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University of California - San Diego


Botox injections may reduce anxiety

Researchers found that Botox-treated patients reported anxiety significantly less often than those undergoing different treatments for similar conditions. The data used was from the FDA's Adverse Effect Reporting System and showed a 22-72% lower risk of anxiety for four out of eight conditions and injection sites.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 21, 2021

Climate change is making one of the world’s strongest currents flow faster

Scientists have detected a significant acceleration of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), the only ocean current that circumnavigates the planet. The study found that climate change is causing the ACC to speed up, with prevailing westerly winds energizing ocean eddies and facilitating property exchange between ocean basins.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2021

How well do wet masks contain droplets?

Researchers found that wet masks make it more difficult for respiratory droplets to penetrate and escape the mask, splintering into smaller aerosolized particles. This is because wet masks create additional resistance due to their hydrophobic or hydrophilic materials, making them more effective at stopping droplet penetration.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

COVID gets airborne

UC San Diego researchers developed a computer model to understand how viruses travel through the air, shedding new light on airborne COVID-19 transmission. The model simulates aerosol behavior and helps explain why SARS-CoV-2 is highly transmissible through the air.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 22, 2021

New research helps explain the genetic basis for why we look the way we do

A new study published in Science Advances has shed light on the genetic basis of human appearance features by investigating the role of Hox genes. The researchers replaced the proboscipedia gene in a common laboratory fruit fly with its counterpart from a rarer Hawaiian cousin, revealing that Hox genes function as scaffolds for downstr...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021

Size matters for bee ‘superorganism’ colonies

Research suggests that larger bee colonies with comfortable food stores are less willing to take risks, while smaller colonies with limited resources are more likely to ignore warning signals. This study provides insights into the complex communication system of bees and its implications for understanding biological collectives.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2021

New study pinpoints likely path of COVID-related plastic waste in the ocean

A new study projects that more than eight million tons of pandemic-associated plastic waste have been generated globally, with over 25,000 tons entering the global ocean. The research highlights the need for improved medical waste management in developing countries and calls for global action to reduce plastic pollution.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 8, 2021

UC San Diego physicist helps launch national network examining Earth’s planetary limits

A national network has been launched to promote understanding of planetary limits, envision scenarios for humanity to thrive within limits, and advise governments on developing effective responses. The essay warns that current economic growth, energy use, and resource consumption will overshoot Earth's finite limits if not addressed.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 21, 2021

Researchers determine optimum pressure to improve the performance of lithium metal batteries

The study found that a stack pressure of 350 kilo Pascal increases lithium particle deposition in neat columns, improving stability and reducing the risk of short circuits. Additionally, partial discharge during cycling can also boost performance without affecting the solid electrolyte interphase structure.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

Neurobiologists identify widely used assembling and stabilizing forces behind brain synapses

Scientists at the University of California San Diego have discovered that planar cell polarity is a widely used mechanism for forming and maintaining glutamatergic synapses. The study found that Prickle protein plays a crucial role in stabilizing these synapses, which are essential for neuronal communication.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Hidden mangrove forest in the Yucatan peninsula reveals ancient sea levels

Researchers discovered an ancient mangrove ecosystem in the Yucatan Peninsula, revealing how coastal mangroves adapted to a warmer world with higher sea levels. The study provides insights into past climate change impacts and its relevance to future scenarios of relative sea-level rise.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021