has awarded $3.1 million to Christopher Hamilton in the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory to develop a drone that could act as a "field assistant" to a rover and explore previously inaccessible regions on Mars.
NPR Jan. 25, 2021
A pesky rumble: Pink bollworms vs. cotton farmers

A collaboration between University of Arizona, cotton growers, and government and industry partners eradicated the pink bollworm – one of the world's most damaging crop pests – from the United States and Mexico.
The Washington Post Jan. 25, 2021
A Native American may be taking control of the Cabinet department that has shaped Native American lives

Cheryl Ellenwood (Nez Percé), a doctoral candidate at the School of Government and Public Policy at the University of Arizona, writes that having a Native American leader of the Department of Interior overseeing policy discussions will probably result in increased collaboration among the federal government and the sovereign Indigenous nations, which will for the first time have one of their own at the table to lead those efforts.
Arizona Daily Star Jan. 23, 2021
Calls pour in from around the globe to this Tucson poetry center, here's why

Sarah Kortemeier, library director at the University of Arizona Poetry Center, has spoken with callers from throughout the United States and several countries overseas. The Poetry Center has the most complete collection of modern poetry in the U.S., so it is often a go-to resource for scholars and students. The center does not check out its books or materials, though. It is designed to be a place where visitors can read and reflect. So the library doors will remain closed until they can safely be opened again. In the meantime, "The Librarian" can be reached by dialing the Poetry Center's main number, 520-626-3765, every Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m.
Business Insider Jan. 23, 2021
The pace of coronavirus vaccinations now may determine whether or not we'll need a perpetual cycle of new shots to combat variants

Scientists worry that vaccinations aren't proceeding fast enough to prevent new, perhaps deadlier coronavirus strains from emerging. Michael Worobey, head of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona, recently said that the emergence of new coronavirus strains could be "a glimpse into the future where we are going to be in an arms race with this virus, just like we are with flu."
Gizmodo Jan. 22, 2021
Here's what Biden should prioritize at NASA

Space experts are interviewed about what they hope to see from President Joe Biden's NASA priorities. Dante Lauretta, principal investigator for the OSIRIS-REx mission and professor at the University of Arizona, hopes that the Biden Administration will maintain or increase funding for the NASA Science Mission Directorate. "This Directorate performs essential research to monitor and predict the effects of climate change, explore the Solar System, and survey the universe," he said. "Budgets over the past four years have been favorable, and this is one area of the U.S. federal government where science activities remain healthy. The amazing achievements of NASA science programs serve as shining examples of what we can do as a nation when we unite and focus on a common vision."
KOLD Jan. 21, 2021
Wastewater epidemiology used to stave off lettuce shortage

The University of Arizona is leading the charge in studying wastewater for potential diseases. Now, the work of epidemiologists could help save the nation from a leafy-green shortage. Paul Brierley, executive director at the University of Arizona's Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture, is interviewed.