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University of California - Riverside


Shrubs curb carbon emissions in China’s largest desert

A 40-year greening project in China's Taklamakan Desert has successfully reduced atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and increased solar-induced fluorescence, indicating a measurable carbon sink. The project demonstrates the potential of afforestation to mitigate climate change, despite being only a small dent in global emissions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 2026

Getting a grip on aging

A recent study by researchers at the University of California, Riverside, found that a specific brain region known as the caudate nucleus is strongly linked to physical strength in older adults. The discovery could help detect and prevent frailty before it begins.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJan 12, 2026

Fathers’ microplastic exposure tied to their children’s metabolic problems

A study led by UC Riverside scientists found that a father's microplastic exposure can trigger metabolic dysfunctions in his offspring, with female offspring being more susceptible. The research used mouse models and found altered sperm small non-coding RNA profiles and increased risk of diabetes in female offspring.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2025

Journal highlights need to transform girls’ mental health care

A special issue of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America seeks to transform how clinicians, educators, and policymakers think about girls' mental health by focusing on systems that support or fail to support them. The issue explores intersectionality, trauma-informed approaches, and the impact of social media on bod...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalChild and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2025

Fecal tests reveal active termite attacks

Researchers have developed a new test that uses microbes to determine the age of termite droppings, allowing for rapid on-site infestation assessments. The study found that the amount of DNA from E. coli bacteria in the pellets decreases significantly over time, with a nearly 190-fold drop by the 12-month mark.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateDec 10, 2025

Shopping for two is stressful

A University of California - Riverside study found that purchasing goods or services to be shared generates significantly more anxiety. Learning about others' preferences can reduce stress and increase confidence, but not if there are differing expectations.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeObservational study·DateDec 2, 2025

Community program boosts diet, fitness, and disease prevention for rural Latino families

A University of California, Riverside-led study found a community-based health program improving lifestyle changes in low-income, rural Latinas. The program, ¡Coma, Muévase y Viva!, combined health education, cooking demos, and exercise, resulting in increased healthy habits, weight loss, and improved chronic disease management.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateNov 20, 2025

School accountability yields long-term gains for students

A University of California, Riverside study finds that underperforming schools accountable for their ratings see improvements in student behavior and lower crime rates. The research followed over 54,000 South Carolina students into their early 30s and found a 12% reduction in arrests among those attending unsatisfactory-rated schools.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Human Resources·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 19, 2025

Being fit may help the body beat dehydration

Research from UC Riverside found that fit mice increased voluntary running activity when deprived of water. The study suggests that physical fitness may provide a physiological buffer against dehydration, which could be beneficial for humans in a warming world and individuals working in physically demanding outdoor occupations.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2025

Vietnam’s sound decision

In her book 'Sonic Socialism: Crisis and Care in Pandemic Hanoi', Christina Schwenkel explores how Vietnam used sound technologies to inform, regulate, and connect people during the pandemic. The country's success was largely due to its rapid communication systems, including loudspeakers and public health videos.

New hope for MS

Scientists have identified two compounds, K102 and K110, that could promote remyelination and modulate immune function in multiple sclerosis. These compounds showed promising results in mouse models and human cells, suggesting potential for treating MS and possibly other neurological diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2025