April 2002
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UC Santa Cruz scientist honored for communicating physics
The American Institute of Physics has awarded its 2002 Andrew Gemant Award for communicating physics to Michael Riordan, adjunct professor of physics at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Riordan is being honored for his teaching and writing, which explain physics concepts and history so that they are accessible to a wide audience. A citation…
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Elizabeth Penaat, former vice chancellor of UCSC, dies at 68
She was one of the first women in the U.S. to head the business operations of a university Elizabeth A. Penaat, a founding member of UC Santa Cruz’s administrative staff who later became a vice chancellor on campus, died on Thursday, April 25, at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz after a lengthy illness. She was…
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Expert on chemical and biological weapons to give a public lecture on biosecurity at UC Santa Cruz on Tuesday, April 30
Graham Pearson, retired director general of the United Kingdom Chemical and Biological Defense Establishment, will visit the University of California, Santa Cruz, this month and next as a Regents’ Lecturer. During his visit, from April 29 to May 10, Pearson will give a public lecture on biosecurity, meet with UCSC faculty and students, and take…
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Distinctive color patterns in coral reef fish are not necessarily associated with different species, according to genetic studies
For centuries scientists have used physical characteristics like size and color to separate one species from another. But new genetic studies show that these traits can be misleading, at least in certain kinds of fish. Giacomo Bernardi, an associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and his colleagues…
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MEDIA ADVISORY: Bugs and birds and bones, oh my! ‘Illustrating Nature’ exhibit returns to Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
What: “Illustrating Nature,” an exhibit of science and nature illustrations When: May 4 through June 9, 2002 Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details: “Illustrating Nature” is an annual exhibit of detailed science and nature illustrations by students in…
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UC Santa Cruz researchers featured in PBS documentary series on fishing crisis
Cuddly animals such as pandas and sea otters usually steal the limelight in conservation programs. But a new PBS documentary series spotlights fish as animals in desperate need of protection. Two UC Santa Cruz researchers are featured in the two-part series, which explores problems associated with fishing and fish farming. Part one of the series,…
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Monumental new English grammar helps debunk grammar ‘rules’
If you’ve ever been cited for breaking traditional grammar rules you will rejoice at the publication of The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language (Cambridge University Press, 2002). Coauthor and University of California, Santa Cruz professor of linguistics Geoffrey Pullum hopes that among other things, The Cambridge Grammar will help debunk what he dubs “grammar…
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MEDIA ADVISORY: Change in schedule for center dedication
The dedication of the Center for Adaptive Optics at UC Santa Cruz, with NSF Director Rita Colwell, has been postponed until June The dedication of the Center for Adaptive Optics at the University of California, Santa Cruz, has been postponed until June to accommodate a change in the schedule of featured guest Rita Colwell, director…
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Donation puts wind in UCSC’s sails
When Peter C. Adams was a biology major at UC Santa Cruz, he occasionally left his books behind and sailed off into Monterey Bay, courtesy of the campus Boating Center. Now, as a successful entrepreneur, he is returning the favor. And what a favor it is. Thanks to Adams, the UCSC Community Boating Center is…
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Space-based missile defense systems could jeopardize astronomical research and space exploration
EMBARGOED: Not for release until 11 a.m. Paris Time (5 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time) Friday, April 19, to coincide with Joel Primack’s talk at a UNESCO conference. The Bush administration’s plan to develop space-based missile defense systems has generated heated debate, but most commentators have overlooked an important and potentially destructive consequence of placing weapons…