Invasive weed threatens Southern California’s deserts
Saharan mustard is overwhelming native plants' seed bank, reducing biodiversity and weakening ecosystems. The invasive species can crowd out native species, altering ecosystem function.
University of California - Riverside
Scientists finally confirm vitamin B1 hypothesis from 1958
Chemists have confirmed a 67-year-old theory about vitamin B1 by stabilizing a reactive molecule in water. The discovery opens doors to more efficient ways of making pharmaceuticals using cleaner solvents.
DNA organization offers clues for advancing stem cell therapy
A UC Riverside-led study found that adult stem cells rely on histone chaperones to maintain their regenerative capacity. The researchers discovered that disrupting these proteins can lead to specific changes in stem cell identity, potentially guiding them into desired cell types.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalGenes & Development·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025
Is it good to know how much your co-workers make?
A study by UC Riverside professor Boris Maciejovsky found that revealing employee pay can influence workplace dynamics, with those at the top feeling entitled to higher compensation and those at the bottom demoralized. The research highlights a complex interplay between social comparison and individual perceptions of worth.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2025
An app can change how you see yourself at work
A study from the University of California, Riverside, found that a smartphone app can subtly reshape a person's self-image at work. The app, called MindTAPP, uses associative conditioning to pair users with positive affirmations, leading to more favorable views of their workplace abilities and a heightened sense of self-efficacy.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalComputers in Human Behavior Reports·DateApr 2, 2025
Pregnant women advised to avoid mentholated e-cigarettes
A new study suggests that menthol in electronic cigarettes may pose risks to a developing baby, inhibiting cell growth and increasing cell death. The researchers recommend discouraging the use of mentholated e-cigarettes during pregnancy until more research is conducted.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2025
Triggering parasitic plant ‘suicide’ to help farmers
Scientists at UC Riverside discovered a way to exploit parasitic plant hormones to induce
Advancing antiferromagnetic spintronics for next-gen memory and computing
Researchers at UC Riverside will explore how antiferromagnetic spintronics can improve memory density and computing speed. The project aims to develop ultrafast spin-based technology using special antiferromagnets with potential applications in advanced memory and computing.
Democracies boost women’s participation in the labor market
A UC Riverside study finds that democratic systems of government lead to higher participation by women in the labor market. Women who lived in democracies during their adolescence years were more likely to join the workforce than those under autocracies or dictatorships.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEconomics and Politics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 17, 2025
New method predicts prices in uncertain times
A new AI model developed by UC Riverside scholars combines historical sales data with economic demand theory to predict prices in uncertain times. The model retains high accuracy, demonstrating a substantial improvement over other methods in reducing generalization errors.
Signs of alien life may be hiding in these gases
Researchers identify methyl halides as a potential sign of microbial life on Hycean planets with thick hydrogen atmospheres. The gas could accumulate in exoplanet atmospheres and be detectable from light-years away, offering an optimal strategy for the search for extraterrestrial life.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 12, 2025
A longer, sleeker super predator: Megalodon’s true form
Researchers used a novel approach to estimate megalodon's body length and shape, finding it closer in shape to a lemon shark or large whale. The study suggests the prehistoric predator may have reached about 80 feet in length and weighed an estimated 94 tons.
Enhancing mosquito repellent effectiveness
Researchers have identified novel mosquito repellents with high success rates from natural sources, including food and flavoring materials. The team's machine learning-based cheminformatics approach also pinpointed pyrethroid analogs up to 100 times more effective than existing industry standards.
New manzanita species discovered, already at risk
A new species of manzanita has been discovered on the central coast of California, but its survival is already at risk due to urban development. The species, Arctostaphylos nipumu, lacks a protective burl that allows some other manzanitas to resprout after wildfires.
Beehive sensors offer hope in saving honeybee colonies
A new sensor-based technology allows for early warnings of hive temperature fluctuations, enabling beekeepers to take preventive action. The system has proven its effectiveness in detecting conditions requiring intervention, and further development is underway to create automated climate controls.
New technology enhances gravitational-wave detection
A new optical technology developed at UC Riverside enables gravitational-wave detectors to reach extreme laser powers, overcoming limitations that hinder the detection of cosmic phenomena. This breakthrough is expected to significantly expand our view of the universe, particularly in the earliest stages of its history.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2025
Breast cancer treatment advances with light-activated ‘smart bomb’
New cyanine-carborane salts show promise in eradicating metastatic breast cancer tumors with minimal side effects. The therapy targets specific proteins in cancer cells, allowing for precise killing of diseased cells while sparing healthy tissue.
