A cross-border investigation of children's susceptibility to asthma and other childhood illnesses in the United States and Mexico is the focus of a new study led by researchers in the Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center at the University of Arizona Health Sciences. The study is funded by a $15.3 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Researchers are taking a three-pronged approach to analyze asthma in children in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, and Tucson, Arizona – even before they’re born.

Dr. Amanda Sokan, gerontologist at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, busts some myths about aging and the value of older adults.

Dr. Elizabeth Connick, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson, is leading a team of researchers to begin a separate study of the Moderna vaccine. The goal of PreventCOVID is to recruit 12,000 students, at 20 universities nationwide, including UArizona. They are trying to determine if masking and social distancing are still needed for those who have been vaccinated.

Dr. Joe Gerald, associate professor and director of the public health policy and management program at the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, discusses the state of COVID-19 in Arizona.

Distributing the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the University Point of Distribution is no small task; see how the vaccine is stored and prepared for use.

Dr. Amelia Gallitano is shining a light into some of the most difficult-to-reach corners of the human psyche.

According to the AZDHS dashboard, only 10.9% of the Hispanic population in Arizona has been vaccinated when they make up 30% of all COVID cases. "Just look at all the ZIP codes that have had the most devastating, highest percentage of hospitalizations, cases and deaths from COVID, and then make those neighborhoods a priority,” said Dr. Shad Marvasti, director of public health, prevention and health promotion at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.

Diseases linked to cigarette smoke and pollution may be increasing amid the pandemic. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), mainly caused by smoking, cigarette smoke and pollution, is the third leading cause of death in the world. Dr. Francesca Polverino, a professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, is trying to find a way of treating it by looking specifically at emphysema.