Researchers at UC Santa Cruz discovered elevated mercury levels in mountain lions, lichen, and deer within the fog zone, approaching toxic thresholds. Bioaccumulation contributes to higher concentrations up the food chain, posing a significant risk to terrestrial mammals.
A study of threespine stickleback in California estuaries reveals evolutionary changes in response to climate-driven habitat alterations. The fish are adapting by reducing the number of bony plates along their sides, allowing for increased maneuverability and energy efficiency.
Astronomers used computer simulations to explore the evolution of high-mass planetary systems, finding that collisional growth and gravitational interactions lead to eccentric orbits. The models suggest a crucial role for giant impacts in producing close-in giant planets with high masses.
The 'hidden politics' of climate engineering were exposed at the UNEA-4 meeting, highlighting concerns about governance, transparency, and funding. The discussion revealed a significant split between the US and EU on geoengineering strategies, with the US opposing a preliminary governance framework.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that analyzing gene expression in tumor cells can reveal new targets for therapy in pediatric cancer patients. The study found that 68% of children with cancer showed potential for treatment through gene expression analysis, compared to 46% who responded to DNA mutation analysis.
Researchers have developed ultrasensitive nanoscale optical probes to monitor the bioelectric activity of neurons and other excitable cells. The new technology could enable scientists to study neural circuits at an unprecedented scale, leading to powerful brain-machine interfaces.
Researchers have demonstrated a new method to obtain donor stem cells for bone marrow transplants using a combination of Viagra and Plerixafor, which can be collected from the blood more quickly and with fewer side effects than traditional methods.
Biologists have discovered that coral reef fish take advantage of parental care to raise their own young. Genetic tests revealed that many parents were caring for mixed broods of young from different species. The study found evidence of both adoption and brood parasitism, with unrelated young fish benefiting from parental protection.
Astronomers analyze radio pulses from a fast radio burst to characterize the diffuse gas in a galactic halo, finding surprisingly low density and weak magnetic field. The discovery challenges previous models and provides new insights into ejection processes and galaxy evolution.
The University of California, Santa Cruz, will lead a new Human Pangenome Reference Sequence Project funded by the NIH. The project aims to generate and maintain a completely new and comprehensive reference sequence of the human genome, vastly improving current representation of human diversity and genetic variation.
Most pups born in an elephant seal colony were produced by a small number of long-lived female seals, known as supermoms. These females dominated reproductive output, accounting for more than half of pup production.
The collaboration aims to increase access and accelerate analysis of genomics data, reducing time from hours to seconds. Seagate's Active DriveTM technology will enable faster processing of massive amounts of cellular data.
Researchers found an optimal management scenario that benefits both winter-run chinook salmon and threatened green sturgeon by releasing warmer water in the spring and cold water in the summer. This strategy minimizes harm to young green sturgeon while meeting the needs of downstream agricultural users.
Researchers developed a programmable device that integrates nanopores and optofluidic technology for controlling individual molecules and particles on a chip. The device enables selective analysis of target molecules from a mixture, allowing for high-throughput single-molecule analysis.
A new paper proposes that behaviors common to autism, such as low eye contact and repetitive movements, may not be indicative of social aversion but rather a desire for social connection. Autistic individuals share their experiences, expressing frustration with misinterpreted stereotypes.
A new study reveals that humans' presence creates a 'landscape of fear,' causing large carnivores to suppress their behavior and allowing rodents to forage more intensively. This shift has significant consequences for the entire food web, highlighting the need for ecologists to understand human-wildlife interactions.
A UC Santa Cruz study found that many college students are unaware of the mercury exposure risks associated with eating large amounts of tuna. Students reported consuming up to 20 servings of tuna per week, exceeding recommended levels and potentially causing neurological damage.
A new study shows that at least three Caribbean coral species can survive and grow under severe ocean acidification conditions, despite lower skeleton density. Slow-growing dome-shaped corals outperformed fast-growing branching corals in the experiment.
A study has revealed the structure of FoxM1 protein in its inactive state, which could lead to the development of new cancer treatments by stabilizing the protein. This understanding also provides insight into how transcription factors function and switch between active and inactive states.
Afro-Italian women entrepreneurs are transforming notions of beauty and Italian identity with their black fashion, style, and hair-care products. They are leveraging the internet to market their products, build community, and challenge racist narratives, potentially awakening Italy's moribund economy.
Researchers propose that metallic asteroids could have erupted volcanoes spewing liquid iron, with signs of 'ferrovolcanism' potentially detectable in iron meteorites. The study suggests NASA's Psyche mission may uncover evidence of past eruptions on the asteroid.
A new study connects excess nutrients in West Maui's coastal waters to a sewage treatment facility that injects treated wastewater into the ground. The researchers developed a procedure for analyzing nitrogen isotopes in coral skeletons, providing a 40-year record of changes in nitrogen sources over time.
A new study suggests that chosen solitude is a positive experience for adolescents and young adults, contributing to personal growth and self-acceptance. In contrast, imposed solitude can be problematic, increasing the risk of social anxiety, loneliness, and depression. The research highlights the importance of understanding individual...
Researchers tracked and quantified blood cell production from hematopoietic stem cells, revealing that red blood cells are the default pathway for all myeloid progenitors. This finding has important implications for understanding disorders such as anemia and blood cancers.
Researchers have demonstrated that epigenetic information carried by parental sperm chromosomes can cause changes in gene expression and development in the offspring. Epigenetic changes involve chemical modifications to either the DNA itself or to the histone proteins with which DNA is packaged in the chromosomes.
