2024 reflections: The year in review
As we head into the holidays and prepare to usher in 2025, Newsroom takes a look back at the accomplishments of the Bruin community and the highlights of 2024.
science
Results
Nearly 40 UCLA faculty named among the world’s most influential researchers
The researchers have published studies that are cited most often by other scholars in their fields.
Origin of life favors one ‘hand’ of chemical building blocks?
Research from UCLA and NASA finds molecular orientation pattern likely results from factors other than chemical predisposition.
UCLA and the Port of Los Angeles partner to advance sustainability, research and healthier communities
The two institutions have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at creating new opportunities and a more sustainable future for the city.
UCLA’s inaugural Future of Food Fellows poised to advance the field of cellular agriculture
Biophysicist Amy Rowat spearheads new graduate fellowship program to cultivate leaders in sustainable food systems.
UCLA stem cell research tour lights path to STEM for high school students
The outreach program connects Los Angeles-area students to scientists’ work in medicine and disease treatment.
Climate change parching the American West even without rainfall deficits
A new study finds higher temperatures increase evaporation enough to cause drought without any reduction in precipitation.
UCLA chemists just broke a 100-year-old rule and say it’s time to rewrite the textbooks
A new paper in the journal Science demonstrates how to make several kinds of molecules called anti-Bredt olefins, which violate Bredt’s rule.
Scientists can reverse brain aging in fruit flies by preventing buildup of a common protein
A study shows the buildup of filamentous actin, which inhibits cellular waste removal, contributes to age-onset cognitive decline.
UCLA researchers uncover novel role of protein GPNMB in heart repair
Research brief: New study highlights a target for therapies to prevent heart failure after heart attacks.
UCLA researchers engineer experimental drug for preventing heart failure after heart attacks
New single-dose therapy shows promise in enhancing repair after heart attacks in preclinical models.
New Center for Education of Microchip Designers established at UCLA Samueli
The center, funded through the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, will provide training to develop a highly skilled workforce.
UCLA researchers join DOE-funded coalition to develop new aqueous battery for electrical grids
The UCLA team will be co-led by engineering professors Sarah Tolbert, Bruce Dunn and Yuzhang Li.
QUAntum Sensing for Humanity event brings together builders and users of quantum sensors
The limits of the laws of physics were explored at a discussion on quantum sensing and the potential utility of these concepts.
UCLA team develops a platform that mimics nature to enhance T cell-based therapies
Immune-based treatment gets a boost to its cancer-fighting superpowers.
FDA approval of drug regimen helps lower recurrence risk for early-stage breast cancer patients
The decision is based on findings from a clinical trial led by UCLA’s Dennis Slamon combining ribociclib with hormonal therapy.
UCLA engineers develop scalable process to decarbonize cement production
The new “ZeroCAL” method could remove 98% of the CO2 emissions associated with the production of lime for use in cement, the team said.
Scientists create first map of DNA modification in the developing human brain
Findings could help pinpoint cell types most vulnerable to conditions like schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.
Double Bruin captures L.A.’s Latino subcultures through his photography
Erick Zerecero, aka “Zer Ghoul,” is nearing completion of his Ph.D. in the UCLA Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
Magnify incubator program at UCLA celebrates second cohort
In 2023–24, nine undergraduate students received mentorship and gained expertise working with a scientific startup company.
New precise W boson mass measurement surprises and reassures physicists
While the result is different from what they hoped, it’s also exactly what they thought it should be.
Hardship early in life can affect health and longevity – even for marmots
Researchers have established a cumulative adversity index that could be adapted to help conservation efforts for other species.
A deeper understanding of avians — and ourselves — through song
UCLA professor Stephanie White discusses what birds could teach us about communication.
Honey, honey: Cultural coevolution
Evolutionary anthropologist Brian Wood talks about his research on the greater honeyguide, a wild bird in Africa that guides people to honey.
Birds shifting more in time than space as they adjust to global warming
Still, changes in phenology, latitude and elevation account for only a small portion of what’s needed to keep track with rising temperatures.