Science and Innovation

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has called for the seven states of the Colorado River Basin to make immediate, steep cuts in their water use. KNAU’s Melissa Sevigny reports, Monday is the deadline for the states to finalize their plans, but the call has been met with confusion and dismay.

Emory oak trees in the Mogollon Rim country of Arizona have begun to disappear. Their loss means the loss of a cherished tradition of the Apache people, who prize Emory oak acorns for food. KNAU’s Melissa Sevigny reports, tribal elders, foresters, and scientists teamed up to try to save the tree, and with it, a vital piece of Apache culture.

Two different meteor showers will mingle in the skies tonight and through the weekend. KNAU’s Melissa Sevigny reports on why it’s the best chance to see shooting stars this summer.

A team led by a University of Arizona scientist has traced the source of the COVID-19 virus to a wildlife market in China. KNAU’s Melissa Sevigny reports on the research, published this week in Science.

The COVID-19 vaccine was approved for children under the age of five last month. But nationwide, only 2% of kids in that age group have received a shot so far. And only 30% of children ages 5-11 are fully vaccinated. KNAU’s Melissa Sevigny spoke with Dr. Emmy Iles of Mountain View Pediatrics in Flagstaff about the slow vaccination rates and what parents need to know.

Northern Arizona Healthcare plans to build a “health and wellness village” in Flagstaff. KNAU’s Melissa Sevigny reports, the proposed facilities include a new hospital with expanded capacity to serve patients from Flagstaff, the Navajo Nation, and rural areas of Northern Arizona.

A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says progress on fighting antimicrobial resistant infections reversed course during the COVID-19 pandemic. KNAU’s Melissa Sevigny reports, resistant infections rose by 15 percent from 2019 to 2020.

Several key pieces of the rules that govern the Colorado River Basin are set to expire in 2026, including guidelines for dealing with drought and water shortage. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has asked for the public’s input on what should come next. KNAU’s Melissa Sevigny spoke about the opportunity to shape the Southwest’s future with University of New Mexico water policy expert John Fleck.

Humpback chub in the Grand Canyon have flourished under long-running restoration efforts. But now, exotic fish that prey on chub and other native fish have begun to slip through Glen Canyon Dam. It’s an unprecedented problem caused by the drought-stricken low levels of Lake Powell. KNAU’s Melissa Sevigny spoke with National Park Service fisheries biologist Melissa Trammell about her concerns.

Fire restrictions have lifted on the Coconino National Forest, and several areas that were closed due to extreme wildfire risk are now open to the public again. The lessening fire risk is due to the arrival of the monsoon season, on the heels of several disastrous wildfires that destroyed homes and displaced families. KNAU’s Melissa Sevigny spoke with Coconino National Forest fire staff officer James Pettit about the decision-making process used to determine if the forest should be shut down.