Researchers used supercomputing and nano-imaging to reveal how a 'lignin-first' approach can facilitate the efficient breakdown of plant biomass. The study found that pretreating plant biomass with specific co-solvents, such as tetrahydrofuran and water, can help break down lignin and increase enzyme access to cellulose.
A UC Riverside physicist is studying strongly interacting systems to improve understanding of superconductivity and potentially develop novel materials. The research combines recent advances from high energy and condensed matter physics with insights from quantum information theory.
The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has discovered three new exoplanets, including one rocky planet in the habitable zone, which could potentially support liquid water and life. The newly found planets, TOI-270, are unique in that they occupy a 'missing link' between rocky Earth-like planets and gas-dominant mini-Neptunes.
A study led by UC Riverside professor David Reznick found that female fish with placentas form new species twice as fast as those without, due to their ability to choose mates. This connection between mothering and evolution suggests a key role for females in shaping the formation of new species.
A new study from UC Riverside suggests that concerns about race and immigration were the primary determinants of vote switching in the 2016 presidential election. The researchers found that both working-class and non-working-class whites who held punitive immigration or racially conservative views were more likely to switch to Donald T...
A hybrid teacher incentive program that combines mentorship, coaching, and performance-based compensation improved student test scores in math and social studies, but not in English and science. The program's benefits exceeded its costs, with estimated potential earnings of $945,000 per school year for math
A study found that individuals carrying the APOE4 allele, present in 15% of the population, showed lower IQ scores during childhood and adolescence. These findings suggest that the gene may impact cognitive health as early as age 6½ and become increasingly detrimental with aging.
A new deep neural network architecture can identify manipulated images at the pixel level, detecting blurred boundaries and unnatural transitions between regions. This technology aims to improve photo editing tool security and detect deepfakes with high precision.
A study by UC Riverside researchers found that older adults who learned three to five classes simultaneously showed significant increases in cognitive abilities, similar to those of middle-aged adults. The study suggests that intense learning experiences can improve cognitive functioning in older populations.
Researchers predict Joshua trees will not survive beyond this century without drastic action on climate change. The study found that even with reduced greenhouse gas emissions, the park would retain only 19% of its habitat after 2070.
A biomedical scientist is studying how the body's cannabis-like molecules affect feeding behavior and contribute to obesity. The research aims to identify novel therapeutic strategies for safely treating obesity and related metabolic disorders, which are currently lacking reliable options.
The genome of black-eyed peas has been fully sequenced, providing valuable insights into the genes responsible for their drought and heat tolerance. This breakthrough could help develop new crop varieties more resilient to climate change, particularly in regions where water availability is limited.
A team led by UC Riverside physicists has identified dark trions as a promising carrier of quantum information, with a lifetime of over 100 times longer than bright trions. This breakthrough could revolutionize information transmission and enable new ways of data transfer.
A new study led by UC Riverside psychologist Brent Hughes found that the tendency to recognize differences in own-race faces is greater than in other-race faces, a phenomenon known as the 'other-race effect.' This bias occurs even at early stages of sensory perception and can affect downstream beliefs and behaviors.
A UC Riverside study found that electronic cigarettes produce a stress response in neural stem cells, leading to cell death or disease. The research identifies a protective response mechanism called SIMH, which can accelerate aging and lead to neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study suggests that NGOs can use targeted reports to encourage companies to adopt more responsible practices through vertical integration. This approach can help promote sustainable sourcing throughout industries, even in the face of high external pressure. By specifying both violating and non-violating firms in their reports, NG...
A study led by University of California, Riverside scientists found that thirdhand smoke can damage epithelial cells in the respiratory system by stressing cells and causing them to fight for survival. The researchers identified 382 genes significantly over-expressed and found pathways affected by these genes.
A joint team of scientists at UC Riverside and MIT has developed a new heterostructure material system based on gold that can potentially demonstrate the existence and quantum nature of Majorana fermions. The research shows superconductivity, magnetism, and electrons' spin-orbit coupling can co-exist in gold.
Researchers at UC Riverside have identified a neurotoxin produced by bacteria that kills Anopheles mosquitoes, which spread malaria. The discovery could lead to the development of a chemical-free insecticide and reduce the risk of resistance.
A new study finds that inducing a sense of awe through watching movies can significantly reduce positive emotion and anxiety during periods of uncertainty. Researchers found that participants who watched an awe-inducing video experienced less stress and more positive emotions compared to those who watched neutral or happy videos.
A new UC Riverside-led research reveals that some of Earth's oldest animals could travel on their own to get food, settling a longstanding debate about the earliest animal communities. The team analyzed over 1,300 fossils of Dickinsonia, which moved like worms to consume microorganisms.
UC Riverside researchers identified two genes responsible for regulating plant greening through mutant plant experiments. The discovery sheds light on the complex process of photosynthesis and its control by the cell's nucleus and chloroplasts.
A UC Riverside-led study reveals that overactive endocannabinoid signaling in the gut blocks satiation signals, leading to overeating and obesity. Researchers hope to develop drugs targeting these receptors to address obesity.
A UC Riverside researcher is leading a three-year study to investigate the long-term impact of cannabis exposure on metabolic diseases like Type 2 diabetes. The project aims to explore how cannabis affects glucose homeostasis and its relationship with the endocannabinoid system.
Research by David Kisailus and Pablo Zavattieri reveals the telson's secret, unlocking a helicoidal structure that prevents cracks from growing and dissipates energy. The study finds that the telson's carinae ridges stiffen it along its axis while flexing inward when forces are applied perpendicular to its long axis.
