A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that bighorn sheep became extinct on Tiburón Island in the Gulf of California between the 6th and 19th centuries. The research uses ancient DNA analysis to confirm the extinction, challenging conventional wisdom about the species' presence on the island.
A team of climatologists led by UC Riverside researchers found that the recent widening of the tropical belt is primarily caused by multi-decadal sea surface temperature variability in the Pacific Ocean, including the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and anthropogenic pollutants. The study suggests that climate models underestimate the obse...
Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered a new auxin sensing and signaling system localized on the plant cell surface, which explains how leaf epidermal cells form their distinctive jigsaw puzzle-piece shapes. This breakthrough discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying various auxin-modulated developmental processes.
A study on wild green anole lizards reveals that the link between muscle function and movement is more complicated than previously thought. The researchers found that changes in motion do not always correspond to changes in muscle activity, leading to new questions about animal ecology, evolution, and adaptation.
UC Riverside and University of Manchester researchers discover that adding a layer of graphene to each side of a copper film increases heat conducting properties by up to 24 percent. This enhancement could further help in the downscaling of electronics.
A UC Riverside study suggests that increasing block-rate water budgets can effectively promote water use efficiency by sending a price signal to customers regarding water scarcity. The study found that average household water use decreased by 15% under the new pricing structure, while overall prices only rose 4%.
A team of researchers from the University of California, Riverside has demonstrated a new type of holographic memory device that uses spin waves to store data. The device has unprecedented data storage capacity and processing capabilities, making it potentially revolutionary for electronic devices.
Oxygen production by cyanobacteria may have initiated 3 billion years ago, with dynamic concentrations rising and falling over billions of years. This new understanding sheds light on the balance between photosynthesis and consumption, impacting life on Earth.
A team of researchers developed methods to screen thousands of synthetic molecular oscillators in small droplets, finding diverse behavior in terms of period, amplitude and phase. This diversity will play a crucial role in engineering complex behaviors in artificial cells.
The UC Riverside lab, led by Professor Zhenbiao Yang, received an honorable mention for their short movie 'Visualizing Leaf Cells from Within' in the International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge. The challenge, sponsored by NSF and Science magazine, selected the top winners from 227 submissions across 12 countries.
The University of California, Riverside has found that Tamarixia radiata, a wasp that targets the Asian citrus psyllid, poses no significant environmental risk. The wasp is being used for biological control in Florida, Texas, and other regions to combat the invasive pest.
A UC Riverside-led study found significant damage in the liver and lung of mice exposed to third-hand smoke, with wounds taking longer to heal and displaying hyperactivity. The study's findings suggest a critical need for research on human health risks associated with third-hand smoke exposure.
A team of scientists, led by Wilfred Elders, has successfully created the world's first magma-enhanced geothermal system in Iceland. The system utilizes superheated steam from a well drilled into molten magma at a temperature of 900-1000 C.
Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered how the common fruit fly detects sweet compounds, revealing a new understanding of taste receptors in insects. The study's findings hold promise for developing strategies to block these receptors, potentially helping to control disease-carrying mosquitoes and other pests.
A team of researchers found that island lizards exhibit reduced escape behavior compared to mainland lizards, suggesting a link between island isolation and tameness. The study also revealed that prey size is an important factor in determining escape behavior, with smaller prey having shorter flight initiation distances.
A team of scientists led by UC Riverside astronomers used Hubble to discover 58 young, diminutive galaxies in ultraviolet light, which are 100 times more numerous and 100 times fainter than detected galaxies. These 'unseen' galaxies formed most new stars during the universe's early years.
Entomologists at UC Riverside have created a novel technique that combines synthetic pheromone with insecticide sprays to effectively control Argentine ant colonies. The 'attract-and-kill' approach resulted in a 57-142% increase in kill rate, making it an economically viable alternative for urban pest management.
A team of researchers from University of California, Riverside claims that ancient zircons contain 'diamonds' which are actually fragments of polishing compound used in the laboratory analysis. The discovery was made using high-resolution electron microscopy and suggests no indigenous diamonds exist in these samples.
Chronic wounds affect millions of Americans at a high cost. Researchers found that reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels can break the cycle of unhealing wounds. Antioxidant treatments can also reverse chronicity by disintegrating bacterial biofilms, leading to healthier tissue and wound healing.
A study by UC Riverside-led team found that moderate alcohol consumption can bolster our immune system and potentially fight infections. The finding could lead to new interventions to improve vaccine responses, benefiting vulnerable populations.
UC Riverside researchers have discovered low levels of DNA methylation in Plasmodium's genome, which may be critical to the survival of the parasite. This finding could lead to the development of a new drug to kill the deadly malaria parasite.
Scientists at UC Riverside identified a key target for disrupting mosquito host-seeking behavior, which could aid in controlling disease transmission. They discovered compounds that can block the mosquito's CO2 and skin-odorant receptors, reducing attractiveness and creating an affordable alternative to traditional CO2-based mosquito t...
John Trumble, a renowned entomologist at UC Riverside, has been awarded the 2013 Oscar Lorenz Award for his outstanding contributions to research and extension education in the California vegetable industry. He has developed effective integrated pest management programs and strategies to reduce the use of toxic insecticides.
A recent study found that firms with a history of social responsibility are more likely to engage in subsequent social irresponsibility, particularly if CEOs have a strong moral image. For every five positive actions taken, companies receive a 'license to commit' one negative action.
The University of California, Riverside researcher is using sensors to count and classify insect vectors, providing real-time information to plan effective interventions. She aims to create an open-source library of insect wingbeat signatures and behaviors to aid researchers worldwide in combating malaria.
