2012  Physical and Biological Sciences

UCSC astronomer Sandra Faber to receive the National Medal of Science

The White House announced Friday, December 21, that UC Santa Cruz faculty member Sandra Faber is one of a dozen eminent researchers selected to receive the National Medal of Science.

Closest single star like our Sun may have a habitable planet

An international team of astronomers has found that Tau Ceti, one of the closest and most Sun-like stars, may host five planets.

Top physicists gather at UCSC to honor Michael Dine and Howard Haber

UCSC physicists Michael Dine and Howard Haber are being honored for their contributions to theoretical high-energy physics.

Year of the Slug: A look back at 2012 at UC Santa Cruz

Higgs boson, condors, pumas, the Grateful Dead Archive … 2012 was yet another year of discoveries, breakthroughs, newsmakers, and honors for UC Santa Cruz. Here’s a look back at a few highlights of the year at UCSC.

Physicist Tesla Jeltema honored by Silicon Valley Business Journal

Physicist Tesla Jeltema is among 40 accomplished people under the age of 40 recognized this year by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Insect-eating bat outperforms nectar specialist as pollinator of cactus flowers

Surprising study of bats that pollinate cactus flowers sheds light on coevolution of plants and pollinators.

Mercury in coastal fog linked to upwelling of deep ocean water

Scientists have found clues to how mercury gets into coastal fog in California.

Emerging vector-borne diseases create new public health challenges

Land-use change, globalization of trade and travel, and social upheaval are driving the emergence of diseases in many regions.

Two UCSC professors elected 2012 AAAS Fellows

Chemistry professor Ilan Benjamin and linguistics professor Sandra Chung were elected AAAS Fellows.

Physicist Robert Johnson elected Fellow of American Physical Society

Robert Johnson, professor of physics, has been elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS).

Scientists develop new approach to support climate projections

A recalibration of climate sensitivity based on records of past climates agrees with IPCC estimates for the future.

Biologist Susan Strome wins Ellison Medical Foundation grant

The Ellison Medical Foundation has selected biologist Susan Strome as a Senior Scholar in Aging, providing $600,000 over four years to support her research.

BioMAP screening procedure could streamline search for new antibiotics

UCSC researchers have developed a new strategy for screening libraries of natural product extracts to find novel antibiotics.

Biologist Pete Raimondi receives Outstanding Faculty Award

Biologist Pete Raimondi has received the 2011-12 Outstanding Faculty Award from the Division of Physical and Biological Sciences.

Techonomy 2012: David Haussler and the 'digital battlefront' against cancer

David Haussler, director of the Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering at UC Santa Cruz, spoke eloquently about the front lines of cancer research at the prestigious Techonomy 2012 conference in Tucson, Ariz.

Science writers honor Science Communication Program director Robert Irion

The National Association of Science Writers (NASW) has honored Robert Irion, director of the UCSC Science Communication Program, with a service award.

New super-Earth planet found in habitable zone of six-planet system

An international team of astronomers has discovered a new super-Earth planet in the habitable zone of a nearby star.

UCSC Arboretum holds annual Gift and Wreath Sale on Nov. 17 and 18

Holiday decorations and gifts will be available from the UCSC Arboretum at the annual Gift and Wreath Sale.

American Mathematical Society honors three UCSC professors

Three UCSC professors have been named Fellows of the American Mathematical Society.

Image of hand shows progress toward proton radiography

Researchers developing a new medical imaging technology that uses protons instead of x-rays presented the first proton radiographic image of a hand.

UCSC physicist inducted into American Academy of Arts and Sciences

UCSC faculty member Peter Young was among 180 influential artists, scientists, scholars, authors, and institutional leaders who were inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences at a ceremony earlier in October at the academy's headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Switzer Environmental Fellowship awarded to UCSC grad student

Priya Ganguli, a Ph.D. candidate in the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department, has received a Switzer Environmental Fellowship.

ARCS Foundation scholarships support UCSC graduate students

Eight UC Santa Cruz graduate students have received scholarships worth a total of $80,000 from the ARCS Foundation this year.

Astronomers uncover a surprising trend in galaxy evolution

A comprehensive study of hundreds of galaxies has revealed an unexpected pattern of change that extends back 8 billion years.

