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News Archive - Biological Sciences

Elephants Found to be Increasingly Isolated, Leading to Fractured Social Networks

Researchers studying the social dynamics of Asian elephants have documented a decrease in the population of the highly social animals that has led to fractured and more isolated communities. Surpassing a social “tipping point,” they warn, could be detrimental to the future of the animals.

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.

UC San Diego Keeps No. 1 Spot for Best Public College for Research in Washington Monthly Ranking

UC San Diego has retained its title as the No. 1 public research university in the nation, according to Washington Monthly's 2026 College Guide and Rankings “America’s Best Colleges for Research.” It also retained its No. 6 ranking among all research universities in the U.S.

Is Anyone Out There?

Curiosity drives almost all of us, and little sparks the imagination more than thinking about who might live among the stars.

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.

Virtual Cells Built from 4D AI Models and “Digital Twins” Could Speed Up Drug Discovery

UC SanDiego researchers are using AI and "virtual cells" based on 4D movies to predict how cells will respond to drugs, which could speed up drug discovery for cancer, Alzheimer’s and more.

Four Students Recognized for Research Excellence with the 2026 Undergraduate Library Research Prize

The annual Undergraduate Library Research Prize celebrates students across disciplines who demonstrate exceptional research skills through strategic use of Library resources.

Blood Protein Linked to Lower Risk of Depression and PTSD After Traumatic Brain Injury

A new UC San Diego and San Diego VA study has found that U.S. Marines with higher natural anti-NMDAR1 antibody levels had ~25% lower depression and 22% lower PTSD symptoms after traumatic brain injury — a possible built-in resilience marker.

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.

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