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University of California - San Diego


Wildfires also impact aquatic ecosystems

Research from the University of California San Diego finds that wildfires transform lakes and aquatic ecosystems, storing more carbon and emitting less CO2. The study suggests a shift in the role of aquatic systems in the global carbon cycle, with potential consequences for aquatic health and fisheries.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023

A mathematical model connects the evolution of chickens, fish and frogs

Researchers developed a mathematical model that accurately predicts gastrulation flows in chick embryos, which are similar to human embryos. The model then predicted cellular flows observed in frog and fish embryos, suggesting common physical principles behind multicellular self-organization across vertebrate species.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 6, 2023

Three decades of data in Bangladesh show elevated risk of infant mortality In flood-prone areas

A new study estimates that living in flood-prone areas in Bangladesh is associated with an excess risk of infant mortality of 5.3 additional deaths per 1,000 births. The study found that children born during rainy months face a higher risk of death than those born in dry months.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 5, 2023

Can signs of life be detected from Saturn’s frigid moon?

A recent study by researchers from the University of California San Diego has provided evidence that amino acids, the building blocks of life, can survive impact speeds of up to 4.2 km/s in Saturn's icy moon Enceladus' ice plumes. This finding has significant implications for the search for life beyond Earth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2023

Study proposes new explanation for California anchovy booms and busts

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that the length of a food chain supporting newly hatched anchovies correlates strongly with population booms and busts. Shorter food chains are more efficient, resulting in more energy reaching anchovy larvae, while longer chains lead to less energy availability, causing busts.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2023

New studies of brain activity explain benefits of electroconvulsive therapy

Researchers propose a new hypothesis that ECT alleviates depression symptoms by increasing aperiodic activity in the brain. Aperiodic activity helps boost inhibitory activity, slowing down neuronal cycles and effectively controlling how neurons turn on and off. The studies also found similar effects in magnetic seizure therapy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateNov 15, 2023

What happens when we pass out? Researchers ID new brain and heart connections

Scientists have discovered a genetic pathway between the heart and brain tied to fainting, suggesting that the heart sends signals back to the brain that can change its function. The study found that vagal sensory neurons play a key role in fainting, with their activation leading to rapid pupil dilation, suppressed heart-rate and breat...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

‘Plug and play’ nanoparticles could make it easier to tackle various biological targets

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have created modular nanoparticles that can be tailored for various applications, including targeted drug delivery and neutralizing biological agents. By leveraging a plug-and-play approach, scientists can rapidly modify functional biological nanoparticles with ease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 30, 2023

Meltwater flowing beneath Antarctic glaciers may be accelerating their retreat

New research suggests that meltwater flowing out to sea from beneath Antarctic glaciers is accelerating their retreat and contributing to global sea-level rise. The study's simulations indicate that this process could make a significant contribution to sea-level rise by 2300, potentially up to 15%.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 27, 2023

Naming and shaming can be effective to get countries to act on climate

A new UC San Diego study suggests that the transparency rules in the Paris Agreement can keep many countries on track to meet their climate goals. The study found that naming and shaming is particularly effective for countries with strong democratic institutions and ambitious climate commitments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Historic red tide event of 2020 fueled by plankton super swimmers

A historic red tide event in 2020 was caused by an exceptionally dense bloom of Lingulodinium polyedra, a plankton species that can swim and outgrow its competitors, leading to harmful algal blooms. The study validated a 50-year-old hypothesis and highlighted the exceptional swimming ability of dinoflagellates.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2023