A new study by UC Santa Cruz scientists has discovered that the extinct North American cat, Miracinonyx trumani, was not a true cheetah but a highly adaptable relative of the puma that specialized in eating fish to survive in the Arctic. The species' unique genetic blueprints allowed it to thrive in extreme environments, but its low ge...
A new study by UC Santa Cruz researchers uses paleogenomics to create a genetic roadmap for the restoration of the continent's largest land mammal. The findings reveal that North American bison differ in their overall size, body shape, and coat due to adaptations to distinct regional habitats.
Research from University of California - Santa Cruz shows battery electric cars produce less carbon emissions than internal combustion engines. Replacing a functional gas-powered vehicle with an EV leads to significant emission reduction benefits, making it the right choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
The first complete marmoset genome is now available, providing a high-quality reference for studying complex diseases like Alzheimer's. The new genome reveals variation in genes linked to Alzheimer's disease, as well as immune system genes and previously un-catalogued ribosomal DNA genes.
A new study reveals persistent barriers in accessing California's coastline for less wealthy and marginalized groups, perpetuating disadvantage. The research emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in management and rule-making to ensure the ocean benefits everyone regardless of race, gender, or income level.
Researchers used satellite images to study Adélie penguin colonies across Antarctica over a 30-year span, finding that those with more sea ice ate more fish, while those with less sea ice relied on krill. This trend linked to long-term changes in penguin populations, with colonies relying on krill-based diets facing decline.
A new study by researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, reveals that multipotent progenitors, 'parent' blood cells, protect blood cell production and function from aging effects. The findings confirm the safety of bone marrow transplants from older donors.
Researchers created a high-bandwidth particle detection system combining artificial diamonds and custom microchips to measure advanced accelerator beams. The system performed extremely well, exceeding expectations and providing clean signals across a wide dynamic range.
A new study analyzed data from GPS tracking collars on 36 wild pumas in the Santa Cruz Mountains, finding that they proactively avoid heavily trafficked trails to minimize conflicts with humans. The research suggests that more human-tolerant pumas may actually help share landscapes with people by minimizing habitat loss.
A new study by plant biologists at the University of California, Santa Cruz, found that hummingbirds deliver more pollen per visit than bees. This challenges a longstanding idea that stems from the large number of flowers in the mountains of Central and South America that have evolved to be pollinated by hummingbirds instead of bees.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz are using eDNA to create a comprehensive biodiversity assessment tool, adding a broad biodiversity assessment to statewide management of freshwater ecosystems. The project aims to provide faster monitoring and a clearer picture of stream health across California's diverse watersheds.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz's Forest Fear Lab discovered that the dense upper story of the Amazon carries the cries of frightened birds to other animals, forming a shared information network. Small bird species are key drivers of this acoustic 'information highway,' with larger species also joining in.
A new tool has been developed to fund wetland conservation and restoration projects through verifiable Coastal Resilience Assets. This approach uses engineering methods to quantify the impacts of conservation and restoration projects on property value protected from flooding, providing a clear and tangible use case for asset buyers.
A new UC Santa Cruz study reveals that California's endemic and near-endemic trees are projected to lose between half and three-quarters of their climatically suitable habitat over the next century. The research demonstrates that current conservation status on the IUCN Red List do not reflect this imminent risk.
Researchers found that high levels of male harassment significantly reduced zooplankton abundance and decreased water flea size, highlighting the impact of social behavior on ecosystems. The study suggests that a specific behavioral threshold must be crossed before social interactions reshape an entire food web.
A new commentary suggests that P3 peptide, a 'neglected cousin' of amyloid beta, may be a potential contributor to neurodegeneration and play a role in Alzheimer's disease progression. Research has shown that P3 can form amyloid deposits and interact with Aβ, potentially leading to increased toxicity and disease progression.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz successfully train brain organoids to balance a virtual pole, demonstrating adaptive learning capabilities. This breakthrough has implications for understanding neurological conditions and developing new tools for studying brain function.
A new study reveals that both non-native and native birds play a key role in the transmission of avian malaria, which has contributed to the extinction of over a dozen species of Hawaii's native birds. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and infects birds' red blood cells, leading to low blood oxygen levels and damage to organs.
A team of biochemists at UC Santa Cruz has developed a new approach that significantly shortens the process of finding biologically beneficial molecules. They achieved synthesis of kainic acid in just two steps, overcoming traditional challenges in screening and identifying promising enzyme variants.
Researchers found that early pregnancy reduces the buildup of abnormal cells in breast tissue, which can lead to breast cancer. Pregnancy prevents these 'confused' cells from accumulating and triggers a 'cellular reset button,' maintaining tissue lineage integrity.
Researchers have identified a new vulnerability in AI-powered robots, where malicious text on signs or objects can hijack their decision-making. The study, led by UC Santa Cruz professors Alvaro Cardenas and Cihang Xie, presents the first academic exploration of environmental indirect prompt injection attacks against embodied AI systems.
Researchers tracked VMS data to detect changes in albacore abundance due to marine heatwaves, revealing the potential of fishing fleets as ecosystem sentinels. The study highlights the importance of using near-real-time data to monitor ecosystem health and prevent fishery collapses.
A new series of case studies by The Lancet highlights the social and cultural forces contributing to global health inequities. Medical anthropologist Carlos Martinez's study focuses on asylum seekers' access to healthcare, citing the need for clinicians to partner with community-based organizations to overcome challenges.
Researchers found that early brain firings occur in structured patterns without external experiences, suggesting a genetically encoded blueprint. This discovery can help better understand neurodevelopmental disorders and the impact of toxins on the developing brain.
