By Tim Stephens, UC Santa Cruz Rain falls lightly on the ocean’s surface. Marine mammals chirp and squeal as they swim along. The pounding of surf along a distant shoreline heaves and thumps with metronomic regularity. These are the sounds that most of us associate with the marine environment. But this soundtrack of a healthy ocean no longer reflects the acoustic environment ... Continue Reading »
Science + Environment
A surprising cycle
By Harrison Tasoff, UC Santa Barbara Hydrocarbons and petroleum are almost synonymous in environmental science. After all, oil reserves account for nearly all the hydrocarbons we encounter. But the few hydrocarbons that trace their origin to biological sources may play a larger ecological role than scientists originally suspected. A team of researchers at UC Santa Barbara ... Continue Reading »
UC Berkeley study shows effects of climate change on desert animals
By Claire Daly Small mammals may be better adapted than birds to the increasing temperatures of California’s deserts caused by climate change, according to a study by UC Berkeley researchers published Friday. The study found that while small desert mammal species have largely maintained their numbers over the past century, the numbers of bird species have dropped as ... Continue Reading »
Surveys Identify Relationship between Waves, Coastal Cliff Erosion
Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego researchers have uncovered how rain and waves act on different parts of coastal cliffs. Following three years of cliff surveys in and near the coastal city of Del Mar, Calif., they determined that wave impacts directly affect the base, and rain mostly impacts the upper region of the cliffs. The study appears in the ... Continue Reading »
UC Santa Cruz offers virtual tours of Younger Lagoon Natural Reserve
Prompted by the temporary suspension of in-person tours due to COVID-19, the new virtual tours are available in English and Spanish By Tim Stephens A new virtual tour of Younger Lagoon Natural Reserve allows visitors to learn about the unique ecology and programs at the reserve from the comfort of their homes. Younger Lagoon Reserve is a 72-acre natural ... Continue Reading »
New study reveals how fences hinder migratory wildlife in the West
By Kara Manke Each year, thousands of migratory mule deer and pronghorn antelope journey northwest from their winter homes in the Green River Basin, a grassland valley in western Wyoming, to their summer homes in the mountainous landscape near Grand Teton National Park. But to reach their destination, these ungulates must successfully navigate the more than 6,000 ... Continue Reading »
Study: E-Cigarettes Trigger Inflammation in the Gut
Chemicals used for vaping break down zipper-like junctions between cells in the gut, leading to chronic inflammation and potential for other health concerns January 07, 2021 | Jeanna Vazquez Touted by makers as a “healthy” alternative to traditional nicotine cigarettes, new research indicates the chemicals found in e-cigarettes disrupt the gut ... Continue Reading »
UC Irvine first to study ‘pharmacy deserts’ in California
UC Irvine researchers recently published the first study analyzing the presence of “pharmacy deserts” in California. Pharmacy deserts are communities that have limited access to pharmacies. Black, Latino and low-income communities have historically lacked close access to pharmacies, according to information provided by researchers. These same communities have also been ... Continue Reading »
Cancer Metastasis is Target of New Research Initiative
$3M Award Lays Foundation for New Scientific Collaborations at Parnassus Heights Campus By Alan Toth Six UC San Francisco researchers have won an Endeavor Award to build a new research collaborative at the University focused on decoding the “rulebook” of metastatic cancer as a pathway to new treatments. The Mark Foundation for Cancer ... Continue Reading »
In shaky times, focus on past successes, if overly anxious, depressed
By Yasmin Anwar, UC BerkeleyThursday, January 14, 2021 The more chaotic things get, the harder it is for people with clinical anxiety and/or depression to make sound decisions and to learn from their mistakes. On a positive note, overly anxious and depressed people’s judgment can improve if they focus on what they get right, instead of what they get wrong, suggests a new ... Continue Reading »