News Archive - Mario Aguilera

Researchers Create New CRISPR Tools to Help Contain Mosquito Disease Transmission

Scientists have developed a toolkit that helps pave the way to a gene drive designed to stop Culex mosquitoes from spreading disease. Culex mosquitoes spread devastating afflictions stemming from West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis virus and the pathogen causing avian malaria.

Research Uncovers How ‘Non-professional’ Cells Can Trigger Immune Response

Researchers are finding new details on the complex dynamics involved in how organisms sense an infection from pathogens. The researchers found that worms can sense changes in their metabolism in order to unleash protective defenses, even if they don’t directly sense an incursion from pathogens.

Plant Consumers Play Unexpectedly Large Role in the Evolution of Seedling Success

Scientists have found that herbivores have a lot to say about plant evolution and determining the success of seedlings. The influence of birds, rabbits, mice and other herbivores likely counteracts early plant emergence due to climate change, the researchers found.

New Genetic ‘CopyCatchers’ Detect Efficient and Precise CRISPR Editing in a Living Organism

Scientists have developed a novel CRISPR-based genetic sensor called a “CopyCatcher” to detect instances in which a genetic element is copied precisely from one chromosome to another in cells of a fruit fly.

New View of Species Interactions Offers Clues to Preserve Threatened Ecosystems

Scientists from around the world have produced a new analysis—believed to be the most detailed study of ecological data from global forests—that is furthering science’s understanding of species interactions and how diversity contributes to the preservation of ecosystem health.

Breakthrough with Quantum Materials Pushes Biologically Inspired Learning Devices

UC San Diego physicists have created new artificial devices that mimic basic learning functions carried out by neurons in the human brain. They demonstrated how quantum materials could be used to develop new devices that can “learn” to switch between functional states.

New Blueprint of Brain Connections Reveals Extensive Reach of Central Regulator

UC San Diego researchers have generated a new map of brain connectivity from a part of the brain called the basal ganglia, a hub for regulating motor and behavior functions. The breadth of connections revealed could potentially open avenues for intervention of Parkinson’s disease and other disorders

Distinct Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms Tied to Different Brain Pathways

Neurobiologists have found that identifiable brain pathways are linked with specific debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The findings could help form the basis for improving therapeutic strategies for precise symptoms of Parkinson’s at various levels of disease progression.

‘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.