A global assessment reveals that groundwater discharge plays a significant role in ocean chemistry, with elements like lithium and barium entering the sea from underground sources. The study suggests that groundwater inputs can account for up to 16% of river contributions to ocean chemistry.
Researchers are developing a low-cost, easy-to-use platform to diagnose viral infections in point-of-care settings. The novel technology has high sensitivity and specificity, detecting viral proteins with high accuracy.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz developed a novel serological assay for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, providing quantitative results in under 20 minutes. The biolayer interferometry immunosorbent assay (BLI-ISA) is as accurate and sensitive as current antibody tests, but faster and less complex.
A study by UC Santa Cruz professor Terrie Williams explores how marine mammals' physiological adaptations can help understand the effects of COVID-19. Marine mammals have evolved mechanisms to protect critical organs during low-oxygen conditions, which may inform strategies for humans to mitigate long-term damage from oxygen deprivation.
A newly described behavior, known as reciprocity in conversation, helps balance the scales of collaborative interactions. By incorporating small talk into work settings, teams can achieve higher levels of task enjoyment and better outcomes.
The UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute is teaming up with No Stomach For Cancer to release a web portal that combines vast amounts of gene variant data with corresponding clinical data. This collaboration aims to advance science and patient survival by identifying individuals at risk of hereditary stomach cancers.
Direct visualization of quantum dots in bilayer graphene reveals a broken rotational symmetry with three peaks instead of concentric rings. This discovery provides crucial information for developing quantum devices based on this system.
A team of scientists at the University of California, Santa Cruz, has developed a cost-effective new aquaculture feed that eliminates conventional fish meal and fish oil ingredients. The new feed provides better fish weight gain, higher nutritional value, and improved human health outcomes.
A new genome alignment tool called Progressive Cactus has enabled major advances in understanding the evolution of birds and mammals. By aligning over 600 vertebrate genomes, researchers have gained a detailed view of how species are related to each other at the genetic level.
Researchers at the University of California - Santa Cruz identify a specific segment of amyloid beta recognized by the cellular prion protein, which mediates its uptake into neurons and toxicity. This finding suggests targeting this process may be a promising approach for Alzheimer's drug development.
A new study shows that the genetic basis for Chinook salmon migration timing is determined by a single stretch of DNA, making seasonal runs the same fish. The researchers found that the different runs are part of a single diverse population within a drainage basin.
Scientists used CRISPR interference to study virulence genes in a mouse model of pneumonia, observing surprising variability in disease progression. The results point to several genes as having important roles in pneumococcal infections, including the bacterial capsule genes and the gene for pneumolysin.
A study by researchers at UC Santa Cruz reveals the molecular mechanisms behind the 'night owl' sleep disorder, which affects one in 75 people of European descent. The genetic mutation identified alters a key component of the biological clock, causing people to stay up late and sleep in late.
A bioelectronic device driven by a machine learning algorithm successfully controlled the membrane voltage of human stem cells for 10 hours. The closed-loop system countered the natural self-regulating feedback process known as homeostasis, which is essential for cell physiology and functions.
Scientists compiled a continuous, high-fidelity record of Earth's climate history extending 66 million years into the past. The record shows that natural climate variability due to changes in Earth's orbit around the sun is relatively small compared to projected future warming.
Astronomers have provided clear evidence for the formation of an accretion disk around a supermassive black hole during a tidal disruption event. The new findings support theoretical predictions and provide unprecedented insights into these unusual events.
A comprehensive study of four salmon species in Alaska found that they are returning to rivers smaller and younger than in the past. This decline affects both commercial and subsistence fisheries, as well as the nutrient delivery to inland areas, fertilizing forests and freshwater ecosystems.
A new study published in Nature shows that the East Antarctic Ice Sheet retreated 700 kilometers inland during an interglacial warm period 400,000 years ago. This retreat contributed to a 3-4 meter increase in global sea level rise, with the Wilkes Basin playing a significant role.
Researchers propose a simple model explaining galaxy quenching, attributing it to central black hole 'feedback' that disrupts gas supply. The model reveals that larger galaxies evolve further before their black holes can grow large enough to quench star formation.
Researchers have completed the first end-to-end assembly of a human X chromosome, exceeding the current human reference genome in continuity and accuracy. The breakthrough was made possible by new sequencing technologies that enable ultra-long reads, such as nanopore sequencing.
The UCSC-led research center aims to understand the basic biological mechanisms of botanical natural products and address challenges in studying their variability and clinical trial design. The center will use innovative screening platforms to measure the effects of complex botanical natural products on cells.
A new study reveals that low-mass stars become white dwarfs, producing carbon essential for life, challenging previous theories. The findings place a minimum mass threshold of 1.5 solar masses for star-induced carbon enrichment.
A new study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that Pluto and other large Kuiper belt objects began with liquid oceans that have been slowly freezing over time. The 'hot start' scenario is supported by observations, which indicate expansion features on Pluto's surface rather than compression features.
Researchers developed a new computational tool to predict spin dynamics in materials, enabling rapid design and identification of suitable materials for quantum computing applications. The approach has been applied to various materials, including silicon, iron, graphene, molybdenum disulfide, and gallium nitride, with promising results.
A new study by UC Santa Cruz reveals that field courses help build self-confidence among students, particularly those from underrepresented groups. The research shows that students who participate in field courses are more likely to graduate, have higher GPAs, and stay in the ecology and evolutionary biology major.
