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News Archive - Mario Aguilera

Neurobiologists Trigger Learned Movements by Activating Just 20 Brain Cells

Scientists have identified and activated a small group of neurons responsible for the initiation of learned movements. The study used cutting-edge techniques to not only “read” brain activity down to the level of individual cells, but “write” patterns that allowed researchers to control movement.

The Story Behind the Butterfly’s Enhanced Visual World of Color

UC San Diego biologists have unraveled the genetic adaptation that gave butterflies the ability to see rich, vivid color in their environment. The genetic change produces an additional photoreceptor that expands color vision for locating nectar and other butterflies.

Social Brains Allow Animal Groups to Escape Danger

A new study shows that fish swimming in schools can avoid danger just by seeing their neighbors escape. UC San Diego researchers studied how individuals identify their social partners’ actions by imaging the brain activity of translucent glassfish swimming in a virtual reality environment.

Rules of the School

Scientists have developed a new understanding of how fish interact as they school in groups. Fish were found to copy their neighbors to align their movements within schools. The discovery opens a door to examining how the brains of individuals interact to produce group-level collective behavior.

Researchers Use AI to Decode Key DNA Sequence in Gene Activation

Scientists have revealed the DNA identity of the “initiator,” a crucial sequence that kickstarts gene activation. AI analysis of a half million data points deciphered the initiator’s identity. Researchers can use the new information to scan for mutations that may lead to diseases such as cancer.

Rewriting the Rules of Immunity

A UC San Diego alumnus and his Nobel Prize-winning rule in a game-changing discovery.

Flesh-eating Screwworms Have Returned. Which New Technologies Could Stop Them?

New World screwworm flies, highly destructive parasitic insects, have returned to parts of the U.S. and pose a significant danger. Professor Omar Akbari discusses how the insect was eliminated in the past and the ways new genetics technologies could help combat today’s threat.

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