News Archive - Biological Sciences

Researchers Discover Key Functions of Therapeutically Promising Jumbo Viruses

Viruses known as “jumbo” phages are seen as a potential tool against deadly bacterial infections. But scientists must first decipher the extraordinary makeup of these mysterious viruses. Researchers have now uncovered a key piece of jumbo phage development that helps them counter bacteria.

Leaders in Their Fields

Five UC San Diego graduate students recently joined the ranks of the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, a prestigious national organization that recognizes scholars whose commitment to social justice, diversity, leadership and academic excellence pushes the boundaries of doctoral education.

Scientists Discover a New Signaling Pathway and Design a Novel Drug for Liver Fibrosis

Scientists from the University of California San Diego discovered a novel signaling pathway in liver cells, leading to a treatment for fibrosis.

Liquid Droplets Shape How Cells Respond to Change

New research by scientists at University of California San Diego has shown that cells regulate cAMP/PKA signaling by forming liquid droplets that segregate excess PKA catalytic subunits where they can do no harm. Some cancers may block the formation of liquid droplets, leading to hyperactive signaling and tumor formation.

Breakthrough Study on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

A groundbreaking study has advanced the understanding of the neurobiology of post-traumatic stress syndrome, led by researchers from UC San Diego School of Medicine.

Following Cellular Lineage

A group of researchers based at UC San Diego and Rady Children's Institute have advanced the understanding of how the cerebral cortex develops by tracing the lineage of certain brain cells.

UC San Diego Receives $7.35 Million for Scripps Center for Oceans and Human Health

The University of California San Diego was awarded $7.35 million in funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health for a multidisciplinary program to advance understanding of marine contaminants and nutrients.

A Deep Dive Into the Genetics of Alcohol Consumption

Some people have genes that protect them from alcohol abuse. An examination of databases at 23andMe reveal that those same alcohol-protective variants have associations with conditions and behaviors that may have nothing to do with alcohol.

Cell Division Quality Control ‘Stopwatch’ Uncovered

UC San Diego biologists have uncovered a quality control timing mechanism tied to cell division. The “stopwatch” function keeps track of mitosis and acts as a protective measure when the process takes too long, preventing the formation of cancerous cells.

New Genetic Analysis Tool Tracks Risks Tied to CRISPR Edits

While CRISPR has shown immense promise as a next-generation therapeutic tool, the gene editing technology’s edits are still imperfect. Researchers have developed a new genetic system to test and analyze CRISPR-based DNA repair and related risks from unintended but harmful “bystander” edits.