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University of California - Riverside


Study points to how low-income, resource-poor communities can reduce substance abuse

A recent study led by UC Riverside professor Ann Cheney found that low-income African American communities in the Arkansas Mississippi Delta have successfully reduced cocaine use through lifestyle changes and leveraging 'recovery capital.' Social networks and culturally appropriate interventions play a critical role in reducing substan...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·DateApr 21, 2016

All ants on deck

Researchers found that ants form rafts with different members occupying specific positions based on experience, demonstrating collective memory and cooperation. This phenomenon has implications for our understanding of social insects and potential applications in robotics and medicine.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Science of Nature·DateApr 18, 2016

Tracing star formation rates in distant galaxies

A team of researchers, led by UC Riverside graduate student Irene Shivaei, used a combination of near-infrared spectrometer and infrared images to study 17 bright distant galaxies. They compared various observables, including ultraviolet light, infrared light, and nebular emission lines, to estimate the star-formation rate. The study i...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 23, 2016

Spinning better electronic devices

UC Riverside researchers have successfully transmitted electrical signals through insulators in a sandwich-like structure, potentially revolutionizing electronic device efficiency. The breakthrough exploits the 'spin' of electrons rather than their charge, enabling new generations of spintronic devices.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 2016

New method to stop Argentine ants

Researchers at UC Riverside have found a more environmentally friendly way to control the spread of Argentine ants by adding their pheromone to bait. The pheromone-infused gel bait reduced ant activity by 74%, compared to 42% with traditional baits, and is an inexpensive modification to existing products.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateMar 1, 2016

Engineered gene drives and the future

Researchers review gene drive systems, analyzing pros and cons, applications, and regulatory issues. They highlight the potential benefits of controlling insect-borne diseases, removing invasive species, and reversing pesticide resistance. Gene drives combine CRISPR technology to enable environmentally friendly solutions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Reviews Genetics·DateFeb 18, 2016

GPS tracking down to the centimeter

Researchers at UCR have developed a new way to process GPS data, enabling centimeter-level accuracy in navigation systems. This technology will improve location services accessed through mobile phones and wearable technologies, while also supporting emerging applications like autonomous vehicles and precision farming.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalIEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology·DateFeb 10, 2016

Getting more miles from plug-in hybrids

Researchers at University of California, Riverside developed an energy management system that improves plug-in hybrid efficiency by 12 percent. The system uses machine learning and real-time data to optimize energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateFeb 9, 2016

Double dose of bad earthquake news

A team of researchers found that an earthquake initiating on one thrust fault can spread 10 times farther to a second nearby fault, vastly expanding the possible range of 'earthquake doublets.' This could lead to twice as much devastation in areas like Los Angeles, where multiple thrust faults are close together.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 8, 2016