Giant impact scenario may explain the unusual moons of Saturn

The middle-sized moons of Saturn may have been spawned during giant impacts in which several major satellites merged to form Titan.

Extraordinary achievement, social consciousness celebrated at gala event

Honorees of 6th annual Founders Celebration Dinner share one of UCSC's core goals: 'Leaving the world a better place'

Astronomer boldly addresses big issues in the cosmos

UK's Astronomer Royal Martin Rees discusses space and humankind's stewardship of our 'precious, pale-blue dot' at sixth annual Foundation Forum.

Mapping the Sky

Astronomy professor Connie Rockosi is a bright light in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, which aims to discover how our galaxy was born

UCSC chemist develops spray to detect poison oak's toxic oil

Researchers have developed a spray that can be used to detect poison oak's toxic oil on clothes and equipment, and potentially on skin.

UCSC ranked second for research influence in world university rankings

In a new analysis of the world's top universities, UC Santa Cruz is ranked second in research influence.

Arboretum's fall plant sale on Saturday, Oct. 13, features beautiful plants from around the world

The annual sale features an unusual selection of native and non-native species chosen to thrive in local gardens.

White shark diets vary with age and among individuals

Many white sharks shift from fish to marine mammals as they mature, but individual sharks show surprising variability in a study by UCSC researchers.

Moore Foundation grant funds study of Tohoku earthquake fault

New grant funds seismologist Emily Brodsky's research on the devastating Tohoku earthquake that struck Japan in March 2011.

Study reveals complex rupture process in surprising 2012 Sumatra quake

The April 2012 great earthquake near Sumatra involved a complicated faulting process unlike anything seen before.

Hubble produces deepest ever view of the universe

UCSC astronomer Garth Illingworth's team assembled the "eXtreme Deep Field" image of distant galaxies.

Endangered Hawaiian monk seal is focus of Oct. 4 talk by biologist Terrie Williams

The annual Ken Norris Memorial Lecture at the Seymour Center features UCSC marine biologist Terrie Williams discussing her work with monk seals.

Unusual symbiosis discovered in marine microorganisms

Tiny single-celled algae and nitrogen-fixing bacteria exchange carbon and nitrogen in a mutually beneficial relationship that helps fertilize the oceans.

Microbiologist and UCSC administrator Eugene Cota-Robles dies at age 86

Eugene Cota-Robles, a professor emeritus of biology at UCSC who served in top administrative posts for UC and UCSC, died September 12.

Eminent astronomer Sandra Faber to deliver 2012 Maitra Lecture on October 3

Astronomer Sandra Faber will deliver the 12th annual Maitra Memorial Lecture October 3: "Modern Genesis and the Limits of Cosmic Knowledge."

UCSC study shows how urchin-loving otters can help fight global warming

A new study by two UC Santa Cruz researchers suggest that a thriving sea otter population that keeps sea urchins in check will in turn allow kelp forests to prosper and help reverse a principal cause of global warming.

UCSC taps Tang Museum director to lead innovative museum project

The UC Santa Cruz Arts Division announced today that John Weber—currently Dayton Director of the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York—has been hired to guide the development of a new institute of the arts and sciences.

Biologist Harry Noller to receive honorary degree

The University of Geneva will award an honorary doctorate degree to UCSC biologist Harry Noller.

Celebrating astronomical success at UC Santa Cruz

UCSC is a top institution in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics; Founders Celebration to highlight that distinction and others

Study suggests large methane reservoirs beneath Antarctic ice sheet

The Antarctic Ice Sheet could be an overlooked but important source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

UCSC research funding tops $140 million for 2011-12

UCSC researchers attracted $140.3 million in external grants and contracts to the campus in the 2011-12 fiscal year.

Peabody Award recognizes video work of SciCom alumna Solana Pyne

A video series by GlobalPost featuring productions by Science Communication Program graduate Solana Pyne received a Peabody Award for distinguished achievement in electronic media.

Schlanger Fellowship supports research on Arctic climate change

Ocean sciences graduate student Karla Knudson has been awarded a 2012-2013 Schlanger Ocean Drilling Fellowship.

Lick Observatory 'BBQ with the Stars' features renowned UC astronomers

Lick Observatory's "BBQ with the Stars" on Saturday, September 15, will feature a barbeque dinner, live music, and astronomy talks.