Women’s pelvic tissue tears during childbirth unstudied, until now
A new research project funded by a $600,000 grant is exploring the mechanics behind episiotomies, with the goal of developing safer and more effective surgical practices. The study uses advanced experimental techniques and computational simulations to understand how incisions spread and potentially lead to tears.
New diagnostic tool will help LIGO hunt gravitational waves
A new machine learning approach developed by UCR researchers enables the detection of environmental patterns in large datasets generated by LIGO, improving data quality and reducing noise. This technology has potential applications in particle accelerator experiments and complex industrial systems.
More transparency about So Cal’s fire-polluted air
The ASCENT project provides real-time advanced air pollutant measurements, including PM2.5 aerosols and chemical components, to help increase public safety amidst the LA fires. The network measures chemicals emitted by burning structures and household materials, such as lead and chlorine, which can have toxic or carcinogenic effects.
Investigating immune connections between obesity and parasitic worms
Researchers investigate how sex-specific immune responses affect disease outcomes in obesity and helminth infections, aiming to develop new treatments for metabolic disorders and parasitic infections. The study focuses on macrophage-eosinophil interactions and the role of RELMalpha protein.
MEXICO: How animals, people, and rituals created Teotihuacán
Researchers uncovered nearly 200 animal remains at Teotihuacán's Moon Pyramid, shedding light on ancient rituals and politics. The discovery highlights the importance of apex predators like golden eagles and jaguars, which were venerated and sacrificed by human communities.
Genetic mutation linked to higher SARS-CoV-2 risk
Researchers identified a novel genetic risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection, linking a PTPN2 variant to increased ACE2 expression and susceptibility. The study suggests Tofacitinib may mitigate this risk, offering new treatment options for patients at higher genetic risk.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2025
Dangerous bacterial biofilms have a natural enemy
Scientists at University of California - Riverside discovered a chemical produced by plants that prevents bacterial biofilm formation. This breakthrough offers potential advances in healthcare and industrial settings, where biofilms cause significant problems.
Study links gene regulating brain circuit formation to autism and seizures
Researchers link neuropilin2 gene to autism and seizure development, highlighting its role in regulating neural circuits. The study suggests targeting specific phases of neuronal development could lead to therapeutic interventions for individuals with autism.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2025
Physicists explain a stellar stream’s distinctive features
Researchers found a core-collapsing self-interacting dark matter subhalo is responsible for the peculiar spur and gap features observed in the GD-1 stellar stream. This discovery provides insights into the nature of dark matter itself and offers a new explanation for the observed perturbations.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 6, 2025
Detecting disease with only a single molecule
Researchers have created a new circuit model that accounts for small changes to the sensor's behavior, allowing it to detect protein or DNA molecules from a sample. The device could lead to earlier diagnosis of diseases and more precise therapies tailored to each patient.
Growing safer spuds: removing toxins from potatoes
Scientists have discovered a way to remove toxic compounds from potatoes, making them safer to eat and easier to store. By engineering plants to control when and where these compounds are produced, researchers envision crops that can be stored without risk of toxicity.
Uncovering key molecular factors behind malaria’s deadliest strain
A UC Riverside-led team, funded by the NIH, aims to uncover molecular factors governing gene regulation and chromatin organization in P. falciparum. The project focuses on long non-coding RNAs, which play a crucial role in regulating gene expression and influencing disease progression.
An inexpensive fix for California’s struggling wildflowers
A recent UC Riverside study found that raking dead grass can boost California's native wildflower diversity, reducing fire danger and increasing plant community changes. The simple, low-cost method of removing invasive grass layers allows native seeds to germinate and grow.
Patience isn't a virtue; it's a coping mechanism
Researchers found that patience is a strategy to cope with feelings of impatience, triggered by unfair or unreasonable delays. People who are more emotionally skilled and agreeable tend to be more patient in such situations.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2024
Technique to forecast where the next big quake will start
Scientists have developed a new technique to study faults, which can improve earthquake forecasts by determining the origins and directions of past rupture events. By analyzing curved scratches left on the fault plane, researchers can pinpoint where earthquakes start and spread, providing valuable insights for modeling future scenarios.
Industry experience pays off in corporate audits, study finds
A new study by UC Riverside professors found that auditors with extensive industry experience deliver higher-quality audits while offering cost savings to clients. Companies should avoid low-balling their fees, as this can lead to higher costs and lower-quality audits in the long run.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAuditing A Journal of Practice & Theory·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2024
A new formula for success in undergraduate chemistry
The University of California, Riverside is transforming undergraduate chemistry classes with a new mastery grading system, promising to improve outcomes for underserved students. The approach reduces high-stakes exams and emphasizes frequent assessments, resulting in a 10-point improvement in performance across all student groups.
