News Archive - Biological Sciences

Researchers Find an Immune System ‘Trip Wire’ That Detects COVID-19

Biologists have identified a previously unknown way that our immune system detects viruses. The immune protein CARD8 acts as a trip wire to detect a range of viruses, including the virus that causes COVID. They also found that CARD8 functions differently among species and varies between humans.

Rethink, Rewrite, Redefine—How Biodegradable Plastics Are Reshaping Sustainability

Researchers at UC San Diego have spent many years developing a biodegradable plastic alternative made from algae. A new book, published by Elsevier, details the basic science of creating bio-based polymers, lifecycle assessments and a techno-economic analysis.

Groundbreaking Images of Root Chemicals Offer New Insights on Plant Growth

Applying imaging technology to plant roots, researchers have developed a new understanding of chemicals that are responsible for plant growth. The chemical “roadmap” identifies where key molecules are distributed along corn roots and how their placement factors into the plant’s maturation.

$2.5M Gift Targets Gaps in Circadian Biology and Medicine

A $2.5 million initiative supported by philanthropists Irwin and Joan Jacobs has created the Stuart and Barbara L. Brody Endowed Chair in Circadian Biology and Medicine, along with a supporting research fund, to target largely unexplored areas related to circadian biology and patient health.

Artificial Intelligence Catalyzes Gene Activation Research and Uncovers Rare DNA Sequences

Biologists have used machine learning, a type of AI, to identify “synthetic extreme” DNA sequences with specifically designed functions in gene activation. They tested 50 million DNA sequences and found synthetic DNA sequences with activities that could be useful in biotechnology and medicine.

Sonya Neal Named Inaugural HHMI Freeman Hrabowski Scholar

Assistant Professor Sonya Neal has been named by HHMI as an inaugural Freeman Hrabowski Scholar. She joins an initial cohort of outstanding early career faculty in science who have potential to become leaders in their research fields and to create diverse and inclusive lab environments.

High School Students Learn the Basics of Base Editing to Cure “GFP-itis”

Chemistry professor Alexis Komor’s lab designed the Genome Editing Technologies Program as a way to educate high school students on gene-editing technologies and expose them to a possible career in STEM.

Forum Shines Light on Gender-Based Violence Incidents and Solutions

For 10 years, UC San Diego’s Center for Gender Equity and Health has been working to make the underrated and underreported issue of gender-based violence visible. A forum last week, brought together dozens of government agencies, nonprofits and community-led efforts across the state.

A Grassroots Composting Success

Sustainability-minded graduate students at UC San Diego living in the Grad and Family Housing (GFH) complex have launched a new composting effort to benefit the environment and enhance the residential community.

Scientists Slow Aging by Engineering Longevity in Cells

Researchers have developed a biosynthetic “clock” that keeps cells from reaching normal levels of deterioration related to aging. They engineered a gene oscillator that switches between the two normal paths of aging, slowing cell degeneration and setting a record for life extension.