News Archive - All Stories

‘Island of Rats’ Recovers

A coordinated conservation effort that removed rats from Hawadax Island, formerly known as “Rat Island,” has become a new example of how ecosystems can fully recover to their natural state in little more than a decade. The results are described in a report led by a UC San Diego scientist.

New ‘Split-drive’ System Puts Scientists in the (Gene) Driver Seat

New research published in two papers by UC San Diego scientists describes novel achievements designed to make the implementation of gene drives safer and more controllable. The new split drive and home-and-rescue systems address concerns about the release of gene drives in wild populations.

Three-layered Masks Most Effective Against Large Respiratory Droplets

Researchers have shown that three-layered surgical masks are more effective than single or double-layered masks at stopping large droplets from a cough or sneeze from getting atomized into smaller droplets and penetrating through the mask.

Fine Particulate Matter from Wildfire Smoke More Harmful than Pollution from Other Sources

Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego examining 14 years of hospital admissions data conclude that the fine particles in wildfire smoke can be several times more harmful to human respiratory health than particulate matter from other sources such as car exhaust.

How Does Your Brain Process Emotions? Answer Could Help Address Loneliness Epidemic

In a study published in the March 5, 2021 online edition of Cerebral Cortex, researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that specific regions of the brain respond to emotional stimuli related to loneliness and wisdom in opposing ways.

Decreases in Exercise More Closely Linked with Higher Rates of Depression during the Pandemic

Exercise has long-been recommended as a cognitive-behavioral therapy for patients of depression, yet new evidence from the University of California of San Diego suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic changed the nature of the relationship between physical activity and mental health.

Astrocytes Derived from Patients with Bipolar Disorder Malfunction

A study by researchers from the Salk Institute and UC San Diego opens a potential new avenue for clinical intervention in a psychiatric disease.

Breaking the Patrisharky: Scientists Reexamine Gender Biases in Shark and Ray Mating Research

Shark scientists at Georgia Aquarium, Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, and Dalhousie University are challenging the status quo in shark and ray mating research in a new study that looks at biological drivers of multiple paternity in these animals.

UC San Diego Goes to Washington

Five University of California San Diego alumni have been nominated or appointed to positions within President Joe Biden’s administration, adding to a long list of university alumni and faculty leaders who have served the nation in high-level roles. In addition, one alumna was tapped to serve as part of an agency review team for the Biden-Harris transition.

Major Gift Supports UC San Diego’s 21st Century China Center

The Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation has donated a major gift to the University of California San Diego’s 21st Century China Center. The support will allow the center, which is based at the School of Global Policy and Strategy, to expand its data-based research, policy engagement and education on issues related to U.S.-China relations.