Researchers compared GM soybean oil to conventional soybean, coconut, and olive oils, finding that GM soybean oil reduces obesity and insulin resistance but causes similar negative effects on diabetes and fatty liver as conventional soybean oil. Olive oil produced identical negative effects to Plenish.
Researchers have identified new hosts for Chagas Disease vectors, including tayras, monkeys, sloths, porcupines, and coatis, using DNA analysis. This discovery increases knowledge of Chagas disease transmission in rural environments and will support efforts to control the disease, particularly in poor, rural populations in South America.
Researchers found that thirdhand smoke exposure causes significant health effects in mice as early as one month after initiation of exposure, including liver damage and insulin resistance. The effects worsen with time, with stress hormones increasing and immune fatigue developing at longer exposure durations.
A UC Riverside-led study identified two hormones (ecdysis triggering hormone and juvenile hormone) and a neurotransmitter (dopamine) that regulate courtship memories in males. The study found that these molecules are critical to maintaining aversive memories of failed courtship attempts, influencing future behaviors.
A team of physicists led by Hai-Bo Yu propose a new theory that dark matter particles strongly collide with each other in the inner halo of galaxies, explaining diverse galactic rotation curves. This self-interacting dark matter model thermalizes the inner halo, tying ordinary and dark matter distributions together.
Researchers at UC Riverside found that indoor residential conservation during droughts can diminish the quantity and quality of influent available for treatment in wastewater reuse systems. This can lead to reliability issues and increased pollutants in treated wastewater, hindering its use for irrigation or other purposes.
Scientists will investigate the variation in benefits of plant-bacteria symbioses in California, focusing on evolution, ecology, and genetics. The five-year Dimensions of Biodiversity award aims to develop a predictive framework for understanding these interactions.
Researchers found that disrupting geckos' tail movements limits pelvis rotation, decreasing step length. Tail undulations play a crucial role in increasing step length and speed in geckos, applicable to many terrestrial animals with tails.
A natural global warming event occurred 56 million years ago, caused almost entirely by volcanic eruptions during Greenland's separation from Europe. The Palaeocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) led to a significant increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide and global temperatures.
Researchers at UC Riverside found pallid bats resistant to Arizona bark scorpion venom, with amino acid substitutions in voltage gated sodium ion channels. The study may have implications for understanding and managing human pain.
A study by University of California, Riverside researchers found that two Bahamian songbird species likely became extinct due to habitat loss caused by rising sea levels and a warmer climate. The birds' habitats were pine grasslands found in cooler regions, which were lost when the islands became more tropical.
A recent study by University of California, Riverside researchers found high levels of manganese in groundwater wells in the US and three Asian countries, exceeding World Health Organization guidelines. The study suggests public health officials should monitor manganese levels to ensure safe drinking water, particularly for children.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, have identified specialized odorant receptors in social insects that detect cuticular hydrocarbon cues and candidate pheromones. The discovery provides new insight into the chemical communications systems used by eusocial insects, enabling workers to recognize queen and male ants.
A research team at UC Riverside has developed a method to selectively erase specific fear memories by weakening the connections between neurons involved in forming these memories. This breakthrough has therapeutic implications for treating PTSD and phobias, allowing beneficial memories to be retained while detrimental ones are suppressed.
A new study by Kalina Michalska found that children who are more anxious tend to avoid making eye contact, leading to greater fear experience. This avoidance of eye contact affects how afraid children are of potentially threatening information.
Researchers will investigate how loss of protective barrier protein TCPTP contributes to IBD and identify novel molecular pathways. They aim to correct intestinal barrier defects using JAK signaling pathway inhibitors, which are being tested in clinical trials.
Researchers found high sodium and selenium levels in soil and airborne particulate matter from the Salton Sea, posing negative ecological and health risks. The study highlights the need for monitoring and remediation efforts to mitigate dust emissions from the shrinking lake.
Physicians have evaluated a new fabric-based endocervical curettage device, which uses a hook to collect tissue samples. The device reduces discomfort and increases the number of adequate specimens, leading to better results and fewer repeat biopsies.
A recent study shows that corporate wellness programs can significantly increase worker productivity, with participants showing a 6-11% gain in productivity. The program's benefits include improved employee motivation and capabilities due to physical and mental wellness improvements.
A team of researchers from UCR developed a ceramic skull implant that allows doctors to deliver therapeutic sound waves into the brain. The material, made of Yttria Stabilized Zirconia, is biocompatible and shatter-resistant, making it ideal for implants.
Researchers at UCR discovered that infected insects emit an odor called prenol that repels nematodes looking for a new host. This finding supports the use of nematodes as a tool for controlling crop pests.
A team of researchers has made the best measurement yet of molecular gas, a raw material for star formation, in three massive galaxy clusters in the early universe. The study found that cluster galaxies have more fuel available to form stars than previously thought.
Researchers found near-continuous tremor activity and 1,300 low-frequency earthquakes in the region, suggesting a connection to damaging earthquakes. The study used a novel 'beam back projection' method to track slow earthquakes minute-by-minute, revealing clusters of tremor sources with distinct properties.
A new study by UCR psychology professor Kelly Huffman found that prenatal ethanol exposure causes abnormalities in the brain and behavior that may be passed on for many generations. The research shows that drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes in future grand- and even great-grandchildren, including reduced bod...
UC Riverside researchers predict California will see a 12% increase in precipitation by 2100, with northern and central regions experiencing the largest increases. The study attributes this change to a southeastward shift of the jet stream, encouraged by warming sea surface temperatures.