Research analyzing over 170 studies reveals human impacts like hunting and land-use changes have a greater impact on prey populations than large carnivores. Large predators do control populations of prey species under specific conditions, but effects are often spatially constrained or influenced by competing species.
A study by University of California, Santa Cruz, analysis found that the US exceeded its goal of producing one million more STEM graduates over a decade.
Researchers have discovered that human astroviruses bind to a protein in human cells called the neonatal Fc receptor. The study provides a key target for vaccine development and repurposing of existing treatments.
Researchers develop AI-powered methods for modeling the Gulf of Mexico's dynamics, achieving higher accuracy for short-term predictions and emulating 10-year dynamics without hallucinations. This breakthrough drives forward critical management of natural resources in the U.S. and Mexico, advancing AI technology in earth sciences.
A trio of biomedical scientists defend DEI programs, citing data that shows broader participation leads to more effective training environments, greater novelty, and higher impact research. They warn against scaling back DEI programs, which would stall scientific progress and threaten a multi-dimensional democracy.
Researchers used industry models to value mangrove benefits at $725 million and $4.1 billion during Hurricanes Irma and Ian. Mangroves reduce flood losses for coastal homes built inland, but may increase damages in front of the trees.
A historic campaign in Argentina developed antivenom for black widow spider bites, leading to a model for pharmaceutical autonomy. This approach is crucial for fighting neglected tropical diseases globally.
A new 'future-guided' AI method developed at the University of California, Santa Cruz, has shown significant improvements in predicting seizures using brain wave data. The technique operates with two deep learning models working together, improving predictions further into the future by transferring knowledge.
A wearable device called a-Heal optimizes each stage of the wound healing process using AI and bioelectronics, delivering medication or an electric field for personalized treatment. Initial preclinical results show the device speeds up the healing process by 25% compared to standard care.
A team of researchers at UC Santa Cruz developed a system using low-cost WiFi devices and machine learning algorithms to accurately measure heart rate. They found that the system worked regardless of body position or distance from the hardware, with high accuracy even after just five seconds of monitoring.
Birdwatching tourism has seen significant growth globally, with countries in the tropics experiencing increased visitation and economic development. However, not all countries have benefited equally, with research from UC Santa Cruz identifying challenges and success stories that may inform future conservation efforts.
Astrobiologists have developed a new model to characterize water-rich sub-Neptunes, which are planets with sizes and masses between those of Earth and Neptune. This model accounts for the complex behavior of supercritical water and its implications for planetary formation and potential habitability.
A new artificial biosensor developed by University of California, Santa Cruz's Andy Yeh can accurately measure cortisol levels across all relevant ranges for human health. The sensor uses a smartphone camera to detect light emissions, providing high sensitivity and dynamic range for detecting small molecule analytes.
A new scientific study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that voracious sunflower sea stars create a 'landscape of fear' among red sea urchins, reducing grazing on kelp. This study suggests using sunflower sea stars as a potential tool for restoring degraded kelp forests.
A study by University of California, Santa Cruz researchers found that pandemic-period relative excess mortality was twice as high among potentially undocumented immigrants as among those who appeared to be documented immigrants. The study also revealed a staggering 91% increase in deaths among Latino essential workers who were potenti...
A new approach, facilitated migration, aims to increase juvenile salmon survival in California's Central Valley waterways. By tweaking release timing and volume, water managers can boost survival rates from 6% to 46%, potentially adding 20,000 more fish to the ocean.
A global research project tracked over 100 marine megafauna species, identifying critical locations for better marine conservation efforts. The study's comprehensive data sets on marine mammal movements and behaviors will aid in the expansion of current marine protection areas.
Researchers found evidence that introners, a type of selfish gene, are responsible for spreading genetic complexity across species. The study revealed eight instances of horizontal gene transfer between unrelated species, suggesting that introners may hitchhike on giant viruses to transfer between species.
A new study by UC Santa Cruz geophysicists explains how small tremors can yield insights into major earthquake behavior. Small earthquakes can disturb the natural rhythm of tremors, causing them to speed up or delay activity.
Researchers have re-tested California sea lion Ronan's rhythm skills, finding she can bob her head to a beat with precision comparable to that of humans. The study suggests that biomusicality is not exclusive to humans and challenges existing theories on the subject.
Researchers have mapped Colombia's eastern lowlands to identify areas of peatlands, a crucial carbon storage system that can help reduce the country's emissions. The study found an estimated 7,370-36,200 square kilometers of peatlands, with potential to store more carbon than all the world's trees.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz engineered cellular models of embryos using CRISPR technology, allowing them to study early developmental stages without experimenting with actual embryos. The team found that 80% of stem cells organized into embryo-like structures, showcasing a remarkable collective behavior and molecular composition.
The book delves into the cosmic connection between art, science, and humanity, citing examples ranging from ancient cultures to modern-day artists. Imara aims to encourage a feeling of interconnectedness and unity within ourselves, with one another, and the universe.
Elephant seals provide a unique opportunity to measure fish abundance in the Pacific Ocean's mesopelagic zone, where sunlight penetration is minimal. By tracking foraging success and demographic changes in these marine mammals, researchers can assess impacts of new fisheries and environmental change.
Researchers captured three instances of coyotes dragging and devouring baby harbor seal pups on MacKerricher State Beach. The study found that the coyotes' brain was often the first part eaten, with other predators like vultures and ravens also feeding on the carcasses.
A new study by UC Santa Cruz researchers identifies the most vulnerable marine species in California's coastal waters due to climate change. The study categorizes over 34 fish and invertebrate species into four vulnerability levels, providing a clear framework for fisheries managers to prioritize conservation and adaptation efforts.