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2014 Physical and Biological Sciences

December 15, 2014
Students garner awards at national biomedical conference
Five UC Santa Cruz students received awards for their presentations at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students.
December 12, 2014
Astronomers' cosmic web discovery among top breakthroughs of 2014
Images of the 'Slug Nebula' provided the first glimpse of a filament of the cosmic web thought to connect galaxies throughout the universe.
December 11, 2014
Physicist Peter Fischer elected fellow of American Physical Society
Peter Fischer, adjunct professor of physics at UC Santa Cruz, has been elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society.
December 10, 2014
UC Santa Cruz leads UC effort to study effects of climate change on ecosystems
A $1.9 million grant from the new UC President's Research Catalyst Awards will fund a UC-wide institute on climate impacts.
December 05, 2014
Gary Griggs publishes collection of "Our Ocean Backyard" columns
Institute of Marine Sciences director Gary Griggs has published his columns for the Santa Cruz Sentinel in a new book.
December 03, 2014
Lick Observatory plans major upgrade for Shane Telescope
UC Santa Cruz received $350,000 in grant and donor funds for an upgrade of the Kast Spectrograph, a crucial instrument for UC astronomers.
December 02, 2014
Study of deadly bat disease finds surprising seasonal pattern of infections
White-nose syndrome fungus can infect an entire bat colony during hibernation, but surviving bats clear the infection after they become active.
November 25, 2014
Sea otter at UC Santa Cruz's Long Marine Lab turns 21 years old
Stranded as a pup in 1993, Taylor turned 21 this month, far exceeding the average life span for a southern sea otter
November 20, 2014
Hubble observations deepen mystery of how globular clusters form
New findings are at odds with leading theories for the formation of globular clusters of stars in galaxies
November 20, 2014
Ocean scientist Christina Ravelo receives Outstanding Faculty Award
Christina Ravelo, professor of ocean sciences, was recognized by the Division of Physical and Biological Sciences for her contributions.
November 19, 2014
UC Santa Cruz grad awarded Sutter scholarship for medical school
Matthew Carr, who graduated from UCSC in June with a degree in biology, will receive the 8th annual Primary Care Physician Award.
November 17, 2014
Virus identified as top suspect in sea star wasting disease
A previously unidentified virus has been linked to the sea star wasting syndrome that has devastated west coast starfish populations.
November 17, 2014
Evolutionary constraints revealed in diversity of fish skulls
The evolution of biting in eels allowed diversification of skull shapes, while suction feeding limits the skull shapes of most fish.
November 14, 2014
Annual Norris Lecture on Nov. 20 features panel of six marine scientists
UC Santa Cruz marine scientists are among the three married couples who will discuss "When Ocean Science is the Family Business"
November 12, 2014
UCSC Arboretum holds annual Gift and Wreath Sale on November 22 and 23
Popular holiday sale is held in conjunction with an Open House at Norrie's Gift and Garden Shop at the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum
November 07, 2014
UC Santa Cruz student researchers recognized at national conference
Five undergraduates doing research at UCSC were recognized for outstanding research presentations at the 2014 SACNAS conference.
November 06, 2014
UC Santa Cruz grad student among veterans honored by National Science Foundation
Ocean sciences grad student John Koster was one of 11 military veterans recognized in an event at NSF headquarters.
November 05, 2014
Leading conservationists call for a "unified and diverse conservation ethic"
UC Santa Cruz faculty are among conservationists leading the effort to resolve a polarizing debate over the reasons to conserve nature.
November 05, 2014
Study shows benefits of being fat (but not too fat) for deep-diving elephant seals
As elephant seals add to their fat stores, changes in buoyancy affect their swimming efficiency during deep dives in search of food.
November 04, 2014
Plant scientist Lincoln Taiz to give UC Santa Cruz emeriti lecture November 19
Taiz will discuss how the challenge of producing enough food for the world's growing population is exacerbated by climate change
November 04, 2014
UC confirms continued support of Lick Observatory
The UC Office of the President has reversed an earlier decision to pull funding from Lick Observatory by 2018.