Too much sitting hurts even young, active people
A recent study found that excessive sitting significantly harms young adults, increasing the risk of heart disease and obesity. Reducing sitting time improves health outcomes, while doubling recommended exercise hours is more effective at lowering health risks.
Probiotic may counteract fire-retardant chemical damage
A UC Riverside study found that probiotic supplementation can reduce the negative impacts of PBDEs on neurodevelopment, behavior, and metabolism in mouse offspring. The researchers discovered that LR treatment helped normalize body weight gain and tooth eruption timing, as well as improved glucose metabolism and insulin levels.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalArchives of Toxicology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2024
Tiny worm makes for big evolutionary discovery
Researchers from UC Riverside have identified the oldest known ecdysozoan, Uncus dzaugisi, dating back to the Precambrian period. This discovery fills a significant gap in understanding the origins of this diverse animal group, which includes nematodes, arthropods, and scalidophora.
Plastic bag bans have lingering impacts, even after repeals
A study by University of California - Riverside found that banning free plastic bags for groceries resulted in customers purchasing more plastic bags, despite the policy's goal to reduce waste. The behaviors spurred by the ban lingered even after the rules were repealed, with some impacts not beneficial to the environment.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeObservational study·DateNov 18, 2024
Protein degradation strategy offers new hope in cancer therapy
Researchers at UC Riverside develop a novel method to degrade the Pin1 protein, which is involved in pancreatic cancer development. The 'molecular crowbar' strategy has the potential to target and break down harmful proteins, offering new hope for cancer therapy.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2024
How gophers brought Mount St. Helens back to life in one day
Scientists discovered that gophers, which were introduced to a devastated area after the 1980 eruption, helped regenerate plant and animal life through their digging. The bacteria and fungi they brought to the surface helped plants establish themselves and survive.
Slowing ocean current could ease Arctic warming -- a little
A new study suggests that a slowing Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) could reduce projected Arctic warming by 2 degrees Celsius. However, this slowdown may also cause other climate disruptions, such as changes in the Intertropical Convergence Zone and sea level rise.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2024
UC Riverside awarded $1.5 million for sustainable agriculture initiatives
Three interconnected projects will address complex food system challenges through education, research, and practical application. The projects aim to foster a learning environment that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, preparing students for careers in agriculture.
Manliness concerns impede forgiveness of coworkers
A UC Riverside study found that men concerned about masculinity are less likely to forgive coworkers for minor transgressions, instead opting for revenge or avoidance. However, a simple intervention where participants describe experiences making them feel 'real men' can increase forgiveness.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2024
University of California scientists cut harmful pollution from hydrogen engines
Researchers at UCR discovered a low-cost method to significantly reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from hydrogen engines by infusing platinum with highly porous Y zeolites. The system converts nitrogen oxides into harmless substances, promoting cleaner alternatives to diesel engines.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024
How your skin tone could affect your meds
Researchers propose utilizing human 3D skin models to assess drug binding properties across different skin types. Genetic variations among minority groups can lead to starkly different drug responses across races and ethnicities.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalHuman Genomics·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 10, 2024
Airborne plastic chemical levels shock researchers
A new study reveals high levels of airborne plasticizers in Southern California, including phthalates known to cause reproductive harm and cancer. The study uses silicone wristbands to track exposure to these chemicals, finding that daily levels are both high and persistent.
Scientists design new drug to fight malaria
A team of researchers has designed a new antimalarial drug called MED6-189, which is effective against both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains of human malaria parasites. The compound works by targeting the apicoplast organelle and vesicular trafficking pathways, making it a promising lead in the fight against malaria.
New data science tool greatly speeds up molecular analysis of our environment
A research team developed a computational workflow for analyzing large data sets in metabolomics, speeding up the process to capture chemical profiles of coastal environments. The tool, accessible to researchers worldwide, highlights potential sources of pollution and enables statistical insights within minutes.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Protocols·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2024
Stopping plants from passing viruses to their progeny
A new study reveals that two specific genes in the RNA interference pathway play a crucial role in preventing virus transmission from parent to progeny in plants. This discovery could lead to healthier crops and potentially reduce the transmission of diseases like Zika from mothers to human children.
UC Riverside medical school develops new curriculum to address substance use crisis
The UCR medical school is developing a new curriculum to address the substance use crisis in California, which has resulted in over 6,000 opioid-related overdose deaths. The curriculum aims to promote access to treatment and health equity for substance use care, addressing biases and social determinants of health.