Science + Technology

RNA modification may protect against liver disease, explain liver fat differences between sexes

July 19, 2021

Research brief: Scientists have identified hundreds of chemical modifications that can alter RNA’s protein-making instructions without affecting the core DNA.

Scientists create genetic library for mega-ecosystem in Pacific Ocean

July 8, 2021

The new database will help researchers, conservationists and fisheries understand changes to marine species and ecosystems.

Differences in human, mouse brain cells have important implications for disease research

June 25, 2021

Research brief: Mouse astrocytes, often used in research on human neurological disorders, differ in significant ways from the human version.

UCLA study reveals how immune cells can be trained to fight infections

June 24, 2021

By better understanding the dynamics of a key immune signaling molecule, scientists may be able to ‘hack’ the immune system to strengthen it.

People who have had COVID-19 may require only single dose of two-dose vaccines

June 23, 2021

UCLA researchers found that previously infected people produced a vigorous antibody response similar to a severe natural infection after just one shot.

Social justice in the spotlight during UCLA Undergraduate Research Week

June 16, 2021

For the first time there was a showcase dedicated to community-engaged research.

Medication may help heavy-drinking smokers improve their health

June 15, 2021

A UCLA clinical trial provides evidence that the prescription drug varenicline can aid those who want to quit smoking and reduce their drinking.

‘Surfing’ particles: Physicists solve a mystery surrounding aurora borealis

June 7, 2021

Scientists confirm that electrons responsible for the northern lights hitch a ride on electromagnetic waves streaming toward Earth at up to 45 million mph.

Neuroscientist Adriana Galván named 2021 Gold Shield Faculty Prize winner

June 3, 2021

Galván was selected based on her record of research and her contributions to teaching, mentoring and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.

Imaging technique could help identify where landslides are likely

May 18, 2021

The study is the first to combine information about processes both on the surface of the Earth and at the tectonic level.

UCLA scientists decode the ‘language’ of immune cells

May 12, 2021

The advance, researchers say, is like the cellular equivalent of discovering the Rosetta stone and may eventually lead to new treatments for diseases.

Gene therapy offers potential cure to children born without an immune system

May 11, 2021

The treatment, developed by researchers from UCLA and the U.K., has restored immune function in more than 95% of patients in three clinical trials.

Animals laugh too, UCLA analysis suggests

May 6, 2021

Sifting through studies on various species’ play behavior, researchers tracked vocalization patterns that show a strong similarity to human laughter.

Molecular analysis identifies key differences in lungs of cystic fibrosis patients

May 6, 2021

UCLA researchers and colleagues hope their first-of-its-kind catalog will reveal new targets for genetic and cell therapies for the disease.

UCLA team discovers how to restrict growth, spread of head and neck cancers

May 3, 2021

The research, conducted on mice, targets a newly discovered molecular “checkpoint” that enables cancer stem cells to evade the immune system.

How long is a day on Venus? Scientists crack mysteries of our closest neighbor

April 29, 2021

Fifteen years of radar measurements by a UCLA-led team have provided critical data for understanding many of the planet’s fundamental properties.

For digital artists, NFTs are promising – and problematic

April 22, 2021

UCLA design media arts faculty and alumni share their thoughts on the crypto-art craze.

Team led by UCLA professor wins $7.5 million NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE

April 19, 2021

Researchers led by Gaurav Sant developed technology to turn carbon dioxide into concrete.

Eight UCLA professors awarded 2021 Guggenheim Fellowships

April 12, 2021

UCLA had more faculty honored than any other university.

In memoriam: Kuo-Nan Liou, 77, professor of atmospheric sciences

April 6, 2021

The founding director of the Joint Institute for Regional Earth System Science and Engineering died March 20.

Century-old problem solved with first-ever 3D atomic imaging of an amorphous solid

March 31, 2021

A UCLA-led team of researchers captured the structure of metallic glass.

UC group launches clinical trial using CRISPR to correct sickle cell disease gene defect

March 30, 2021

The project is the first to use the Nobel prize–winning technology to directly correct sickle mutation in blood stem cells.

Professor and data scientist Xia Yang finds patterns that can improve our health

March 25, 2021

Yang’s research reveals how genetic and environmental factors can disrupt gene networks.

Size of grass blades offers better understanding of their vulnerability to climate change

March 24, 2021

Research determined that grass with narrow leaves and high numbers of veins should be better able to withstand the drier conditions expected in the future.

UCLA researchers receive $6 million from NIH to explore new pancreatic cancer therapies

March 24, 2021

Only 1 in 10 people diagnosed with this aggressive disease live beyond five years, and most current therapies have been unsuccessful in treating it.