A comprehensive review of marine mammal noise exposure has yielded new policy recommendations for regulatory agencies worldwide. The panel's report provides guidelines to avoid harm and includes species-specific criteria for noise exposure, based on the latest scientific knowledge.
Archaeologists found evidence of household items, tools, and ceremonies that suggest Native communities in Marin County persisted outside of missions. These findings challenge the dominant narrative of cultural extinction and highlight the resilience of Coast Miwok communities.
A study of woodland star wildflowers found remarkable diversity in their scent compounds, with many species and populations producing unique floral bouquets to attract insect pollinators. The findings suggest that natural selection has shaped the biochemistry of floral scents in different ways among different populations.
A novel ruthenium-based catalyst has shown markedly better performance than commercial platinum catalysts in alkaline water electrolysis for hydrogen production. The electrochemical splitting of water to produce hydrogen is a crucial step in the development of hydrogen as a clean, environmentally friendly fuel.
Self-driving cars will slow traffic by cruising at low speeds to avoid high downtown parking fees. Cities face challenges regulating autonomous vehicles, which can create havoc if not properly managed. Congestion pricing is proposed as a solution to reduce congestion and pollution.
A new study found that the Carlsbad Desalination Plant's brine discharge exceeds permitted levels, affecting offshore salinity. The researchers discovered no significant changes in seafloor organisms, likely due to pre-existing industrial activity in the area.
The MaNGA survey reveals the internal structure and composition of nearly 5,000 nearby galaxies, using resolved spectroscopy to dissect their composition and study star motions. The data release includes a massive 'stellar library' with spectra of over 3,000 stars in the Milky Way galaxy.
Saturn's ring system acts as a sensitive seismograph to measure the giant planet's vibrations, enabling scientists to determine its rotation rate. Researchers used wave patterns in the rings to probe Saturn's interior, obtaining the first precise determination of its rotation rate.
A new analysis by UC Santa Cruz researchers found that fallowed farmland in the San Joaquin Desert has strong potential for habitat restoration. The study identified over 600 square kilometers of land suitable for conservation, offering a promising solution to protect endangered species like the blunt-nosed leopard lizard.
Researchers found a direct association between ocean warming and increased wave energy globally. The study revealed a long-term trend of growing wave energy, particularly during extreme storm seasons, with devastating impacts on coastal areas.
A new study by Nicolas Davidenko and colleagues reveals that a small tilt of the head can reduce the left-gaze bias and increase the upper-eye bias when viewing faces, making people more approachable. This finding has potential implications for individuals with autism and amblyopia.
A new analysis reveals a protective effect for noncitizens living in communities with 20-40% Hispanic residents, where deportation rates decrease. Counties with higher Hispanic concentrations become more punitive, while liberal strongholds tend to be welcoming.
A new type of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, UCYN-A, has been found in the cold waters of the Arctic Ocean, challenging traditional assumptions about its presence. This discovery reveals that nitrogen fixation by UCYN-A occurs globally, including in frigid Arctic waters.
A new study of disease transmission in bats has quantified unseen interactions that play a crucial role in the spread of disease through populations and between species. The researchers found that infrequent and indirect connections among individuals are far more important in disease transmission than previously thought.
A new study reveals that coral reef fish employ a sequence of well-defined decision rules to generate evasion behavior in complex natural environments. The escape response is influenced by the perceived size and expansion rate of the threat stimulus, as well as the location of nearby safe shelter.
A new study finds that long noncoding RNA lincRNA-Cox2 regulates the activity of genes involved in inflammation and immune system responses. It boosts production of the Cox2 enzyme and influences expression of other genes, shedding light on previously dismissed 'junk DNA' functions.
Researchers are exploring new paradigms for relationship diversity, including asexuality, polyamory, and kink/fetish relationships. The study of queer intimacies is being redefined, with Phillip Hammack calling for a 'paradigm shift' in the field.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have developed nonmigratory plasticizers that attach to PVC polymer via a chemical bond, reducing leaching and potential health risks. The 'tadpole' plasticizer is particularly promising due to its ease of production and effectiveness.
Scientists at UC Santa Cruz and LLNL fabricated electrodes using printable graphene aerogel to build a porous three-dimensional scaffold loaded with pseudocapacitive material. The novel electrodes achieved the highest areal capacitance, while maintaining performance without sacrificing energy storage capacity per unit mass or volume.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have discovered that sperm retain epigenetic marks important for the development of the germ line in offspring. This study provides evidence that the life experience of a father can affect the health of his descendants, highlighting the importance of epigenetic information carried by sperm.
Cell biologist Needhi Bhalla's research reveals a complex chromosomal monitoring system that prevents errors during meiosis, a type of cell division. The system involves checkpoints and molecular mechanisms to ensure proper progression of recombination.
A new multi-campus initiative funded by NSF aims to explore the intersection of agriculture, food, and technology. Researchers will investigate novel solutions such as lab-grown meat and drones that monitor plant stress to address challenges in sustainable food production.
Scientists have documented how individual side-blotched lizards can change colors to become darker on lava; they identified genes that regulate coloration and found genetic changes in the population adapted to the lava flow. These findings provide a detailed example of the Baldwin effect occurring in a wild population.
A new study tracks migratory marine predators, revealing how their movements relate to geopolitical boundaries in the Pacific Ocean. The results provide critical information for designing international cooperative agreements needed to manage these species.
A study of injection wells reveals that they can cause earthquakes up to 6 miles away from the well site. Injecting fluids into sedimentary rock produces bigger, more distant earthquakes compared to injecting into the underlying basement rock. This challenges current recommendations for hydraulic fracturing and wastewater disposal.