Recovery slows for California's sea otters, 2012 survey shows

The southern sea otter population continues its pattern of tepid recovery, according to the latest population survey.

UCSC receives $1 million gift to support Center for Ocean Health expansion

A major gift from alumni Christine and Robert Holo will help fund the Center for Ocean Health's new education wing.

'Science Notes 2012' now available online

Science Notes 2012, published by UCSC's Science Communication Program, is now online.

Paul Koch named dean of physical and biological sciences

UCSC has appointed Paul Koch to serve as dean of the Division of Physical and Biological Sciences.

UCSC alum helps guide Mars rover Curiosity to successful landing

Alumnus Steve Collins was featured in news coverage of the dramatic landing of NASA's robotic explorer Curiosity on the surface of Mars.

Seymour Center offers guided tours on the Santa Cruz wharf

The Seymour Marine Discovery Center is leading free public tours on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf every Saturday and Sunday.

Apple's software brings attention to mountain lion research

Apple's release of its "Mountain Lion" operating system is drawing attention to the real thing prowling just a few miles from the company's headquarters. Since 2008, UCSC researchers have captured 36 mountain lions as part of the UCSC Puma Project to better understand the cats' physiology, behavior, and ecology.

Ocean scientist Raphael Kudela to co-chair national committee on harmful algae

The National Harmful Algal Bloom Committee has elected ocean scientist Raphael Kudela as co-chair.

New observatory installed beneath seafloor at site of Tohoku earthquake

UCSC seismologist Emily Brodsky was part of an international team that installed an observatory on the Tohoku earthquake fault.

Past climate change linked to ancient alteration of seawater chemistry

A new study by scientists at the University of Toronto and the University of California, Santa Cruz suggests that changes in world ocean chemistry is one potential cause of the cooling trend of the past 45 million years.

Dark galaxies of the early universe spotted for the first time

For the first time, dark galaxies--an early phase of galaxy formation, predicted by theory but unobserved until now--may have been spotted.

Coastal ecosystems research project wins NASA Honor Award

The Coastal and Ocean Airborne Sensor Testbed project, involving UCSC and NASA scientists, has received a NASA Honor Award.

Undergrad finds clue to scientific mystery in ancient text

UCSC undergrad Jonathon Allen found a clue in historical archives that may explain unusual isotope levels in growth rings of Japanese cedars.

Biologist James Estes honored by American Society of Mammalogists

Biology professor James Estes will receive the 2012 C. Hart Merriam Award from the American Society of Mammalogists.

New book by UCSC biologist highlights efforts to save Hawaiian monk seals

Marine biologist Terrie Williams recounts how an abandoned pup named KP2 is helping efforts to save the most endangered marine mammal in U.S. waters.

Search for Higgs boson reveals new particle

Physicists involved in experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) have presented evidence of a new particle that may prove to be the long-sought Higgs boson.

Social bats pay a price with new fungal disease

The impact on bat populations of a deadly fungal disease known as white-nose syndrome may depend on how gregarious the bats are during hibernation.

Michael Bolte to step down as director of UC Observatories

Michael Bolte has announced his decision to resign as director of UC Observatories at the end of July and will return to full-time teaching and research at UC Santa Cruz.

Health sciences grad awarded Sutter scholarship for medical school

Health sciences grad Kaitlin Russon has won the Primary Care Physician Award from Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center and the Central California Alliance for Health.

Lead poisoning blocks recovery of California condor population

Study confirms lead-based ammunition as primary source of lead in condors and shows population cannot recover as long as lead contamination persists.

California sea level projected to rise at higher rate than global average

The sea level off most of California is expected to rise about 36 inches over the next century, an amount slightly higher than projected for global sea levels, according to a new report.

Physicist Alexander Sher named Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences

Alexander Sher, assistant professor of physics, will receive $240,000 to support his research on how the retina heals itself after laser surgery.

Year of the Slug: Great UCSC moments in 2011-12

From the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame to cancer research to its ranking as one of the top “young” universities in the world, UCSC stood in the spotlight this year.

Astronomer Jerry Nelson receives Franklin Medal in campus ceremony

Astronomer Jerry Nelson was awarded the Franklin Institute's 2012 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Electrical Engineering on Friday, June 8.

