News Archive - Biological Sciences

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.

Study: E-Cigarettes Trigger Inflammation in the Gut

Chemicals used for vaping break down zipper-like junctions between cells in the gut, leading to chronic inflammation and potential for other health concerns.

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.

Supercomputers Simulate New Pathways for Potential RNA Virus Treatment

New simulations done on supercomputers may help researchers understand how these inhibitors react and potentially help to develop a new generation of drugs to target viruses with high death rates including SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

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.

San Diego Supercomputer Center’s ‘Comet’ Aids in Sickle Cell Research Discovery

Researchers recently created detailed simulations on the Comet system at the San Diego Supercomputer Center showing how these stiff red blood cells flow through blood vessels, deforming and colliding along the way.

When Strains of E.coli Play Rock-Paper-Scissors, It’s Not the Strongest That Survives

What happens when different strains of bacteria are present in the same system? Do they co-exist? Do the strongest survive? In a microbial game of rock-paper-scissors, researchers at the University of California San Diego’s BioCircuits Institute uncovered a surprising answer.

SDSC’s ‘Expanse’ Supercomputer Formally Enters Production

The San Diego Supercomputer Center at UC San Diego announced that its new Expanse supercomputer formally entered service for researchers following a program review by the National Science Foundation, which awarded SDSC a grant in mid-2019 to build the innovative system.

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.