Featured Stories

Person in a lab coat and gloves smiles while standing beside a microscope in a laboratory setting.

How a brain parasite persists — and the scientist studying it

March 16, 2026

Chandrasekaran “Arun” Sambamurthy at the University of Arizona studies how the parasite Toxoplasma survives inside the human brain, research shaped in part by the BIO5 Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Two people stand smiling on a pathway, with a brick building and trees in the background.

Shared RNA language drives ALS research at the University of Arizona

Feb. 20, 2026

Two scientists combine complementary strengths in RNA biology and aging neuron research to advance new approaches in studying ALS, supported by the University of Arizona BIO5 Institute.

A scientist in a lab coat examines a test tube with a pink substance under a light, smiling with satisfaction.

BIO5 Fellowship moves marine research forward in the desert

Jan. 8, 2026

The postdoctoral award through the BIO5 Institute supported international collaboration, new methods, and interdisciplinary conversations that advanced a University of Arizona researcher’s ocean microbiology research far from the coast.

A scientist wearing a lab coat and gloves is working with samples in a centrifuge in a well-equipped laboratory.

$1.9M NIH grant will allow researchers to explore how copper kills bacteria

Jan. 10, 2025

BIO5 member Michael D.L. Johnson is researching how copper can combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae, with a $1.9 million NIH grant. His work aims to understand copper's toxicity to bacteria and develop new treatments.

Study links vaginal microbiome differences to higher cervical cancer rates in Native American women

Dec. 19, 2024

BIO5 member Melissa Herbst-Kralovetz led a study showing higher HPV and dysbiosis rates in Native American women, increasing cervical cancer risk, with a focus on prevention through microbiome modulation.

Bugs, neuroscience, and empowerment: Zachary Boydell (KEYS ‘24)

Dec. 19, 2024

Growing up in Vail, Zachary Boydell pushed himself out of his comfort zone to apply for the KEYS Research Internship and discover a passion for neuroscience that led him to attend the University of Arizona.

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Science Talks Podcast Special Episode: Reflections and horizons at BIO5 featuring Jennifer Barton

Horizons and reflections at BIO5

Dec. 17, 2024

As 2024 winds to a close, BIO5 Institute director Jennifer Barton recalls some top moments of the year and shares what excites her for the year ahead.

A networking event at a conference with attendees engaging in discussions. Two sit at a table and other individuals converse in the background near refreshment stands.

See how faculty and industry spark innovation at the Faculty Industry Networking Event

Dec. 13, 2024

Over 40 Arizona bioscience industry representatives and University of Arizona researchers mingled at the fifth annual Faculty Industry Networking event in mid-November.

In this AI-generated illustration of Earth at the dawn of life, a distant volcano towers over shallow pools of water. It is possible the earliest life forms evolved in such environments.

Study sheds light on origin of genetic code

Dec. 12, 2024

BIO5 member Joanna Masel, senior author of a PNAS study, led research challenging the understanding of genetic code evolution. The team discovered earlier genetic codes evolved differently, revising key evolutionary assumptions.

A FRESH approach: Nutrition researcher partners with community organizations to tackle diet-related disease and food insecurity

Dec. 11, 2024

BIO5 member Melanie Hingle works with El Rio Health and the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona to provide tailored food boxes and educational support to food insecure individuals.

Peer support could help millions with sleep apnea slumber easier, study finds

Dec. 4, 2024

BIO5 member Sairam Parthasarathy led a study showing peer support improves CPAP adherence and satisfaction in sleep apnea patients, increasing use to 4.5 hours/night. BIO5 members Stefano Guerra and Michael Grandner co-authored the study.

Data science and medical innovation: Tej Desai (KEYS ‘22)

Nov. 26, 2024

Phoenix-born Tej Desai grew his computational skills during the KEYS Research Internship to help him advance his goals of working at the intersection of medicine and innovation.