As Earth’s population faces the major challenges of global food supply, disease prevention, and environmental protection, scientists are also continuing their quests into space. In this edition of WaveLengths guest host Dr. Vicki Chandler, Director of the BIO5 Institute at the University of Arizona, narrates this science special where different disciplines turn discoveries into real life applications. Among the items discussed: plant scientist Rod Wing who is working with Chinese experts to develop a “super” rice, ensuring that generating food for people is compatible with the environment; Astronomer Marcia Reike is developing an infrared camera that will be the eyes for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope; Molecular biophysicist Roger Miesfeld and his team researching unique approaches in controlling mosquito-borne diseases; and Dr. John Galgiani has devoted his entire career to researching Valley Fever, and believes a cure could be close at hand.
