Science & Technology

From canine companionship to intergalactic intrigue, U of A research, scholarship and expertise generated news around the world in 2024.

The U of A delivered $955 million in total research activity last year, ranking among the top 20 public research institutions and remaining No. 1 in astronomy and astrophysics. University officials project research activity exceeded $1 billion in fiscal year 2024 and are submitting the data to the National Science Foundation for review. The official number will be confirmed in the fall.

Nearly all living organisms use the same genetic code, the building blocks of life. A new study suggests conventional wisdom about how the code evolved is likely flawed.

The Burn Period Tracker tool provides real-time information on the number of hours per day that relative humidity is less than or equal to 20% – a metric informally known as the "burn period." The tool has been has been widely adopted by fire managers across the Southwest.

Shibin Jiang in optical sciences and Abhijit Mahalanobis in electrical and computer engineering were recognized for developing influential inventions in their fields.

U of A geoscientists are leading a $12 million feasibility study to characterize geologic locations suitable for carbon dioxide storage in the Harquahala basin west of Phoenix.

The National Science Foundation awarded $3.8 million to two projects involving U of A engineers developing solutions for the semiconductor energy dilemma.

Researchers found that guidance from experienced CPAP users helps sleep apnea patients stick to their treatment, improving sleep quality and health outcomes.

Analyzing tree-ring samples for spikes of naturally occurring radioactive carbon isotopes, a team led by U of A scientists has pinpointed the date of a massive solar particle eruption event that has long eluded researchers.

With funding from the Department of Energy, U of A researchers are working to revolutionize our understanding of how soil microbes influence climate change.