When, in March 2020, a science story became the biggest news story in the world, scientists became household names overnight, even celebrities. But many also became the targets of new and extreme levels of harassment, intimidation, and threats. Saskia Popescu, PhD, infectious disease epidemiologist and infection prevention expert at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, is quoted.

A $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense is supporting researchers in the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center for Innovation in Brain Science as they examine whether an investigational drug has the potential to reduce inflammation and increase the regeneration of nerve cells in people with Lou Gehrig’s disease, or ALS.

The Mobile Outreach Vaccination and Education for Underserved Populations (MOVE UP) program, a coordinated effort at the University of Arizona Health Sciences, responded to the specific needs and opportunities to distribute COVID-19 vaccines in border communities. Cecilia Rosales, MD, associate dean of community engagement and outreach at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and leader of the MOVE UP program, is quoted.

Researchers in the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center for Innovation in Brain Science are investigating an oral drug candidate that may benefit patients with Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Researchers have found that guided, group exercise can significantly improve strength and mobility for seniors 65 years and older. Kathleen Insel, PhD, RN, a professor at the UArizona College of Nursing, is quoted.

From accidental medicine overdoses to scorpion stings, see how a poison center answers the call (literally) to provide immediate life-saving information and medical expertise.

The UArizona Health Sciences Sensor Lab aims to bring students, faculty and the community together through the use of software sensor systems and human-centered hardware. The Health Sciences Office of Communications assisted with this story.

Researchers are worried that air quality studies may be harder to conduct in Tucson and other environments that are becoming hotter, drier, dustier and more extreme as a result of climate change. Paloma Beamer, PhD, a professor at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, is quoted.

The UArizona Health Sciences Sensor Lab awarded seed grants to eight faculty members and two student projects to improve health and wellness.