Facing the heat
Researchers found that Kellet's whelk larvae are susceptible to developmental abnormalities and mortality at high temperatures, with half of hatchlings dying off at 27.6°C and veligers more resistant to defects at 24.9°C
University of California - Santa Barbara
Mapping Lyme disease out west
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered that the ecology of small mammals upon which ticks feed can explain rates of human Lyme disease in California. The study found a clear link between infected ticks and their frequent hosts, such as dusky-footed woodrats, with diverse species playing a role in transmission.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 21, 2022
A changing sea floor
The Blob, an extreme marine heatwave that hit the Santa Barbara Channel from 2014–2016, has had a lasting impact on kelp forest communities. Six years later, researchers found that while some species have recovered, others have declined or been replaced by invasive bryozoans.
A better model for type 2 diabetes
A team of researchers has assembled the first reference genome for the Nile rat, a genetic template that may be used to investigate Type 2 diabetes. The Nile rat is prone to diet-induced diabetes and exhibits a clear diurnal pattern, making it an ideal model for studying this complex disease.
Forseeing failure
A new theory predicts metal failure limits and onset point of cracking based on initial cyclic stress. Researchers developed a method to analyze slip bands and material properties to provide quantitative insights.
Rare fossil clam discovered alive
A small clam previously known only from fossils has been found living in the tidepools of Naples Point, California. Researchers identified the species as a new find after comparing fossil records and specimens.
Mixing up metabolism
A three-year experiment found that mixotrophs evolved to be less photosynthetic at higher temperatures, potentially increasing CO2 production and contributing to climate change. The study also suggests natural selection has a stronger effect on organisms with less flexible characteristics.
The next wonder semiconductor
Cubic boron arsenide's high thermal conductivity and surprising long-lasting 'hot' electrons make it a promising material for photovoltaic and light detection applications. Researchers visualize the charge movement in single crystals using scanning ultrafast electron microscopy, revealing new transport properties.
The environmental footprint of food
The study reveals that cumulative pressures of food production are more concentrated than previously believed, with 92% of pressures from land-based food production concentrated on just 10% of the Earth's surface. The top five offenders are pig farming, cow farming, rice, wheat, and oil crops.
The world according to GARP
A team of researchers demonstrates a nonconscious cognitive system that enables humans to make intuitive judgments striking a balance between conflicting moral duties. The study's findings contradict an influential dual process model, proposing instead a system capable of making tradeoffs in an optimal way.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2022
Slurping up groundwater
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara found that intense pumping of aquifers pushes young, recently replenished groundwater to greater depths, possibly carrying pollutants. This phenomenon, known as 'pumping-induced downwelling,' suggests that groundwater is less safe from surface contaminants than previously thought.
From droplet to discovery
Researchers found that proteins coalesce into a liquid droplet to process and relay information in stem cells, which could be a target for cancer therapies. The droplet's unique structure enables efficient processing of proteins, making it a crucial component in cancer development.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2022
A different kind of chaos
Researchers investigate how interparticle interactions affect dynamical localization, a phenomenon where disorder brings particles to a standstill. In disordered systems with multiple interacting electrons, the system's behavior is closely analogous to that of an insulator.
Not Just for the Gods
A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers Anabel Ford and Mattanjah de Vries reveals that cacao was accessible to the general populace and used in celebrations at all levels of ancient Maya society. The analysis of 54 archaeological ceramic sherds from El Pilar, Belize, found evidence of cacao residues in all vessel types, including ...
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2022
Life imitates mica
Helen Hansma proposes that primitive life emerged from precursors corralled between layers of mica, offering a stable environment for molecules to grow and processes to develop. The presence of potassium ions in micaceous clay supports this hypothesis, as cells have high intracellular concentrations of potassium.
The magneto-optic modulator
UC Santa Barbara researchers develop a device to convert data from electrical current to pulses of light, allowing for faster transmission between cryogenic and room-temperature systems. The magneto-optic modulator enables the integration of superconducting microprocessors and quantum computers, promising revolutionized computation.
The Earth’s newest secret
Recent findings from Iceland's Fagradalsfjall eruptions reveal a highly dynamic process that challenges traditional understanding of volcanoes. The eruption showed more compositional variability than expected, with rapid changes in chemical indicators over the course of just one month.
