News Archive - Biological Sciences

Kimberly Cooper and Elizabeth Villa Named Pew Innovation Fund Investigators

UC San Diego School of Biological Sciences Professors Kimberly Cooper and Elizabeth Villa have been selected by the Pew Charitable Trusts as members of its 2024 class of Innovation Fund Investigators.

Changes in Blood Cell Production Over the Lifetime Could Impact Leukemia Outcomes

The first comprehensive map of the dramatic changes that take place in the blood system over the course of the human lifetime could have implications for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia and other blood diseases.

UC San Diego Ranks 9th in the World for Most Influential Researchers

UC San Diego has the highest number of influential voices in the University of California system and tied for 9th highest among universities and institutes worldwide, according to Clarivate’s 2024 Highly Cited Researchers list.

New Gene Drive Reverses Insecticide Resistance in Pests… Then Disappears

UC San Diego geneticists have developed a gene drive-based solution to the widespread problem of insecticide resistance. In an effort to protect valuable crops, the researchers created an “e-Drive” that reverses insecticide resistance and then disappears from the insect population.

Cetuximab Outperforms Durvalumab in Treatment of Head and Neck Cancers

The standard treatment for head and neck cancer, cisplatin, can’t be given to some patients due to pre-existing conditions. A new study compares the efficacy of two alternatives: cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody, and durvalumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor.

Researchers Uncover Achilles Heel of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

To stem the surging antibiotic resistance public health crisis, scientists seek solutions inside the mechanics of bacterial infection. A new study has found a vulnerability related to magnesium availability. This limitation potentially could be exploited to stop the spread of antibiotic resistance.

Sleep is No Light Matter for Bees

Disrupted sleep cycles are a well known problem for human health and function, and now researchers have found similar impacts on insects. A new study has found that artificial light disrupts the circadian rhythms of honey bees and poses a threat to their essential role as pollinators.

Key Pathway Leading to Neurodegeneration in Early Stages of ALS Identified

Researchers at UC San Diego identify a key pathway leading to neurodegeneration in early stages of ALS, hinting at the potential for short-circuiting the progression of the fatal disease if diagnosed early.

The Brains Behind Today’s AI Revolution

Professor Terry Sejnowski helped pioneer a foundation that set the stage for the current surge of AI advancements. In this interview he discusses the path of brain research that led to today’s AI revolution, how systems such as ChatGPT are evolving and the future of AI.

UC San Diego Awarded $8 Million to Uncover Genetic Foundations of Substance Use Disorders

UC San Diego has received a five-year, $8 Million grant to support a NIDA P30 Center to investigate the genetics, genomics, and epigenetics behind substance use disorders.