Science and Innovation

A new study from the Translational Genomics Research Institute and Northern Arizona University suggests some people may have useful antibodies in their blood that can fight against COVID-19 from earlier, similar illnesses. KNAU’s Melissa Sevigny spoke with lead author Dr. Jason Ladner about the research.

Children rarely fall ill with COVID-19. But the number of children hospitalized for the disease is increasing in Arizona more rapidly than most other states. KNAU’s Melissa Sevigny reports.

Arizona’s high country has seen some recent snowfall with more on the way. But much of the state remains in “exceptional” drought status. That’s been hard on wildlife. Natural ponds and stock tanks have dried up. A nonprofit group of hunters and conservationists is trying to help by refilling those watering holes for the benefit of elk and other animals. KNAU’s Melissa Sevigny spoke with Steve Clark, executive director of the Arizona Elk Society, about the program.

A new study published last week shows Earth’s ecosystems are fast losing their ability to soak up extra carbon from the atmosphere. Scientists collected data about how plants take up carbon all over the globe and found the warming planet could reach a critical tipping point in the next two or three decades, when many ecosystems no longer act as “sinks” for carbon and become sources instead. KNAU’s Melissa Sevigny spoke with lead author Katharyn Duffy of Northern Arizona University about her findings.

The U.S. Forest Service has released a long-awaited management plan for Fossil Creek in central Arizona, a popular recreation site which is home to many rare and threatened species. KNAU’s Melissa Sevigny reports.