UCSB researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding proteases by developing a general combinatorial approach to identify optimal substrates. This technology has the potential to regulate protein function, enabling the development of pharmaceuticals that control protease activity. With nearly all protease targets expec...
Researchers found a genetic switch controlling animal development and cancer growth, involving protein PTEN. The discovery provides insight into cancer progression and suggests additional genes may be involved.
Scientists propose a new theory on genetic conflict that drives evolutionary changes in ZW species. Maternal-effect genes are found to be a key area of conflict, leading to an evolutionary arms race.
Researchers found that more growth hormone is produced in females than males and in adults, with the hormone responding to estrogen. The study has implications for menopausal women using estrogen replacement therapy and athletes taking growth hormone and anabolic steroids.
Scientists at the University of California, Santa Barbara, have created a new lipid molecule that delivers therapeutic genes directly to cells, potentially helping inherited diseases and cancers. The novel molecule has a tree-shaped headgroup and displays superior DNA-delivery properties.
The UCSB research team will utilize recent breakthroughs to control the expression of any gene, including those that contribute to serious diseases such as cancer. Funding from the W. M. Keck Foundation will support six leading scientists in developing microRNA-based interventions.
Phagocytosis, a key part of the immune system, depends on macrophages to remove particles from the body. Researchers at UCSB found that particle shape, not size, is more important in this process. This discovery could lead to the design of drug carriers that can be retained by the body for longer periods and vaccines that stimulate rap...
Researchers at UCSB have discovered that rapamycin, a widely available immunosuppressant, can strongly reduce cyst growth in kidneys affected by polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The treatment was found to shrink cysts and retain kidney function in mice with PKD.
A six-university collaboration, led by UCSB, aims to create a highly compact and energy-efficient chip. The project will utilize electron spin technology for memory, logic, and communications functions. Successful development could lead to breakthroughs in high-density storage, ultra-fast processing, and secure communication.
A portable cocaine sensor has been developed at UC Santa Barbara, enabling rapid detection of illegal substances in bodily fluids. The sensor is based on a generic, inexpensive method that can detect a range of targets, including prescription drugs and bioterrorism agents.
Researchers at UCSB discovered a genetic pathway that could lead to new treatments for ADPKD. The polycystin-1 protein plays a key role in the disease, and its inhibition may have beneficial effects. This finding opens up new avenues for drug development.
Researchers used a popular internet game to study human travel patterns in the US, revealing statistical laws that can be applied to model infectious disease spread. The breakthrough model considers variables such as population density and transportation modes, offering improved predictions for future pandemics.
A new study finds that high levels of pollen limitation in species-rich regions may lead to extinctions due to insufficient pollination. Plant species in these areas often compete intensely for pollinators, resulting in reduced fruit and seed production. This threatens the survival of not only plants but also animals dependent on them.
Researchers found three pronounced cooling periods indicating drought, linked to African deforestation and global temperature increases. The study suggests that these changes will disrupt the monsoon system, affecting agriculture and food security in equatorial Africa.
Researchers are developing new methods for immunization, including transdermal and nasal delivery, which could prevent needle-caused infections and reduce economic burdens. Interdisciplinary efforts are underway to make needle-free immunizations a common practice.
UCSB researchers have developed a hybrid silicon evanescent laser that could alleviate limitations in microelectronic systems. The laser uses InAlGaAs quantum wells to provide optical amplification and has the potential to enable highly integrated laser sources with intelligent opto-electronic devices.
The SAGE Center will foster interdisciplinary research on the human mind, integrating social sciences, arts, humanities, and natural sciences. Michael Gazzaniga aims to build a powerful new center focused on understanding the unique nature of the human mind.
Researchers at UCSB have made a significant breakthrough in quantum physics, enabling the transmission of information 100 times faster than current methods. The discovery involves using a free-electron laser to modulate light beams and create a new type of cross modulation, allowing for fast channel changes.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have successfully detected and studied 'dark' spins in diamond, a significant breakthrough in the development of room temperature quantum computing. The discovery could enable networks of spins to process information at the atomic level.
A combination of factors makes future landslides inevitable in La Conchita, including active faulting, rapid tectonic uplift, and weak rocks. Experts propose a beach park solution and installation of sensors to detect slope movement to mitigate the risk of landslides.
A new study suggests a direct link between increased atmospheric greenhouse gases and global temperatures in tropical regions. The research analyzed fossil plankton shells from the equatorial Pacific and found evidence of past climate reconstruction supporting the attribution of temperature trends to greenhouse gas burdens.
The National Science Foundation has renewed funding for the University of California - Santa Barbara's Materials Research and Engineering Center (MRL) at $20.52 million over six years. This grant supports interdisciplinary research, education, and outreach initiatives in materials science.
Researchers at UCSB will develop nanoparticles that attach to specific tumor cells using 'biolinkers' from the Burnham Institute. The goal is to enhance cancer treatment efficacy through innovative inter-disciplinary work.
Endosomes travel to the nucleus using back-and-forth movement, accumulating at an aster-like layout of microtubules. This symmetrical approach allows for efficient distribution of nutrients and molecular information.
Researchers discovered that Escherichia coli bacteria contain genes that inhibit the growth of other E. coli cells upon contact. This 'stop on contact' phenomenon may contribute to chronic urinary tract infections and has potential implications for new antibiotics.
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have developed 'smart' bio-nanotubes that can encapsulate and release drugs in specific locations. The nanotubes were created using lipid bilayer membranes and microtubules from cell cytoskeletons.
