April 9, 2020
…the planet, which feature DNA genomes. RNA genomes in coronaviruses are positive-sense, which are similar to the cell’s own messenger RNA and allows these viruses to immediately hijack the protein synthesis machinery of host cells. This feature enables these viruses to quickly and effectively take over host cells and rapidly…
December 10, 2020
…swabbing, wastewater sampling, molecular sequencing and contact tracing. These and many other public health measures have been introduced and improved over the past year as part of the university’s Return to Learn program—an evidence-based formula to safely resume teaching, learning and research. And the plan is working. UC San Diego’s…
March 20, 2014
…to his research, submitting DNA sequence data from some of his unusual bees to an international database of living organisms. But in an age when biologists are more likely to focus on genetic sequences and biochemical pathways than systematics—the description and classification of living organisms—his work in revealing the hidden…
November 2, 2023
Artificial intelligence in all its varied forms is rapidly accelerating, transforming our everyday lives and providing a powerful tool for scientific research. But what does it all mean and what does the future hold? Six UC San Diego experts share their insights.
April 21, 2016
…she applied new genetic sequencing techniques to reveal the bacteria and fungi responsible for more than 130 varieties of artisanal cheeses from 10 countries around the world. Her study was an unusual undertaking for a molecular biologist, particularly one just starting to build a research career. When microbiologists get involved…
June 1, 2017
…the first person to sequence DNA in space as part of the overall science portfolio for the mission of more than 275 experiments. She spent 115 days in space and conducted two spacewalks. She holds a bachelor of science in molecular biology from UC San Diego and a Ph.D. in…
March 31, 2022
…the first person to sequence DNA in space. She was also recently selected to NASA’s Artemis Team. Navy Lt. Deniz Burnham, who studied chemical engineering as an undergraduate, was selected to NASA’s astronaut training program in late 2021. NASA astronaut and Expedition 62 Flight Engineer Jessica Meir poses for a…
October 3, 2019
…the first person to sequence DNA in space. Jessica Meir in the field to study penguins in Antarctica during her Scripps Ph.D. program. Photo by Cassondra Williams “UC San Diego and Scripps are really just powerhouse institutions when it comes to research,” said Meir, discussing her shared background in science…
October 31, 2013
…environmental microorganisms using high-throughput DNA sequencing approaches and bioinformatic tool development. A primary focus of this research is the discovery and genetic manipulation of microbial biosynthetic pathways involved in the synthesis of marine natural products such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. I received my undergraduate degree in biology from the…
November 12, 2020
…lead the effort to sequence the human genome. He is currently CEO of the J. Craig Venter Institute. Dixon became the first to clone, express and characterize a number of phosphatases (the enzymes that do the opposite of kinases—remove phosphate groups). He also discovered the substrate of the tumor-suppressing enzyme…