Spotlight on outstanding work: Student Achievement Week recognizes accomplishment

Computer programmers, actors, robotics students, apprentice astronomers and fine artists showed off their skills during this year’s Student Achievement Week celebration.

Surf industry grant benefits Seymour Center

The Seymour Center at Long Marine Laboratory is among the 20 ocean-environmental organizations named as beneficiaries of the 23rd Annual Waterman's Weekend.

Climate more sensitive to carbon dioxide now than in past epochs

New evidence from the geologic record contrasts with today's close coupling of climate and atmospheric carbon dioxide

Reign of the giant insects ended with the evolution of birds

Giant insects once ruled the prehistoric skies, but the evolution of birds ended their reign.

A summary of summery things to do at UCSC

When the summer fog rolls in, UC Santa Cruz and its off-campus facilities roll out a long list of things to do and see. From Shakespeare to sea stars to exotic plants and astronomy, there is always something interesting and fun to experience at UCSC.

Astronomer Sandra Faber receives prestigious Bruce Gold Medal

The Astronomical Society of the Pacific has awarded the 2012 Catherine Wolfe Bruce Gold Medal to UCSC astronomer Sandra Faber.

Milky Way destined for head-on collision with Andromeda galaxy

Our galactic neighbor the Andromeda galaxy is on a collision course with our own Milky Way galaxy, according to new observations.

Light-induced delivery of nitric oxide eradicates drug-resistant bacteria

UCSC researchers have developed a novel approach for eradicating drug-resistant bacteria from wounds and skin infections, using light to trigger the controlled release of nitric oxide.

Music of the Spheres draws summer visitors to Lick Observatory

Lick Observatory offers evening programs for music lovers and astronomy buffs featuring concerts, lectures, and opportunities to view the night sky through the observatory's history-making telescopes atop Mt. Hamilton.

Fledging season for owls means clumsy chicks on the ground

Experts says it's normal to see owl chicks on the ground, and they should be left alone.

Lemur extinctions and ecological retreat followed arrival of humans in Madagascar

A study of lemurs in Madagascar suggests that factors driving lemur extinctions have also sparked an ongoing "ecological retreat" by surviving species.

Recognizing excellence in teaching at UCSC

The 2011-12 Excellence in Teaching Awards honored eight caring professors who inspired their students at UCSC. UCSC Chancellor George Blumenthal presented the awards at the Stevenson Event Center on campus.

Research team investigates biological methods to prevent bat extinction

Motivated by the prospect of conserving bat populations and species diversity, UC Santa Cruz researchers are investigating whether antifungal skin microbes can be used to help fight the deadly fungus that is causing a massive die-off of bats in eastern North America.

Elephant seal tracking reveals hidden lives of deep-diving animals

UCSC researchers use satellite tags to monitor the migrations of elephant seals, revealing their movements and diving behavior at sea in unprecedented detail.

Grad students present impressive array of research projects at symposium

Graduate students from across the divisions presented their work at the 8th Annual Graduate Research Symposium.

Astronomy lectures spotlight rare astronomical event on June 5

Lectures on May 18, May 25, and June 1 will explain the scientific and historical significance of the transit of Venus.

Graduate students present research at annual symposium May 11

Graduate student research will be on display at the University Center on Friday, May 11, during the annual Graduate Research Symposium.

Teaching luminaries share classroom secrets at Academic Forum

The large crowd that attended the Academic Forum at the Humanities Lecture Hall —one of the cornerstones of the UCSC Alumni Reunion Weekend—had a rare opportunity to hear these and other teaching secrets of renowned educators, ranging from social psychologist Elliot Aronson to noted feminist studies professor Bettina Aptheker.

Organic farming research to expand with $2.6 million grant

Watsonville High names UCSC’s Bill Doyle to alumni hall of fame

UC Santa Cruz Professor Emeritus of Biology Bill Doyle knows what it’s like to grow up hard. But the founder and long-term director of UCSC's Institute of Marine Sciences, says even though times were tough, those years—especially the ones at Watsonville High—became “the basic, grounding platform” of his life.

Physicist Peter Young elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Peter Young, distinguished professor of physics, has been elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, one of the nation's most prestigious honorary societies.

Physics undergrad makes the most of research opportunities

Senior physics major Melinda Soares has won honors for her research presentations at two conferences in the past year.