Researchers have identified three small molecules that can inhibit the enzyme CDK5, which contributes to the development of Alzheimer's disease. The discovery is promising news for the development of new treatments for the disease.
Scientists at UC Santa Barbara have made a groundbreaking discovery about the molecular mechanisms that hold human bone together, revealing a 'glue' that absorbs shock and helps prevent fractures. The findings may lead to new therapies for bone fracture treatment and prevention.
UCSB has been awarded two NIH Program of Excellence (PEN) grants in nanotechnology, totaling $25.5 million, to develop nanoscale agents for diagnosing and treating pulmonary artery disease and detecting vulnerable plaque. The projects aim to create targeted nanoparticles that can deliver diagnostic systems and therapeutic agents direct...
The University of California, Santa Barbara, has been awarded a $12.5 million grant to develop nanoscale systems for early diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases. Led by Professor Craig Hawker, the team will use nanoparticles as carriers for diagnostic systems and therapeutic agents.
Researchers discovered a new way to understand brain cell degeneration in patients with Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's diseases. The study found that small, misshapen proteins embedded in cell membranes can disrupt electrical activity, leading to cellular destruction.
Researchers discovered that griseofulvin inhibits cancer cell growth by affecting mitosis, potentially providing a therapeutic advantage when combined with other treatments. The drug has been used for decades to treat fungal infections and shows mild anti-cancer activity.
A multi-disciplinary team, led by UCSB professors, aims to develop novel technologies to diagnose and treat heart disease. The team will focus on creating nano-delivery vehicles, molecular nano-stents, and bio-nanoelectromechanical systems (BioNEMS) to target vulnerable plaque.
Researchers at UCSB have developed a method to couple synthetic molecules onto gold nanoparticles, mimicking the natural biological catalyst of the marine sponge. This discovery represents a low-temperature, biotechnological route to producing valuable nanomaterials.
Scientists at UCSB have discovered a protein called vacuolar ATPase that naturally prevents inappropriate cell fusion, which can lead to cancer metastasis. This finding may pave the way for new treatments to enhance organ regeneration by stem cells, prevent cancer progression, and control fertility.
Researchers found that small glaciers in Northern California are remaining stable due to higher precipitation rates. This anomaly highlights the need for further study on glacier behavior and provides insight into climate variability over thousands of years.
Researchers found that soil quality played a crucial role in shaping Polynesian farming patterns, with farmers adapting their agricultural system to optimal zones for sweet potato cropping. The study suggests that the emergence of warrior classes was linked to surplus agriculture and the ability to produce basic foodstuffs.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have engineered over 300 new chemical penetration enhancers (CPEs) to improve the safety and efficacy of topical drug delivery. The new CPEs were designed using computer-aided modeling, allowing for the prediction of skin penetrability and potential irritation.
UCSB scientists investigate seafloor hydrothermal fluid discharge to uncover insights into the origins of life on Earth. By studying subseafloor microbes and geological formations, researchers aim to understand how early life survived in a challenging environment.
A new species of coral, Christmas Tree Coral (Antipathes dendrochristos), has been discovered in deep waters off southern California. The coral grows up to two meters tall and was first noticed during dives for rockfish surveys.
Scientists at UCSB study the relationship between recent severe storms and increased oil emissions from the Coal Oil Point seep field. Researchers estimate current oil emissions are many times pre-storm levels, with new areas of seepage appearing and gas driving the flow.
The UCSB team has developed RNA grids with finite size and various patterns using atomic force microscopy, visualizing beautiful nano-grids and jigsaw puzzle-like structures. The researchers aim to attain total control of matter arrangement at a molecular level for applications in nanotechnology and medical testing.
Researchers have discovered cellular changes in animal retinas that occur in human retinal detachments, implying experimental therapies could be effective. Oxygen therapy has been shown to reduce cellular damage and improve outcomes in animals, and further studies suggest it may also benefit humans.
Researchers at UCSB discovered a key mechanism by which E. coli bacteria adhere to the urinary tract. The finding sheds light on the mechanisms driving urinary tract infections, allowing for potential new treatments and survival strategies under stressful conditions.
Researchers have observed signatures of the spin Hall effect in semiconductor chips, a phenomenon predicted decades ago that could enable spin-based information transfer. The discovery has potential applications in quantum computing, quantum communication, and advanced sensing technologies.
Scientists at UC Santa Barbara discovered a new type of microtubule assembly, resulting in a 'living necklace' phase. This discovery has implications for the development of vehicles for chemical, drug, and gene delivery, as well as templates for nanosized wires and optical materials.
Researchers at UCSB discovered a correlation between Southern Ocean cooling and the expansion of Antarctic ice sheets around 14 million years ago. The study suggests that changes in global carbon cycling played a crucial role in this process, providing insight into the dynamics of Earth's climate system.
UCSB researchers have discovered that changes in lipid composition of myelin lead to the unraveling of MS. The study shows how myelin basic protein acts as a patch to fill holes and maintain insulation from the sheath. This new knowledge may suggest methods for treating MS before it progresses.
Researchers analyzed the fruit fly's circadian rhythm to understand its complex dynamic behavior and hierarchical control scheme. They found that the system's architecture determines robustness and fragility, shedding light on how disease can be a failure of a robust biological system.
Researchers find that pocket gophers' underground activities increase plant diversity and productivity by loosening soil and aerating it. This discovery has implications for restoring native habitats in California.