Researchers found that geckos are subjected to impact forces that approach the safety factor of a single foot, leading to the possibility of injury or failed landing attempts. The study provides insight into the evolution of adhesion and may help understand the phenomenal adhesive power exhibited by these lizards.
A study published in Oncogene has shed new light on the molecular mechanisms of ovarian cancer spread. Researchers found that N-cadherin plays a key role in metastasis by enabling cancer cells to anchor to new sites in the body, and that disrupting this process may provide a therapeutic strategy.
Katayoon Dehesh, a UC Riverside molecular biochemist, has been elected to the Leopoldina, the German National Academy of Sciences. Her research focuses on deciphering the molecular and biochemical regulatory mechanisms underlying stress-induced responses in plants.
Researchers have successfully made magnetic topological insulators at room temperatures, demonstrating a potential breakthrough in creating faster and more efficient electronics. The development uses heterostructures to create magnetism in TI surfaces, allowing for reduced power consumption and increased robustness.
Naoki Yamanaka, the first researcher at UC Riverside to receive a Pew scholarship, will pursue foundational research using state-of-the-art techniques. His research focuses on identifying chemicals that interrupt steroid hormone entry into cells, which could lead to novel means of manipulating steroid-related processes.
A team of engineers at UCR has created a self-heating carbon nanotube-based membrane that can recover nearly 100% of the water from highly concentrated salt solutions, alleviating water shortages in arid regions. The new system also prevents degradation of the carbon nanotubes in saline environments.
A team of researchers led by Xuemei Chen identified a small RNA species and its target gene regulating female germline formation in plants. The study provides new insights into plant reproduction and has the potential to improve crop yields.
Researchers at UC Riverside developed an inexpensive, biodegradable seaweed-based ant bait that reduced Argentine ant populations by 40-68% after four weeks. The hydrogel baits are highly absorbent and retain water to remain attractive to ants for extended periods.
A UCR study reveals that the Ediacaran-era fossil animal Dickinsonia developed in a highly regulated way using a similar genetic toolkit to today's animals. The research helps place Dickinsonia in the early evolution of animal life, showcasing its complex growth and development.
Researchers at UCR have discovered that a specific population of hippocampal neurons project to both the amygdala and mPFC, facilitating coordinated neural activity in these areas. This finding could lead to the development of new therapeutics for reducing pathological fear in PTSD.
A new theory published in the journal Human Development proposes that adults can learn new skills and combat cognitive aging by adopting broad learning strategies similar to those used in infancy. By embracing open-minded learning, individualized scaffolding, growth mindset, forgiving environment, serious commitment to learning, and le...
A new paper by Kate Sweeny argues there's a positive side to worrying, with benefits including motivating preventive and protective behavior, recovery from traumatic events, and adaptive preparation and planning. Worrying the right amount can also motivate without paralyzing motivation, while serving as an emotional buffer.
A team of researchers has completed the sequencing of barley's complete genome, providing new insights into gene families key to the malting process. The breakthrough could aid in breeding and optimizing genetic diversity in crops like rice and wheat.
Pacific Islanders face significant mental health disparities due to cultural taboos, stigma, and lack of information about resources. A new two-year study led by UC Riverside's Andrew Subica aims to develop culturally attuned interventions to promote engagement in mental health services.
Nematodes, microscopic worms that control diseases in humans and kill insects, secrete deadly cocktails of proteins to infect hosts. Researchers developed a method to work with nematodes outside their host, identifying 472 proteins involved in parasitism.
Researchers at UCR's Bourns College of Engineering turned waste glass bottles into nanosilicon anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries. The new battery technology stores more energy, charges faster, and is more stable than commercial coin cell batteries.
Researchers developed and evaluated MyFamilyPlan, a web-based preconception health education module. The study found that women who used the online format were about twice as likely to discuss preconception health with their doctors. This increase in discussions was associated with improved patient care.
Scientists at UC Riverside's Akbari lab have successfully created a strain of red-eyed mutant wasps using CRISPR gene-slicing technology. The goal is to better understand the biology of wasps and other insects to control pests that destroy crops or spread diseases like malaria.
Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered a new battery coating that stabilizes performance, eliminates dendrite growth, and increases the lifetime of lithium-metal anodes. The coating, made with methyl viologen, can enhance battery performance by three times compared to current standards.
A UC Riverside researcher has received a two-year grant to explore a therapeutic target for IBD patients with TCPTP mutations. The study aims to correct intestinal barrier defects and reduce inflammation in the intestine.
UCR researchers developed an inexpensive sensor that can weigh microgram-sized biological samples in fluids, expanding applications in toxicity research, plant sciences, and biomaterials engineering. The sensor uses a simple glass tube and off-the-shelf electronics to measure mass, volume, and density of tiny samples.
Researchers have found that dust from the Gobi Desert is providing more phosphorus than previously thought for plants in the Sierra Nevada mountains, including giant sequoias. The study suggests that dust may be shaping this iconic California ecosystem and could help predict forest response to climate change.
Researchers at UC Riverside have determined the crystal structure of the Zika virus NS5 protein, enabling a better understanding of its replication mechanism. The discovery provides a strong basis for developing potential inhibitors against ZIKV infection.
A new study reveals that adults who learned Spanish as a second language can understand subtle aspects of Spanish grammar not present in English. Researchers found that these adults were capable of learning and processing a new language in a way similar to native speaker language use.
A new study by UCR psychology professor Megan Robbins found that using positive emotion words and balanced pronouns, such as