From the soil to the sky
UC Santa Barbara researchers estimate that plants use an additional 14% of their harvested photosynthesis energy to lift water through their xylem. This process, called transpiration, is essential for plant life and has significant implications for our understanding of life on Earth.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences·DateSep 7, 2022
Magma and ice
Researchers discovered hydrated glass in Antarctic rocks that indicates polar glaciation during the Late Cretaceous, around 66-100 million years ago. The findings suggest that climate conditions in Antarctica were more complex than previously thought, with evidence of ice sheets existing alongside a generally warm and humid environment.
A nutrition label for Earth
Researchers ranked 57,000 store-bought food products by their environmental impacts, finding that plant-based foods are healthier for both humans and the environment. The study suggests that making this information easily available to consumers could enable a more sustainable food system.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2022
Tracking small-scale fishers
Researchers gauged small-scale fishers' willingness to use vessel tracking systems, finding that safety functionality and ownership of data were key factors. In a survey of 211 fishers, 67% were willing to pay for the technology, while those citing corruption as their main problem were more likely to participate if paid.
A new kind of chemo
A team of researchers has identified two compounds that target DNMT3A complexes in cancer cells, offering a safer and more targeted treatment for leukemia patients. The findings provide hope for reducing off-target toxicity associated with current leukemia therapies.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateAug 24, 2022
A prehistoric climate feedback loop
A paleoclimatologist discovered an ancient climate feedback loop that accelerated the effects of Earth's last warming episode. The Eemian warm episode, which occurred 128,000 to 125,000 years ago, saw oceans up to 1-1.5°C warmer than today, leading to a significant increase in methane hydrates and their release into the atmosphere.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2022
How the earth is changing
Long-term research at LTER sites reveals climate change effects on ecosystems, including altered productivity and biodiversity. Coastal ecosystems, such as kelp forests and coral reefs, are particularly vulnerable to changes in water temperature and storms.
Energizing Africa
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara analyzed Southern Africa's resources and power grid to develop an energy portfolio that meets the region's 2040 energy requirements. The model suggests that wind and solar are the most cost-effective options, with potential to freeze greenhouse gas emissions at 2020 levels.
Tracking nitrogen pollution
Researchers tracing nitrogen pollution affecting the Mesoamerican Reef Region reveal that agricultural operations are responsible for the vast majority of nitrogen pollution. The study highlights the need for tailored management strategies to mitigate nutrient input and protect coral reef and seagrass health.
When particles move
The study explores the relationship between cohesion and erosion, revealing a scaling law that can predict erosion thresholds for different grain sizes. This understanding could improve modeling of erosion in various applications, such as soil stability and dust removal from solar panels.
After the debris flow
After the debris flow, researchers studied how far debris from Goleta Beach dispersed along the coast. They found that most of the material appeared to be largely removed from the beach and showed signs of degradation in deeper waters.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateJul 28, 2022
Climate and conflict
New research by UC Santa Barbara anthropologist Douglas Kennett links climate change to civil unrest among the ancient Maya. The study found that drought may have stoked violence, leading to the collapse of the city's institutions and abandonment.
A prickly situation
Researchers found that kelp scraps availability determines urchin behavior, leading to a 50-fold decrease in kelp biomass when demand exceeds supply. This study helps explain the dynamics driving urchin-induced kelp forest collapse.
The importance of elders
Researchers challenge the notion that natural selection declines after reproduction is complete. Instead, they propose that older adults play a crucial role in maintaining their fitness through intergenerational transfers of resources and knowledge.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2022
Keeping the energy in the room
Professor Ben Mazin and his team developed precision optical sensors for telescopes, doubling the spectral resolving power. This breakthrough enables scientists to analyze exoplanet composition using spectroscopy, with implications for detecting different molecules across the universe.
Flexing the power of a conductive polymer
Researchers at UCSB develop soft, semiconducting carbon-based polymer for reconfigurable logic circuits. The conjugated polyelectrolyte enables flexible and power-efficient electronics, promising a new era in computing systems.
