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University of California - Los Angeles


UCLA-led study shows how meltwater on Greenland's ice sheet contribute to rising sea levels

A new UCLA-led study reveals a vast network of little-understood rivers and streams flowing on top of the Greenland ice sheet, potentially responsible for at least as much sea-level rise as other sources combined. The research found that meltwater from these waterways can flush their entire volume in less than two days, contributing to...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 12, 2015

How does the brain react to virtual reality? Study by UCLA neuroscientists provides answer

A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that the hippocampus, a region involved in spatial learning and memory, reacts differently to virtual reality than it does to real-world environments. In the virtual world, hippocampal neurons fire randomly, whereas in the real world, they process activity with precision.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 24, 2014

Soon to become a minority in the US, whites express declining support for diversity

A study by UCLA psychologists found that white Americans view diversity negatively when exposed to current projections of future demographics, with those who believe they will no longer be the majority expressing lower levels of support. This phenomenon is linked to whites feeling threatened by their perceived loss of American identity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateOct 2, 2014

In sync and in control?

A study by UCLA social scientists found that men who march in unison with others perceive a potential foe as smaller and less intimidating, leading to increased feelings of power and aggression. The researchers theorize that this phenomenon may be an evolutionary adaptation that favors individuals moving in coordination with groups.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 26, 2014

In our digital world, are young people losing the ability to read emotions?

A UCLA study suggests that excessive digital media use is linked to declining social skills in children, as they spend less time engaging in face-to-face interactions. The research found that sixth-graders who went device-free for five days showed significant improvements in recognizing human emotions compared to their peers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateAug 21, 2014

Scientists reveal structural secrets of enzyme used to make popular anti-cholesterol drug

Researchers identified a mutated enzyme called LovD9 that produces simvastatin 1,000 times more efficiently than the natural enzyme. The team used computer simulations and X-ray crystallography to determine the molecular structures of both enzymes, revealing subtle variations in their behavior when immersed in water.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 13, 2014

UCLA geographers create 'easy button' to calculate river flows from space

Researchers develop new method to measure river discharge solely based on width measurements from satellite imagery, providing accurate estimates for agriculture, sanitation, and flood preparation. The approach holds promise for improving climate models and ensuring international water-sharing agreements are met.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2014

Cigarette smoking may cause physical changes in brains of young smokers, UCLA study shows

A UCLA study suggests that young adult smokers may experience physical changes in their brains due to cigarette smoking, which could explain why adults who began smoking at a young age stay hooked on cigarettes. The researchers found that brain structure changes were linked to the amount of smoking exposure and nicotine dependence.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateMar 3, 2014

Long-term study confirms success of method for detecting spread of deadly skin cancer

A decade-long study confirmed the effectiveness of lymphatic mapping and sentinel-node biopsy in detecting melanoma's early spread to lymph nodes, significantly prolonging patients' survival rates. The technique spares patients from unnecessary surgery and substantial costs for those with non-spreading tumors.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2014

UCLA study finds robotic-assisted prostate surgery offers better cancer control

A UCLA study published in European Urology found that robotic-assisted prostate surgery resulted in 5% fewer positive margins and a one-third reduction in the likelihood of needing additional cancer therapies. This suggests that robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy may offer better cancer control with potentially lower downstream costs.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalEuropean Urology·DateFeb 28, 2014

Use of acetaminophen during pregnancy linked to ADHD in children, UCLA researchers say

Researchers at UCLA found a significant link between the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and an increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The study, which examined data from over 64,000 mothers and their children, suggests that long-term acetaminophen use may disrupt fetal brain development an...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 24, 2014