Astronomy & Astrophysics, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Physics, and Mathematics
Early biological systems that could generate guanosine‑triphosphate (GTP) from prebiotic chemicals would gain a crucial advantage toward self‑replication. Now researchers from the UC San Diego report a version of an RNA enzyme (ribozyme) that makes GTP synthesis more efficient than its predecessor.
UC San Diego’s astronomy department will graduate its first cohort of undergraduates this year. When it was launched in 2023, the department wanted to capitalize on the rich history of space research and teaching at the university while also rethinking the needs of modern-day students.
Drug delivery and diagnostic imaging often lack specificity, but a new “TRACE” method lets specially‑caged compounds stay inert until a target cell’s enzymes quickly remove the cage, potentially allowing for more precise drug delivery and sharper diagnostic imaging.
In addition to UC San Diego’s well-known ties to space — producing astronauts such as Jessica Meir and Kate Rubins, offering K-12 offerings from Sally Ride Science, and sending health research to space, to name but a few — researchers are conducting space-related research in unexpected ways.
UC San Diego’s School of Physical Sciences held an astronomy and astrophysics salon, hosted by chemistry alumna Candace Kohl at her Del Mar residence. Among the attendees were donors, members of the San Diego Astronomy Association, community members, faculty, students and university administrators.
UC San Diego received a $5 million NIH renewal for its FIRST program, supporting faculty recruitment, mentorship and career development for 12 rising biomedical researchers.
KPBS, August 11
Smithsonian Magazine, August 5
Smithsonian Magazine, July 15
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