Using copper to fight disease-causing bacteria

Resarchers are testing a connection between an enzyme similar to rattlesnake venom and deadly cases of COVID-19.

The drug-resistant bacterial infection called MRSA is blamed for thousands of deaths in the United States each year. University of Arizona immunobiologist Michael Johnson discusses using copper as a way to kill MRSA by tricking it into ingesting the mineral. Michael Johnson spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Arizona water researchers came out with a major study on boosting groundwater supplies. University of Arizona environmental sciences professor Neha Gupta contributed to the report and discusses its impact on the state's water future. Neha Gupta spoke with Erika Hamden, astrophysics professor at the University of Arizona.

Scientists are researching the smallest tools for advanced electronics. University of Arizona Materials Science professor Zafer Mutlu works with objects too small to be seen with the naked eye or even standardized microscopes. He describes how nano technology can make electronics stronger under extreme conditions. Zafer Mutlu spoke with Erika Hamden, professor of astrophysics at the University of Arizona.

A drug called Rapamycin impacts the immune system to help organ transplant patients accept foreign tissue. University of Arizona pharmacy professor Bonnie LaFleur says researchers have discovered it can also be useful as an anti-aging drug. Bonnie LaFleur spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Radio astronomers search the sky for sources sending out invisible light, including black holes and exploding stars. University of Arizona researcher Kate Alexander investigates locations known to emit radio light, and links her findings with other types of light on the electromagnetic spectrum. Kate Alexander spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Plant scientists are discovering the original variant of popular crops might bring a higher quality of produce. University of Arizona professor Alonso Favela explains why returning to the past could be necessary for advancing sustainable agriculture. Alonso Favela spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Evidence found in tree rings has uncovered massive mudflows that shaped the Pacific Northwest 500 years ago. University of Arizona researcher Bryan Black discusses how seismic activity that rocked Mount Rainier in the 16th century turned the landscape into what we see today. Bryan Black spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

The latest in a series of outer space observatories is sending back images and data from Earth orbit. University of Arizona planetary scientist Daniel Apai discusses the new Pandora Space Telescope, and what it is expected to tell astronomers about exoplanets and their atmospheres. Daniel Apai spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Nuclear fusion holds the promise of solving the world's energy challenges. University of Arizona researcher Tomas Diaz de la Rubia discusses the latest breakthroughs in developing nuclear fusion and how it has advantages over currently-operating nuclear power plants.Tomas Diaz de la Rubia spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.