Engineers at the University of California, Riverside, have developed a new technology that tunnels light into the quantum realm with unprecedented efficiency. The device integrates a glass optical fiber with a silver nanowire condenser to squeeze visible light to the tip of the condenser and interact with molecules locally.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, successfully replicated superfog formation in a laboratory setting, revealing crucial factors such as low water content, small particle size, and high fuel moisture content. While they can now understand how superfog forms, predicting its occurrence remains uncertain due to comple...
A new approach to targeting cancer cells has been developed by UC Riverside researchers, who have found that drugs targeting other amino acids like lysine and tyrosine can be more effective. The study provides novel avenues for deriving potent and selective PPI antagonists
A new study reveals that bumblebees' dietary needs are crucial for their development and the production of favorite foods like tomatoes, blueberries, and strawberries. The loss of plant diversity can lead to developmental delays and stress on queens, ultimately affecting colony growth.
A $1.19 million NSF grant will develop a high school air quality curriculum in Riverside County, engaging over 2,000 students and addressing health impacts. The program aims to motivate underrepresented students in STEM activities and promote career opportunities.
A UC Riverside-led team found strong associations between working memory and factors like sleep quality, age, and depressed mood. The researchers discovered that each factor affects different aspects of working memory, with poor sleep quality and depressed mood linked to reduced quantitative memory.
A UC Riverside study challenges long-held assumptions about gossip, finding that younger people gossip more negatively than older adults, while extraverts gossip far more frequently than introverts. The study also reveals that women gossip more in neutral conversations with friends, contradicting popular 'best habits of the rich' books.
Researchers are tweaking tiny tomato plants to increase photosynthesis and make them suitable for growing on the International Space Station. The goal is to create a crop that can feed astronauts and potentially support future space colonies.
The UCR School of Medicine will conduct research on collegiate recovery with a focus on increasing awareness, improving treatment support, and incorporating students' voices in decision-making. This effort aims to reduce stigma and improve outcomes for students in recovery.
A recent study has found that JUUL electronic cigarette products contain dangerously high levels of nicotine, which can be toxic to living cells. The researchers also discovered that flavor chemicals in JUUL pods may make them attractive to youth and could lead to adverse health effects with chronic use.
The Launch Pad program aims to advance STEM education by training K-12 students in state-of-the-art science and technology. High school students will participate in hands-on activities, public lectures, and telescope viewing opportunities.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside found that surgery is associated with a 44% increased chance of survival for patients with HER2-positive stage 4 breast cancer. The study suggests that surgery should be considered as part of treatment, particularly for women with Medicare or private insurance.
A plant pathologist at UC Riverside has secured a $4 million grant from the USDA to develop a cure for citrus-destroying disease. The research focuses on a novel class of peptides that can directly kill the bacteria and protect healthy trees from infection, offering hope for California's multibillion-dollar citrus industry.
Researchers have captured high-speed videos of kangaroo rats defending themselves against rattlesnake attacks, showcasing their record-breaking reaction times and evasive maneuvers. The data suggest that the kangaroo rats' powerful legs and mid-air kicks allow them to avoid being envenomated.
Researchers have developed a simple method called chronoprinting that can detect counterfeit medicines and food products. By analyzing how samples change over time, chronoprinting uses image analysis algorithms to distinguish pure from adulterated substances.
Astronomers now consider carbon monoxide as a biosignature gas that could indicate microbial life on exoplanets. Computer models reveal two scenarios where carbon monoxide accumulates in the atmospheres of living planets, including ancient Earth and habitable exoplanets around red dwarf stars.
Research found that natural selection favors cheating rhizobia that provide fewer benefits to their host plants, destabilizing mutualisms. The study suggests that beneficial bacteria services vary in natural systems and can be exploited by cheater strains.
Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered that magnons exhibit discreet noise levels at low power, but become high and discrete at high power. This could lead to the development of more efficient magnonic devices.
A team of researchers identified the genes responsible for the hallmark sour taste of many citrus fruits. By analyzing these genes, plant breeders can develop new, sweeter varieties by targeting related genes that reduce acidity. The discovery could lead to the creation of better-tasting citrus fruits.
A recent study published in Preventing Chronic Disease found that immigrant Asian American women are at a higher risk for breast cancer compared to their U.S.-born counterparts. The researchers discovered that those who had immigrated and lived in the U.S. for more than 50% of their lives were three times as likely to have breast cancer.
Researchers at UC Riverside have identified a regulatory genetic mechanism in plants that enables them to fight bacterial infections. The Argonaute protein is controlled by post-translational modification during bacterial infection, allowing plants to regulate their immune response.
A team of researchers at the University of California, Riverside, has developed a method to reconstruct what a researcher is doing with a DNA synthesizer by recording its sounds. The technique uses machine learning algorithms to identify patterns in the sound signals and can detect the type of DNA being produced with high accuracy.
Researchers have developed a new compound that shows promise in treating multiple sclerosis by reducing inflammation and promoting neuroprotection and remyelination. The compound, based on chloroindazole, has been found to be effective in improving primary symptoms in a mouse model of the disease.
A UC Riverside study found that spouses can help with coping by positively reframing the cancer experience and other negative experiences, associated with less stress. The researchers suggest that socially similar others, like romantic partners, can provide a roadmap for a more contented spouse.
Researchers have discovered that RNA splicing plays a crucial role in the X chromosome inactivation process in females. This mechanism, involving the Xist gene, determines females' susceptibility to diseases such as Fragile X and Rett syndromes.