UC Riverside plant geneticists Mikeal Roose and Timothy Close are developing a genetic tool to improve citrus breeding. They will use high-density SNP genotyping arrays to study citrus varieties and hybrids, identifying genes for disease resistance, fruit quality, and other essential traits.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have redesigned battery component materials to create nanoparticles with controlled shape, resulting in smaller, more powerful and energy efficient batteries. This innovation could improve battery performance and reduce costs for electric cars and other applications.
A computer model developed by a University of California, Riverside sociologist and Indio police has predicted burglaries by census block group, leading to an 8% decline in thefts. The model uses crime data and truancy records to anticipate hot spots of crime, enabling targeted prevention activities.
UC Riverside researchers found that recipients prefer to hear bad news first, while news-givers prefer good news. However, the timing of good news can impact behavior change, with a good-bad-good delivery strategy potentially undermining its effectiveness. The study suggests a good-then-bad news order may be more beneficial for recipie...
Aaron Seitz, a University of California, Riverside neuroscientist, has been awarded a $1.7 million NIH grant to explore how different mechanisms of perceptual learning interact and develop better treatment options for individuals with visual defects.
Scientists at UC Riverside are using DNA marker-assisted breeding to accelerate the development of new cowpea varieties with desirable traits such as drought tolerance, pest resistance, and high yield. The research aims to improve crop yields in several African countries, supporting USAID's Feed the Future initiative.
A study by University of California, Riverside psychologists found that people who are unrealistically optimistic about their health risks take preventive action when faced with worse-than-expected news, but those with pessimistic views do not change their behavior after receiving better-than-expected feedback. This poses a dilemma for...
Researchers quantify the extent of ancient oxygen-free and hydrogen sulfide-rich waters in the ocean during a major extinction event 93.9 million years ago. This discovery highlights the significant impact on ocean chemistry and biological activity, suggesting that even limited euxinia can have profound effects on marine life.
Researchers use spectroscopy to confirm distance of newly discovered galaxy, z8-GND-5296, which forms stars at a rate ~300 times that of the Milky Way. The discovery sheds light on the earliest formation of galaxies and provides insights into the evolution of galaxies throughout the universe's age.
Scientists have discovered that mammals use the RNA interference (RNAi) process to destroy viruses within their own cells, similar to plants and invertebrate animals. This finding could lead to the creation of vaccines against deadly infections such as SARS, West Nile, dengue, hepatitis C, and influenza.
Khaleel Razak's research aims to develop therapies for age-related hearing problems and Fragile X Syndrome by studying how the brain processes everyday sounds. His lab will investigate neural computations that generate cortical maps underlying sound localization behavior in the pallid bat.
A UC Riverside team discovered a novel 'virulence mechanism' of Botrytis cinerea, a fungal pathogen that can infect over 200 plant species. The pathogen delivers RNA effectors into host cells to suppress immunity and cause infection.
A recent study by researchers at the University of California, Riverside found that selenium, a naturally occurring metal, has toxic effects on honey bees. The study reveals that organic forms of selenium alter protein conformation and cause developmental problems, while inorganic forms cause oxidative stress.
Researchers at UC Riverside identified DEET-detecting olfactory receptors, enabling the development of three safe compounds that mimic DEET and could prevent the transmission of deadly vector-borne diseases. The findings offer a major breakthrough in controlling insect-borne diseases worldwide.
A Canadian research team, led by a UC Riverside expert, has won the Hult Prize to develop insect-based meals for impoverished regions. Insects are excellent low-cost sources of protein and essential nutrients.
A study by University of California, Riverside researchers found that older adults' experience and knowledge compensate for declining fluid intelligence. They performed better than younger participants in temporal discounting, financial literacy, and debt literacy.
Geologists have confirmed that a high-pressure failure mechanism is the trigger for deep earthquakes occurring at depths below 400 kilometers. The research team simulated deep earthquakes in a laboratory and found that fractures nucleate at the onset of olivine to spinel transition.
Professor Alexander Balandin receives MRS Medal for his groundbreaking work on graphene's thermal properties and development of a new materials characterization technique. His discoveries have led to major advances in understanding phonon transport and the application of graphene in heat removal and thermal management.
Researchers found that individuals behave more selfishly when interacting with men with wider faces, leading to a social feedback loop. The study's findings suggest that people may need to reconsider how they use power and make helpful decisions.
A team of astronomers from UC Riverside and three other universities will conduct a large survey of galaxies using the MOSFIRE instrument. The survey will study how galaxies evolved over time, including their conversion of gas into stars and the formation of heavier elements.
Researchers have developed a measurement tool to assess market power in deregulated electricity markets, taking into account emerging smart grid phenomena. The tool, called transmission constrained network flow, unifies existing measures and provides a unified view of market power potential under varying operating conditions.
UC Riverside researchers have created a novel transparent skull implant made of yttria-stabilized zirconia, allowing doctors to aim laser-based treatments without repeated craniectomies. This technology has strong potential for positive impact on patients with life-threatening neurological disorders.
The College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at UC Riverside is receiving a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to improve freshman academic success in STEM fields. The project, SL-CARE, aims to increase student participation in learning communities and research engagement courses.
Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered a transposon that benefits its host organisms by enhancing the immunity of plants against a pathogenic microorganism. The COPIA-R7 transposon interferes with the epigenetic code of the RPP7 gene, promoting activity and adjusting the plant's immune response.
A team at UC Riverside developed a novel way to build resistive memory devices that can store terabytes of data, replacing current flash memory. The new technology uses zinc oxide nano-islands on silicon, eliminating the need for a separate selector device.