Scientists are learning about the current drought in the Southwest by studying climate change in the past. University of Arizona researcher Ellie Broadman discusses drought evidence found in tree rings that show what happened in the jet stream before man-made global warming took place. Ellie Broadman spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus in Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Generative artificial intelligence is emerging as a tool to look at how people learn language. University of Arizona professor Gondy Leroy discusses research into how advanced machine learning can help families diagnose autism through the way their children acquire speaking skills. Gondy Leroy spoke with Leslie Tolbert, Ph. D. Regent's professor in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.

Squirrels are notorious for being somewhat anti-social creatures. A team of researchers is trying to understand how the animals share crucial microbes that keep them healthy. University of Arizona evolutionary biologist Lauren Petrullo discusses the behavior of squirrels that leads to microbial exchange. Lauren Petrullo spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

People have spent decades trying to find a way to measure the dimension of imagination. University of Arizona neuroscientist Jessica Andrews-Hanna discusses what happens in our brains when we find ourselves lost in thought, or when we develop brand new ideas. Jessica Andrews-Hanna spoke with Leslie Tolbert, Ph.D. Regent's professor emerita in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.

Firefighters have found extensive underground burrows dug by prairie dogs helped them halt the advance of wildfires in some Western states. University of Arizona researcher Courtney Duchardt discusses data suggesting prairie dog colonies can alter landscapes and reduce wildfire spread and intensity. Courney Duchardt spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Tens of billions of pounds of wasted food ends up in landfills in the United States each year. University of Arizona professor Goggy Davidowitz is leading a team developing a system that collects food waste and dries it in a vertical greenhouse, so it can be used to fertilize fields and feed livestock. Goggy Davidowitz spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Researchers know dark matter exists in the universe, but the evidence is hard to find. University of Arizona astronomy professor Dennis Zaritsky explains how scientists are exploring the space between galaxies to resolve this decades-old mystery. Dennis Zaritsky spoke to Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of planetary science at the University of Arizona.

An organization that helps researchers win grants for their work on the University of Arizona campus nearly shut down because of the Trump administration's funding freeze earlier this year. BRISA Center for the Environment director Paloma Beamer discusses how it is continuing its mission despite losing support from the federal government. Paloma Beamer spoke with Leslie Tolbert, Ph. D Regent's professor emerita in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.

In this extended episode, Katherine Volk spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus in Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Astronomers released the first photographs from the Vera Rubin Observatory two months ago. Operations director Robert Blum describes how the University of Arizona-backed instrument is creating anticipation among scientists for new discoveries about the universe.

Dryland farming has been a staple for indigenous desert communities for centuries. University of Arizona professor Michael Kotutwa Johnson discusses how modern solutions to growing crops during the drought can be developed through traditional farming methods practiced on tribal lands. Michael Kotutwa Johnson spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Some of the earliest known evidence of humans living in and around southern Arizona and New Mexico has been traced to around 23,000 years ago. University of Arizona archeologist Vance Holliday discusses his finds near White Sands Missile Range and how they add to the book of human history in the region. Vance Holliday spoke with Leslie Tolbert, Ph.D. regent's professor emerita in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.

Asteroid trackers are scanning the Earth's neighborhood to find any objects that pose a threat to our planet. University of Arizona planetary scientist Vishnu Reddy discusses a network designed to coordinate efforts worldwide to respond to potential life-threatening asteroid impacts. Vishnu Reddy spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus in Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Researchers have found stress and trauma experienced during childhood leads to emotional and cognitive disorders later in life. University of Arizona behavioral neuroscientist Lindsay Halliday discusses how brain development is affected by our early environment. Lindsay Halliday spoke with Leslie Tolbert Ph. D. Regent's professor emerita in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.

The Sonoran Desert region called Pinacate is often compared to other worlds in our Solar System. David Crown with the Tucson-based Planetary Science Institute explains how researchers are comparing Pinacate's ancient lava flows to photographs taken of Mars by robotic explorers. David Crown spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona.

Magicians have fascinated audiences for centuries. University of Arizona psychologist Eve Isham describes how magicians and illusionists use science to develop their effects and the connection with the inner workings of the mind. Eve Isham spoke with Leslie Tolbert Ph.D Regent's professor emerita in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.

Nanotechnology is allowing scientists to go beyond the microscope to see the smallest structures. University of Arizona optical scientist Euan McLeod describes high tech tools that let us observe and analyze objects at the molecular level. Euan McLeod spoke with Leslie Tolbert, Ph. D. Regent's professor emerita in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.

Neanderthals existed at the same time as Homo sapiens hundreds of thousands of years ago.

Scientists are finding ways to improve pictures to better align with the way our eyes see them.

Dark energy can't be seen but space scientists say it can be measured through the outward movement of supernovae and galaxies.