A study reviewing 315 articles on Washington Post coverage of autism found a shift from a focus on 'cause and cure' towards acceptance and accommodation, reflecting changing public attitudes and the autistic rights movement.
The Gidget sea otter genome is now publicly available, revealing low genetic diversity and potentially harmful variation within genes. This provides valuable insights into the evolutionary history and conservation of this threatened species.
Researchers developed a deep-learning framework called Morpheus to perform pixel-level morphological classifications of objects in astronomical images. The tool can handle complex images and provide detailed classification results with confidence levels.
A recent commentary by restoration ecologist Karen Holl emphasizes the importance of careful planning and long-term management for tree-planting initiatives. She argues that planting trees alone is not a sufficient solution to combat climate change, but rather one piece of a broader strategy involving reduced fossil fuel emissions.
A new survey of gig economy workers in San Francisco reveals a workforce with limited job security and few employment rights. The study found that many workers rely on public assistance despite working long hours.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz developed an efficient de novo human genome assembly algorithm using the Shasta toolkit, achieving high accuracy and scalability. The algorithm can assemble a complete human genome in under six hours and costs around $70, paving the way for pangenome research to represent true human diversity.
A study published in Nature Climate Change used tracking data from crabeater seals to build a habitat model of krill distribution along the western Antarctic Peninsula. The researchers project that areas of krill habitat will shrink and move farther offshore, affecting species such as penguins and fur seals.
A new method developed by UC Santa Cruz researchers allows for the creation of libraries of probes for high-throughput assessments of T cell repertoires in blood samples. This technology has the potential to accelerate research and diagnostics in immunology, cancer immunotherapy, and COVID-19 response.
Researchers have made significant strides in understanding the mechanisms of cholera biofilm formation and hyperinfectivity. Biofilms are found to be highly infectious due to primed virulence factors, with bacteria already producing toxins before infection occurs.
Researchers used computer simulations to propose a new formation theory for the mysterious interstellar object 'Oumuamua. The theory suggests that objects like 'Oumuamua can form under the influence of tidal forces, explaining its unusual characteristics such as its dry surface and elongated shape.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have developed a new method for separating the stereoisomers of an oxidized amino acid, opening up new opportunities for studying its role in biological processes. The method uses supercritical fluid chromatography to purify the stereoisomers with high purity.
Researchers have uncovered the intricate details of interleukin-2's interactions with receptor molecules, providing a blueprint for more targeted therapies. The study shows how IL-2 can act as either a throttle or a brake on the immune response in different contexts.
Researchers demonstrated mathematically that low-dimensional embeddings fail to capture important properties of social networks and other complex networks. This flaw leads to significant structural aspects being lost in the embedding process, resulting in inaccurate predictions and recommendations.
Children's museums offer a perfect environment to study early science learning. Researchers found that timing is crucial in explaining concepts, as it enhances exploration and discovery. Parents can support their children's learning by listening to them, watching their actions, and offering explanations at the right moment.
A global study found that mangroves provide $65 billion in annual flood protection benefits, reducing flood damages and increasing coastal safety. Mangrove restoration can be easily done and has already been successful in projects worldwide.
Researchers use a Physarum-based algorithm to visualize the cosmic web's filaments, connecting galaxies and diffuse hydrogen gas. The model replicates the distribution of dark matter on large scales, providing a new tool for understanding the universe's structure.
A collaborative project led by UCSC aims to develop innovative technology for improving wound healing, funded by up to $16 million from DARPA. The team will use bioelectronic devices, machine learning, and regenerative medicine to control physiological processes involved in wound healing.
Researchers found a molecular switch mechanism that regulates biological clocks, explaining how mutations can shorten clock timing. This discovery may enable the development of therapies to alleviate disruptions caused by clock dysregulation.
The UCSC Genome Browser has made available the complete biomolecular code of the coronavirus, allowing researchers to study its genetic structure and potential targets for treatment. The browser's features enable zooming in and out of the genome, annotation, and collaboration tools for global research.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that the 2014-2016 marine heat wave led to a significant increase in humpback whales becoming entangled in fishing gear, averaging 53 confirmed entanglements per year. The shift in whale feeding behavior due to ocean warming caused a greater overlap between whales and crab fishing gear.
Researchers found multiple faults with evidence of over 10 meters of slip during past large earthquakes in the Japan Trench fault zone, revealing a complex history of seismic activity. The technique used to analyze organic molecules in sedimentary rocks provides new insights into the likelihood of future tsunamis and earthquake hazards.
A new study reveals that American coot chicks' bright orange and red feathers are a result of maternal effect, with mothers putting more carotenoid pigments in later eggs. This trait helps parents choose the most colorful chick, which receives preferential feeding and has a higher chance of survival.
A new model for the evolution of mating systems focuses on genetically determined behaviors, competition among different behavioral strategies, and social interactions. The conflict between cooperative and competitive behaviors drives evolutionary transitions from one mating system to another.
Researchers used soundscape analysis to evaluate restoration efforts on Western Aleutian Islands, finding that acoustic diversity and complexity indicate ecosystem health. The approach could assess restoration outcomes at a fraction of the effort required for traditional methods.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have worked out the details of key molecular interactions involved in antigen selection and processing by MHC-I proteins. The new findings help explain puzzling differences among MHC-I proteins and suggest ways to manipulate them for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.