Memorial service for Ray Collett at UCSC Arboretum April 29

A memorial service for Ray Collett, founding director of the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, will be held April 29 at the Arboretum.

Arboretum holds annual Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, April 21

Since 1977, the Arboretum's plant sales have been providing gardeners with colorful and unusual plants for creating dynamic central coast gardens.

UCSC scientist reports stormy start to JFAST expedition

Typhoon-strength winds and 30-foot waves greeted the JFAST expedition off the coast of Japan on April 4.

Kepler Explorer app puts distant planets at your fingertips

Kepler Explorer, an innovative app for iPads and iPhones, provides interactive displays of planetary systems discovered by the Kepler Mission.

Seven assistant professors win Hellman fellowships to assist their research

Seven assistant professors at UC Santa Cruz have been named winners of the Hellman Fellows Program that supports research projects by promising junior professors who show capacity for great distinction in their research.

Astrophysicist Michael Turner speaks April 16 on what came 'Before the Big Bang'

Eminent cosmologist Michael Turner will discuss the origins of the universe in a free public lecture on Monday, April 16, at the Rio Theater.

International drilling expedition to probe Japanese fault zone

UC Santa Cruz scientists are involved in an ambitious drilling project to measure properties of the fault that caused the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

Biochemist Glenn Millhauser honored for protein structure research

Glenn Millhauser, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, has been chosen to receive the 2012 Silver Medal in Biology/Medicine from the International EPR Society.

Seismologist Thorne Lay reflects on anniversary of Tohoku earthquake

A spate of huge earthquakes in the past seven years has provided humbling lessons for seismologists, according to UCSC prof Thorne Lay.

Two UCSC marine scientists awarded Pew Fellowships in Marine Conservation

Two scientists affiliated with UCSC's Institute of Marine Sciences have been awarded 2012 Pew Fellowships in Marine Conservation.

Coral reef study traces indirect effects of overfishing

A study of the tropical coral reef system along the coastline of Kenya finds that overfishing could threaten the long-term health of the reefs.

Ray Collett, founding director of UCSC Arboretum, dies at age 79

Ray Collett, the founding director of the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, died on Wednesday, February 22.

New brain connections form in clusters during learning

A new study reveals details of how brain circuits are rewired during the formation of new motor memories.

Physicist Peter Young receives Humboldt Research Award

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has elected physicist Peter Young to receive a Humboldt Research Award.

Planet hunter Steve Vogt to give annual Faculty Research Lecture on Feb. 28

Astronomer Steve Vogt will discuss the search for other worlds in the annual Faculty Research Lecture.

Hatchery fish mask the decline of wild salmon populations

Only about 10 percent of the fall-run Chinook salmon spawning in the Mokelumne River are naturally produced wild salmon.

New images capture 'stealth merger' of dwarf galaxies

Images of a nearby dwarf galaxy show the remains of an even smaller companion galaxy in the process of merging with its host.

New super-Earth detected within the habitable zone of a nearby star

An international team of scientists has discovered a potentially habitable super-Earth orbiting a nearby star.

In evolution of body size, 24 million generations from mouse to elephant

The first study to measure how fast large-scale evolution can occur in mammals found that it takes 24 million generations for a mouse-sized animal to evolve to the size of an elephant.

NASA's Kepler mission announces 11 planetary systems hosting 26 planets

A UCSC astronomer is involved in the Kepler mission's discovery of 11 new planetary systems hosting 26 confirmed planets.

9th annual Scholarship Benefit Dinner to support UCSC students

UC Santa Cruz will host its ninth annual Scholarship Benefit Dinner--one of UCSC's premier fundraising events--on Feb. 25 in San Jose. The proceeds provide significant undergraduate scholarships and fellowships for students.

Joel Primack and Nancy Abrams honored by Chopra Foundation

Physicist Joel Primack and his wife Nancy Abrams have been chosen to receive the 2012 Spirit of Rustum Roy Award from the Chopra Foundation.

Plant scientist Jean Langenheim honored by Graduate Women in Science

The Graduate Women in Science organization Sigma Delta Epsilon has awarded its highest honor to botanist Jean Langenheim.

Wandering stars offer clues to history of our galaxy

Some stars have orbits that take them to interesting places, and they have interesting stories to tell about how they were formed.