News Archive - Mario Aguilera

Food for Thought: New Maps Reveal How Brains are Kept Nourished

UC San Diego scientists have created new brain maps with unprecedented detail. The insights provided by the new maps are helping answer questions about blood supply and how more active parts of the brain are kept nourished versus less demanding areas.

UC San Diego Physicists Uncover Phenomena Tied to New State of Matter

UC San Diego physicists are discovering details about the fundamental properties of exotic particles known as excitons. Their findings include pinpointing a visual phenomenon tied to a new state of matter as well as the first confirmation of exciton superfluidity.

Four UC San Diego Faculty Members Awarded 2021 Sloan Research Fellowships

Four faculty members from UC San Diego have been awarded 2021 Sloan Research Fellowships, awards designed to support “extraordinary” early career researchers.

Researchers Unveil Detailed Genome of Invasive Malaria Mosquito

Researchers have produced a groundbreaking new reference genome for the Asian malaria vector mosquito Anopheles stephensi. The achievement will help scientists engineer advanced forms of defense against malaria transmission, including targeted CRISPR and gene drive-based strategies.

Immune System Sets ‘Tripwire’ to Protect against Viruses

A new study by UC San Diego biologists has revealed insights on the intricate, adaptive mechanisms of a protective system employed by the cells of mammalian immune systems. These defenses have evolved to set a type of tripwire that produces an immune response against attack from viruses.

Ocean Acidification is Transforming California Mussel Shells

As the waters off our coasts change due to human influences, scientists have found that the composition of shells of California mussels, a critical species found along the Pacific Coast, are weakening as a result of ocean acidification.

Scientists Developing New Solutions for Honeybee Colony Collapse

Under a new effort to halt a worldwide decline in honeybees, scientists at UC San Diego and other UC campuses have established a network of bee researchers and engineers. The network, one of the largest in the country, will develop new solutions by joining various avenues of expertise.

Wait for Me: Cell Biologists Decipher Signal that Ensures No Chromosome is Left Behind

Biologists have unraveled the mystery of how chromosomes are inherited correctly every time a cell divides. They discovered how a “matchmaker” molecule stops cell division until components are ready to be split. Alterations in the process can result in birth defects and certain cancers.

Scientists Set a Path for Field Trials of Gene Drive Organisms

A broad coalition that includes UC San Diego scientists sets commitments for field trials of powerful gene drive technology. The multidisciplinary group encourages trials that are safe, transparent and ethical.

I See You: Honey Bees Use Contagious and Honest Visual Signal to Deter Attacking Hornets

UC San Diego-led research is providing new details about honey bees and their defenses against preying hornets. Using a common iPad, James Nieh and his colleagues conducted the first study that demonstrates that a contagious warning signal counters “fake news” in social insects.