Image The monster hiding in plain sight: JWST reveals cosmic shapeshifter in the early universe Today University of Arizona astronomers discover a galaxy with a dual personality – appearing ordinary in visible light while harboring an extraordinarily massive black hole. Read more at University of Arizona News
Image University of Arizona researchers earn $4.8M NSF grant to build the next generation air quality model Tuesday UA professor Dr. Ave Arellano Jr. and his team received a $4.8M NSF grant to modernize how air pollution and wildfire smoke are modeled and forecasted. Partnering with NCAR and universities, they aim to replace outdated systems with a flexible, game-engine-inspired platform that makes air quality modeling easier, more accurate, and more accessible as pollution and wildfire risks grow. Read more
Image Outstanding Seniors in the College of Science: Eryka Rivera Tuesday The College of Science is proud to recognize 10 outstanding seniors who went above and beyond during their time as Wildcats. Our first awardee is Eryka Rivera from the Department of Psychology. Read more
Image New research links health impacts related to 'forever chemicals' to billions in economic losses Monday A University of Arizona study finds that PFAS contamination imposes annual social costs of at least $8 billion. Read more at University of Arizona News
Image A new look at TRAPPIST-1e, an Earth-sized, habitable-zone exoplanet Dec. 4, 2025 Recently reported methane signatures detected by the James Webb Space Telescope could be a hint to it potentially harboring life, but University of Arizona researcher Sukrit Ranjan urges caution. Read more at University of Arizona News
Image Time Magazine: This Space Telescope’s Entire Job Is to Search For Signs of Life On 20 Distant Planets Dec. 3, 2025 Pandora will study select planets for vastly longer than any other telescope has, staring at a star system for up to 24 hours at a time and repeating each such session nine more times for every star it studies. Those detailed observations could go a long way toward determining if the conditions for life exist on distant worlds. But the job won’t be easy. Read more
Image Newly discovered star opens 'laboratory' for solving cosmic dust mystery Dec. 1, 2025 Building on the University of Arizona's leadership in interferometry, a Steward Observatory-led team of astronomers probe mysterious "hot dust" around stars that has vexed astronomers for decades. Read more at University of Arizona News
Image University of Arizona scientists uncover a “central computer” hidden inside cells Dec. 1, 2025 The study shows that TORC1, a key controller of cell growth, doesn’t just turn on or off. Instead, different proteins adjust its activity based on how much nitrogen the cell has. When nutrients are low but not gone, the cell slows its growth and shifts its metabolism to adapt. But when nitrogen runs out completely, an additional regulator steps in to fully shut down TORC1, putting the cell into a resting state. This reveals that cells use a layered system to fine-tune growth, not a single switch — a strategy that may be shared across many organisms. Read more
Image University of Arizona chemistry educator Vicente Talanquer awarded Nyholm Prize for Education from the Royal Society of Chemistry Dec. 1, 2025 The Nyholm Prize, awarded internationally once every two years, specifically honors individuals making substantial and sustained impact in chemistry education through innovation, curriculum development and inclusive teaching practices. Read more
Image OSIRIS-APEX spacecraft takes selfie with Earth during flyby Nov. 25, 2025 The spacecraft of the U of A-led OSIRIS-APEX mission performed a "slingshot" maneuver around Earth as part of its journey to catch up with its mission target, asteroid Apophis. Read more at University of Arizona News