Cellular cleanup
Scientists at UC Santa Barbara have discovered a novel membraneless organelle called BAG2 condensate that can sweep up faulty proteins, including tau protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. The discovery could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative conditions by targeting misfolded proteins before they cause damage.
The potential of p-computers
Researchers have demonstrated the potential of p-computers, which use probabilistic bits to make decisions on incomplete data. This approach outperforms classical computers and qubits in solving complex optimization problems.
Marching to the Cadence of Electronics Innovation
Researchers have successfully integrated microcomb-driven silicon photonic systems, increasing data capacity and efficiency in large integrated circuits. The technology, developed by UCSB professor John Bowers and collaborators, enables the creation of high-speed data links with unprecedented scalability.
Fighting PKD at the dinner table
A study published in the Clinical Kidney Journal found that ketogenic dietary interventions improved overall health, reduced ADPKD-related issues, and promoted weight loss in 90% of participants. Safety concerns were raised in 22 cases, mostly due to increased cholesterol levels.
Wildlife’s worm-wide web
An international study uncovered a network of gastrointestinal parasite sharing among 17 wild and domestic herbivore species. The researchers found that host evolutionary history and gut type are key factors in determining parasite diversity and similarity.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateJun 6, 2022
Where rivers jump course
A global dataset of river avulsions confirms the existence of three distinct regimes: fan avulsions that occur when a river transitions to flatter topography, backwater-scaled delta avulsions found in low-sloping deltas along major waterways, and extreme sediment load delta avulsions triggered by intense flooding and sediment transport.
Eruption’s echoes
Researchers characterized the Hunga volcano's atmospheric waves, providing exceptional resolution of the evolving wavefield compared to historic events. The data revealed Lamb waves, rare and low-frequency pressure waves associated with large eruptions and nuclear detonations.
Shuffling the deck
Researchers found that adopting another metabolism can have major competitive consequences, impacting a species' ability to compete in different environments. The study demonstrates the importance of considering acquired metabolisms in understanding community dynamics and ecosystem interactions.
Hitting new heights
A UC Santa Barbara-designed mechanical jumper has achieved a record-breaking 100-foot height, thanks to the innovative application of 'work multiplication' and a novel hybrid spring design. The device overcomes biological limitations, enabling efficient locomotion in challenging environments.
Tomorrow’s mariculture
Mariculture holds great potential to help satisfy global demand for meat, but requires careful governance and efficient operations. The study suggests that finfish and shellfish farms can increase seafood availability, while maintaining ecosystem health.
A granular understanding
Engineers at University of California - Santa Barbara found that suspensions exhibit distinct behaviors when measured at varying scales. The study highlights the limitations of approximations and has industrial applications in manufacturing.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 2022
The living legacy of names
Researchers analyze over 2,000 national park names, revealing 52 places commemorating violence against Indigenous peoples and 10 using racial slurs. The study supports renaming efforts to address erasure of indigenous sovereignty.
Common Ground
Researchers found that a third of proposed decarbonization bills passed with bipartisan co-sponsors, while two-thirds passed in Democratic-controlled state legislatures. Bipartisan bills tended to focus on environmental social justice components and expand consumer choice.
Tonga eruption
UC Santa Barbara geologists Melissa Scruggs and Frank Spera led an international team in publishing the first holistic account of the Tonga eruption, which devastated the nation on January 15. The eruption triggered massive tsunamis and atmospheric waves globally, with an ash plume reaching over 58 kilometers into the atmosphere.
Clot buster
A new test predicts sepsis soon after infection in mice, enabling early antibiotic treatment and markedly increased survival. The findings provide a platform for developing rapid clinical tests for early sepsis detection and intervention.
Visionary progress
A retinal stem cell patch has survived for two years after implantation and continues to function without triggering immune rejection. The patch, developed through a collaboration of researchers, is one step closer to securing FDA approval and potentially restoring vision to millions of people affected by age-related macular degeneration.
The longest drought
Researchers predict that certain regions will experience perpetual drought or perennial pluvial conditions due to climate change, rendering traditional definitions obsolete. The team's findings suggest a need to adapt water management strategies to account for an ever-changing baseline.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2022