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University of California - San Diego


AI can seem more human than real humans in a classic Turing test, study finds

A new study from UC San Diego suggests that advanced large language models (LLMs) can exhibit human-like tone, humor, and fallibility in conversations, making it increasingly difficult for humans to distinguish between them and actual humans. This has major implications for how we think of AI, as the Turing test is no longer just about...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2026

AI-powered CPR coach outperforms 911 dispatchers in guiding bystander resuscitation

A new study shows that an AI-powered CPR coaching agent can significantly improve survival rates by providing more accurate and comprehensive instructions. ChatCPR scored 100% on guideline-based CPR checklists and outperformed human dispatchers in guiding bystander resuscitation, with a 36-point gap in advanced steps.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2026

UC San Diego researchers launch free ‘digital twin’ for end-to-end testing of applications over wireless networks

The UC San Diego team developed an open-source digital twin platform called Tiny-Twin, which enables fast and realistic testing of applications over wireless networks. The platform allows researchers to test complete applications, such as video streaming, without needing specialized hardware or proprietary data.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 12, 2026

Missing information can misinform

A study by Marta Serra-Garcia examines how incentives in the online attention economy shape scientific communication, finding that attention-driven summaries are not more likely to be factually inaccurate but tend to include less information. The research reveals a trade-off between engaging content and conveying accurate details.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Economic Review·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2026

Research Alert: Teens view cannabis as less harmful than alcohol, vapes and cigarettes

A recent study analyzing data from two California school surveys found that adolescents consistently perceive cannabis as the least harmful substance among their peers. The study, which examined responses from over 175,000 students, also identified age, experience, and social environment as factors influencing teens' perceptions of can...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateMay 6, 2026

Cannabis microdosing more common than psychedelics among US adults, national survey finds

A national survey found that millions of US adults have microdosed substances like cannabis, psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA, with cannabis being the most commonly microdosed. The study also revealed patterns tied to mental health and policy environments, suggesting that changes in drug policy may influence access to these substances.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 4, 2026

Predicting genetic risk for Type 1 diabetes just got more accurate thanks to UC San Diego study

The study demonstrates that the T1GRS tool can identify children and adults at high risk for Type 1 diabetes earlier than current methods, enabling preventive measures before the disease develops. The researchers grouped individuals into four sub-types based on genetic features, each with unique clinical profiles and outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2026

Research alert: First large‑scale survey estimates that 2.8% of US population used psilocybin in the past year

A recent study estimates that 2.8% of US residents over 12 used psilocybin in the past year, highlighting the need for clinicians to be aware of its use among patients with depression. The findings also underscore the importance of longitudinal studies and increased public health surveillance as de-criminalization efforts progress.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateApr 22, 2026

To thwart pathogens, researchers are giving beneficial microbes what they really want

Researchers have developed a new tool called Microbial Interaction and Niche Determination (MIND) that accurately predicts how microbes compete within complex communities. By analyzing nutrient preferences and energy allocation, MIND helps beneficial organisms outcompete dangerous pathogens. This approach has the potential to accelerat...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2026

New metric identifies at-risk mangroves before they disappear

A new tool identifies mangrove patches facing the greatest risk of degradation, allowing for proactive conservation. The Mangrove Threat Index provides a science-based way to identify areas where pressures are accumulating and where timely intervention can prevent long-term ecological and social costs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 16, 2026

Bee dancing is better with the right audience

A recent study on honey bees' waggle dance reveals that the dance's precision is influenced by audience size and composition. When there are more observers, dancers become less precise, suggesting that the performer adjusts its movements to engage with a larger crowd, ultimately conveying critical information about food sources.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

California communities’ recovery time between wildfire smoke events is shrinking

A study by UC San Diego finds that California wildfire smoke events are becoming more frequent, with communities in Southern and Central California experiencing shorter recovery times between smoke events. These communities are also disproportionately vulnerable, with higher proportions of racial and socioeconomic minority residents.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGeoHealth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 11, 2026

Using the vagus nerve to treat disease: Review maps today’s science, points to tomorrow’s therapies

A comprehensive review synthesizes the science behind vagus nerve modulation therapies, which use controlled signals to influence brain circuits and inflammation. The authors identify key mechanisms and propose next-generation treatments tailored to individual patients and conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalComprehensive Physiology·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 5, 2026