News Archive

October 3, 2017 — Living things reproduce and after billions of years of evolution, modern living organisms are molecularly complex. But scientific interest in developing simple self-reproducing living systems is gaining attention. This is because such molecular assemblies could answer key questions about the origins of life. With this in mind, biochemical researchers at the University of California San Diego—Neal K. Devaraj, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Roberto J. Brea, postdoctoral scholar in the department—set out to design an autocatalytic peptide system for the development of functional self-synthesizing biomaterials, which may clarify life’s chemical origins.

September 25, 2017 — Freshwater planarians, found around the world and commonly known as “flatworms,” are famous for their regenerative prowess. Through a process called “fission,” planarians can reproduce asexually by simply tearing themselves into two pieces— a head and a tail—which then go on to form two new worms within about a week.

September 25, 2017 — Freshwater planarians, found around the world and commonly known as “flatworms,” are famous for their regenerative prowess. Through a process called “fission,” planarians can reproduce asexually by simply tearing themselves into two pieces— a head and a tail—which then go on to form two new worms within about a week.

September 14, 2017 — The University of California San Diego’s Department of Physics is hosting a celebration open to the public called “Shelly Schultz Symposium: A Life in Science,” Monday, Sept. 18, 2017, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Ida and Cecil Green Faculty Club on campus—guests planning to attend are required to register in advance. The symposium celebrates the vast achievements of Sheldon “Shelly” Schultz, the late professor of physics who, along with colleagues, discovered metamaterials that were recognized as a scientific breakthrough by the journal “Science” in 2003. Their research created a new class of materials that have unique optical properties and have been used in a number of modern technological applications, including manipulating light to force it to circumvent objects, creating a so-called “cloak of invisibility”—similar to the one made famous in the Harry Potter books and films.

August 31, 2017 — An international team of astronomers, including University of California San Diego physicist Adam Burgasser, have used the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope to estimate whether there might be water on the seven Earth-sized planets orbiting the nearby dwarf star TRAPPIST-1. The results suggest that the outer planets of the system might still harbor substantial amounts of water—enough to increase their habitability potential.

August 2, 2017 — The University of California San Diego Department of Literature ranks among the best in the nation for creative writing. Alumna Kaitlin Solimine’s (MFA, ’11) “Empire of Glass” demonstrates that excellence with its inclusion on The Center for Fiction's 2017 First Novel Prize long list. Her premier novel, which emerged from her MFA thesis, is an investigation into the workings of human memory and the veracity of oral history that pushes the boundaries between language and form in profound ways.

July 10, 2017 — Through an initiative called “KNIT,” the University of California San Diego’s Division of Arts and Humanities is crafting collaboration and community on campus — digitally. By offering online tools collectively referred to as a “digital commons,” KNIT will enable university faculty, students and staff to customize websites for courses; research projects or personal academic portfolios; create or join public and private discussion groups devoted to shared interests; and network with communities both on and off campus. In addition to the KNIT online resource, the division has launched a Digital Arts & Humanities website, featuring initiatives of the Institute of Arts & Humanities (IAH) and related projects and resources on campus.

June 29, 2017 — The University of California San Diego’s footprint is growing. This summer it extends to Canada’s Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity where Steven Schick looms large. The distinguished professor of music, Reed Family Presidential Chair holder, and music director and conductor of La Jolla Symphony and Chorus is serving as co-artistic director of Banff Centre’s 2017 Summer Classical Music Series. In the role, Schick, along with flautist Claire Chase, is creating programming under the theme of “Create, Refine, Amplify” that features a strong focus on chamber music plus new approaches to help develop classical musicians’ skills and careers. The program attracts hundreds of individual participants, established groups and renowned composers from around the world.

June 15, 2017 — The University of California San Diego’s Department of Theatre and Dance is among the best: Hollywood Reporter recently listed the acting program #5 in the world. Part of its reputation is due to its unique partnership with the world-renowned La Jolla Playhouse. The UC San Diego-La Jolla Playhouse partnership includes a theater and dance residency program that offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience in acting, directing, design and stage management that sets them up for professional success.

May 31, 2017 — The University of California San Diego takes the stage in many programs — its Department of Theatre and Dance easily commanding the spotlight. Ranked among the top five acting programs in the world by Hollywood Reporter, the department’s students graduate well-prepared for the theater profession. Cast with experience — due in part to a dynamic partnership with its acclaimed neighbor, La Jolla Playhouse — UC San Diego graduates consistently take the lead in television, film and stage careers. Proof positive are three recent Tony Award nominations earned by alumni Michael Greif (MFA directing, ’85), nominated for Best Direction of a Musical, “Dear Evan Hansen;” Jefferson Mays (MFA acting, ’91), nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Play, “Oslo;” and Paloma Young (MFA, costume design, ’06), nominated for Best Costume Design of a Musical, “Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812.”