New coronavirus strain B.1.1.7 to be dominant by March, CDC says

By Amit Syal | 01/18/2021 11:43pm

Just over one year ago, scientists around the world began to sequence the SARS-CoV-2 virus with the aim of finding out more about the novel and enigmatic coronavirus. A few months ago, experts began to notice mutations in the virus' genome that have led to a new round of lockdowns and increased concern around the globe.

Reentry update: Task force discusses university vaccine distribution plans, increasing statewide COVID-19 numbers

By Kristijan Barnjak | 01/13/2021 5:13pm

The University of Arizona’s COVID-19 reentry task force met Monday for the second briefing of the spring semester. The force discussed procedures for the first week of the spring semester and increasingly grim COVID-19 data. University President Dr. Robert C. Robbins reiterated his announcement from last week that the UA will begin the spring semester in Phase 1 of the reentry protocol, which permits only “essential” classes of 50 or less to meet in person.

Reentry update: Task force discusses expectations for upcoming semester, CARES Act funding

By Kristijan Barnjak | 01/05/2021 7:37pm

The University of Arizona’s COVID-19 reentry task force met on Wednesday for the first briefing of the new year. The task force discussed new transmission numbers, new mitigation measures and an increase in state and federal funding. 

OPINION: Stuck in the U.S. for the holidays: A reality for many international students

By Diana Ramos | 01/05/2021 1:47pm

Classes are over, which means winter break is here. It is that time of the year where students go back home to spend the winter holidays season with their loved ones, but for many international students in the United States, this is not the case.  

The power of listening: Three perspectives from the deaf community

By Allison Fagan | 12/27/2020 2:22pm

According to the World Health Organization, 466 million people in the world live with deafness, more than 5% of the world’s population. A consequence of being a minority is often they are misrepresented in the mainstream. What the deaf want to make clear, however, is that they are unashamed of who they are. 

Is the new coronavirus variant cause for concern?

By Amit Syal | 12/23/2020 4:25pm

Across the pond, in the United Kingdom, a new variant of the original SARS-CoV-2 virus was first identified. As an RNA virus, the novel coronavirus is more susceptible to mutations, given its weaker proofreading capabilities. The variant, called B.1.1.7., has a handful of mutations — 23, in total — in its genetic code.

Frontline workers reflect nine months into COVID-19 pandemic

By Amit Syal | 12/16/2020 9:36am

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization officially declared the coronavirus outbreak a "pandemic." Since then, the world has documented 75 million infections and 1.7 million deaths, and the U.S. is currently seeing its worst days in terms of cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

FDA issues emergency use authorization for first over-the-counter coronavirus test

By Amit Syal | 12/16/2020 10:38pm

On Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for the country’s first prescription-free at-home coronavirus test. According to the press release, the test is instructed to be used by any individual two years of age or older, both with and without symptoms and costs about $30.

What 2020 has taught us

By Solana Royston | 12/14/2020 2:00pm

Looking back on this year, it is undeniable that people now are living through historical moments that will be recognized generation after generation. During 2020, major events such as the outbreak of COVID-19 and the months of confusion and quarantine that surrounded it have greatly affected the people and life all across the globe. University of Arizona students look back now, reflecting on the impact 2020 had on their lives.  

FDA approves Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine, distribution begins

By Amit Syal | 12/14/2020 1:56pm

On Friday, Dec. 11, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for Pfizer/BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine as the country is currently seeing record numbers of cases, hospitalizations and deaths. This action will pave the way for millions across the U.S. to start receiving the vaccine this week.

How more time at home has sparked new interests for UA students

By Abbie Kosoc | 01/01/2021 5:19pm

When spending more time at home, students may feel the pressures of becoming isolated from the world around them and detached from their usual lifestyles. In order to combat these rising frustrations, students have been looking for new and adaptive ways to keep themselves busy during the extra time they are now presented with. This has led to the inspiration of a variety of new hobbies and interests for some University of Arizona students. 

Reentry update: Task force discusses new test for spring semester, record coronavirus case numbers

By Kristijan Barnjak | 12/07/2020 7:54pm

The University of Arizona’s COVID-19 reentry task force met Monday morning to discuss details surrounding a new test, the possibility of vaccine distribution and the data on COVID-19 transmission in the university community. 

Personalized vaccines: The new frontier in cancer treatment

By Udbhav Venkataraman | 12/08/2020 2:30am

Exciting results from a new clinical study showed that a personalized vaccine combined with an immunotherapy drug had a promising response rate in patients with advanced incurable head and neck cancer. Dr. Julie Bauman, chief of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine — Tucson, led a phase one clinical trial with the pharmaceutical company, Moderna, to test the combined use of personalized vaccines created from tumor DNA with the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab.

What you need to know about the Tucson curfew

By Jillian Bartsch | 12/05/2020 1:03pm

Tucson City Council passed an emergency curfew in an attempt to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, starting Friday Dec. 4 and will continue until Dec. 23. The curfew is in place during the hours from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m.  During the curfew hours, all persons are prohibited from using, standing, sitting, traveling, or being present on any public street or in any public place, including for the purpose of travel. 

OPINION: Vaccine skepticism needs to stop before more people die

By Payton Toomey | 12/02/2020 8:00pm

As coronavirus cases surge, so does the spread of false information. Being informed and listening to top health officials is the best way to navigate out of the pandemic and keep people alive.

Tips and tools for succeeding in STEM courses

By Briana Aguilar | 12/02/2020 3:46pm

As the semester comes to an end, many may be thinking about what they would have done better to receive the grade that they wanted in a course. People work hard to achieve the grades they earn, yet the key is to identify early on what tools will be most beneficial for you.

CAJUA speaks on rapid formation, plans for the future

By Maggie Rockwell | 12/01/2020 11:33am

Last spring, 12 faculty members from the University of Arizona drafted a letter to President Dr. Robert C. Robbins and senior leadership after the university’s furlough plan came out in late April following the university’s shutdown. The letter accumulated over 2,000 signatures in support.  

How students are responding to a new online learning environment

By Johnnie Mitchell | 12/01/2020 12:09am

With the University of Arizona recommending that students remain at home since the Thanksgiving holiday, the question regarding how students respond to studying online on campus versus an at-home environment comes into play. 

Holiday season creates holiday stress

By Abbie Kosoc | 12/02/2020 8:52pm

Many students at the University of Arizona are getting stressed as Thanksgiving break approaches and as they plan for the upcoming holiday season.