Saskia Popescu, an infectious disease epidemiologist and adjunct professor at the University of Arizona College of Public Health, praised the administration’s “holistic approach” to curtailing the virus. But as the rubber meets the road, Popescu said the administration faces challenges overcoming vaccine hesitancy and improving genetic sequencing to better identify mutations that could make the virus more infectious – or more deadly.

Experts say the number of people taking COVID-19 tests is down across Arizona. "We need testing to stay up whether or not we have a widespread or a few cases, that is when you can actually get to contact tracing," says Dr. Shad Marvasti, director of public health, prevention and health promotion at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.

The stress of the pandemic could be prompting some people to turn to the bottle more often, researchers warn. This is particularly problematic for people who live in areas where there are stay-at-home orders, especially for young adults, men and people who have lost their jobs. according to a new study by University of Arizona Health Sciences researchers.

Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences are involved in three studies that may shed light on the connection between COVID-19 and "forever chemicals" known as PFAS. PFAS are a group of chemicals that are very persistent in the environment and have been used for decades in all manner of products, from stain-resistant carpets to nonstick pans to fast food packaging.

As part of its February social-media campaign for Black History Month, the Mental Health Association is emphasizing key contributions of black scientists in the unprecedented research supporting the development of COVID-19 vaccines. Dr. Michael Johnson is an assistant professor of Immunobiology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson. His groundbreaking research involves ways copper could help stop the coronavirus from entering human cells or replicating once it is inside.

Diversity and inclusion in the science and health care workforce remain low, and endocrinology is no exception. Data show racial and ethnic concordance between health care providers and their patients is associated with important and positive outcomes. “If I look at the majority of my colleagues that I interact with, I can tell you that 95% of them are not endocrinologists of color,” said Ricardo Correa, MD, program director of endocrinology fellowship and director for diversity at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix and the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Increases in total National Institutes of Health funding have led to higher rankings for several colleges and departments.

Increases in total National Institutes of Health funding have led to higher rankings for several colleges and departments.

Students at the College of Medicine – Phoenix learn how listening and reacting to a partner on stage applies to the doctor-patient relationship.

The University of Arizona has been studying COVID-19 since the pandemic began. Dr. Jeff Burgess, an Associate Dean for Research and Professor in the College of Public Health, has been leading a study that has followed more than 2,500 people throughout the pandemic. Dr. Burgess has been examining the risk of reinfection to those who are in high-risk environments like nurses and first responders.