2006
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Atomic-resolution structure of a ribozyme yields insights into RNA catalysis and the origins of life
Which came first, nucleic acids or proteins? This question is molecular biology’s version of the “chicken-or-the-egg” riddle. Genes made of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) contain the instructions for making proteins, but enzymes made of proteins are needed to replicate genes. For those who try to understand how life originated, this once seemed an intractable…
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UCSC physicists explore a boundary of their discipline in new book, Quantum Enigma
Quantum mechanics, one of the most successful theories in all of science, says some strange things about the fundamental nature of the world. For all practical purposes, physicists can and do ignore the bizarre implications of the theory and use the equations of quantum mechanics to understand atoms and stars and to create the marvels…
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Acting Chancellor George Blumenthal thanks campus on first day
Dear UC Santa Cruz Colleagues: I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of congratulations and support that I have received since the announcement of my appointment as UCSC’s Acting Chancellor. I am truly honored to serve in this capacity. This past month has been a difficult time for our campus, as we have dealt collectively and…
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UC President Appoints George Blumenthal Acting Chancellor of UC Santa Cruz
OAKLAND, CA.–University of California President Robert C. Dynes announced today (July 14) the appointment of George Blumenthal as acting chancellor of UC Santa Cruz, effective immediately. Blumenthal, a UCSC professor of astronomy and astrophysics and a former chair of the UC systemwide Academic Senate, will assume on an interim basis the responsibilities of Chancellor Denice…
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UCSC scientists to discuss life on Earth in conjunction with world premiere of Frans Lanting’s Life: A Journey through Time
A scientific forum exploring advances in the understanding of life on Earth will take place on Monday, July 31, at 7 p.m. at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. The forum is being held in conjunction with Life: A Journey through Time, a multimedia presentation by photographer Frans Lanting, which has its world premiere this month…
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UCSC researchers use new technology to study Cape fur seals in South Africa
Sophisticated electronic tagging technology developed as part of the Tagging of Pacific Pelagics (TOPP) program is now being deployed to study Cape fur seals in South Africa. Daniel Costa, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, is currently in South Africa working with an international team of investigators to…
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UCSC creates new major in computer game design
The University of California, Santa Cruz, has approved a new major in computer game design, the first of its kind in the UC system. The new major, leading to a B.S. degree, provides students with a rigorous background in the technical, artistic, and narrative elements of creating interactive computer games. “We are pleased to be…
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Mix of age groups, nationalities drawn to summer programs at UC Santa Cruz
Summer is the season for nontraditional students at UC Santa Cruz. Fulbright scholars and professionals from around the world are being introduced to the United States-and English-in University Town Center downtown; youngsters on campus are perfecting their cheers and honing their computer skills; and the campus is playing host to a variety of academic conferences.…
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Denice Denton’s life remembered in UC Santa Cruz memorial ceremony
More than 1,000 people commemorated the vibrant life of Chancellor Denice D. Denton today (Thursday, June 29) in a ceremony that spanned four campus venues. A special web site has been created to honor UCSC’s ninth chancellor. The site includes links to a webcast of the memorial event. Inside the Music Recital Hall, friends, family,…