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University of California - Riverside


Why are plants green?

Researchers developed a model that reproduces a general feature of photosynthetic light harvesting, observed across many photosynthetic organisms. The model suggests that absorbing specific colors of light can protect against sudden changes in solar energy, resulting in efficient power conversion.

Nanomaterial gives robots chameleon skin

Researchers at UC Riverside developed a new film made of gold nanoparticles that can respond to any type of movement, enabling robots to mimic chameleons. The material's complex patterns can be displayed through programming, opening up various applications such as underwater exploration and authentication features.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2020

The world is much more alike than different

A new study from UC Riverside asserts the world population may have much more in common than it has differences. The research, which included data from 15,318 members of university and college communities, found that people within countries are more similar than expected, while those across different countries exhibit smaller differences.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Personality·DateJun 9, 2020

Study reports high level of hazardous drinking among Pacific Islander young adults in US

A recent study published in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry has reported a high level of hazardous drinking and potential alcohol-use disorders among Pacific Islander young adults in the US. The study found that 56% of participants screened positive for hazardous drinking, with 49% experiencing active alcohol-use disorders, rat...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAmerican Journal of Orthopsychiatry·DateMay 5, 2020

Research finds support for 'Trump effect'

A new study from University of California, Riverside, found that Donald Trump's racially inflammatory speech emboldened particular members of the public to express their prejudices. Exposure to such rhetoric made individuals feel more comfortable expressing their prejudice, while silence from other elites gave the impression that a nor...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBritish Journal of Political Science·DateFeb 24, 2020

E-cigarette users are exposed to potentially harmful levels of metal linked to DNA damage

A recent study by the University of California, Riverside found that e-cigarette users have elevated biomarkers of exposure and potential harm, including zinc excess correlated with oxidative DNA damage. The study highlights the risks of prolonged e-cigarette use and advises physicians to exercise caution when recommending e-cigarettes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBMJ Open Respiratory Research·DateFeb 20, 2020

Scientists short-circuit maturity in insects, opening new paths to disease prevention

Researchers have found that a hormone required for insect sexual maturity cannot freely pass through the blood-brain barrier unless aided by a protein molecule. This discovery opens up new possibilities for controlling mosquito populations and potentially boosting beneficial bee reproduction. The study's findings also suggest potential...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 28, 2020