October 30, 2014
Game of genomes
Sammy the Slug, the neon-yellow, pop-eyed fixture at campus gatherings and sporting events, is about to reveal his genes to the world. Backers of a crowd-funding campaign hope to raise $20,000 to map the banana slug genome for the first time ever.
October 27, 2014
What is the role of a major research university?
By Paul Koch, Dean, Division of Physical and Biological Sciences — We're in the midst of a seemingly endless conversation about "the value of higher education" and the role of top research universities like UC Santa Cruz. Should we pursue knowledge for its own sake? Or should we focus on creating "useful" knowledge and informed, clear-headed graduates? The answer is that we must do both.
October 22, 2014
Astrophysics meets theater in ‘Birth of Stars’
What does the birth and death of stars have to do with the lives of real human beings? How do we balance the joy and pain of life in a productive way? Does technology make us less than human…or something more?
October 21, 2014
A global surge of great earthquakes holds clues to future quakes
UC Santa Cruz seismologist Thorne Lay discusses the implications of recent studies for quake risk in Cascadia
October 16, 2014
Astronomers create first 3-D map of the 'adolescent' universe
Astronomers have created the first map of the ‘adolescent’ universe as it appeared 10.8 billion years ago.
October 14, 2014
Jessica Fiske Bailey appointed executive director of UC Santa Cruz Arboretum
Jessica Fiske Bailey, assistant vice provost for academic affairs at UC Santa Cruz, has been named executive director of the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum.
October 09, 2014
Astronomers analyze atmosphere of planet orbiting another star
Scientists have made the most detailed global map yet of the glow from a planet orbiting another star.
October 08, 2014
Institute of Arts and Sciences offers LASER talk on Oct. 28
UC Santa Cruz’s Institute of the Arts and Sciences will present its first “LASER” talk of the academic year on October 28 at the Digital Arts Research Center.
October 03, 2014
UC Santa Cruz Arboretum holds Fall Plant Sale on Saturday, October 11
The Arboretum's annual fall sale features beautiful, drought-tolerant plants from around the world
October 03, 2014
UC Santa Cruz ranked first for research influence in world university rankings
Times Higher Education measured overall research influence based on the average number of citations per paper published by faculty.
October 02, 2014
Study of mountain lion energetics shows the power of the pounce
High-tech collars enabled scientists to track mountain lions in the wild and determine how much energy the big cats use to hunt their prey.
October 02, 2014
Astronomer Claire Max appointed interim director of UC Observatories
Claire Max, professor of astronomy and astrophysics at UC Santa Cruz, succeeds Sandra Faber as interim director of UC Observatories.
September 29, 2014
Simulations reveal unusual death for ancient stars
Study led by UC Santa Cruz postdoc indicates some supernovae would leave no remnant black hole behind
September 25, 2014
Professor Sue Carter appointed associate dean of graduate studies
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Sue Carter, professor of physics, as associate dean of graduate studies, effective October 1, 2014.
September 25, 2014
Campus and Wells Fargo officials break ground for Coastal Biology building
A groundbreaking ceremony for the Coastal Biology building was held at the UC Santa Cruz Coastal Science Campus.
September 23, 2014
UC Santa Cruz among top five institutions seeing growth in NIH funding
UC Santa Cruz is in the top five of institutions that have seen significant increases in funding from the National Institutes of Health over the past decade.
September 22, 2014
Mixing it up on Science Hill
An innovative graduate program on Science Hill is breaking down barriers between the biomedical sciences, encouraging interdisciplinary research, and enabling students from different departments and divisions to work closely together.
September 22, 2014
In Memoriam: Matthew Sands
Matthew Linzee Sands, professor emeritus of physics who was instrumental in establishing Kresge College, died September 13 in Santa Cruz, five weeks shy of his 95th birthday.
September 22, 2014
California's sea otter numbers holding steady
California's sea otter population is slowly swimming toward recovery, according to the latest field survey.
September 18, 2014
Study shows how epigenetic memory is passed across generations
Researchers traced markers of gene repression and showed that both sperm and eggs transmit a memory of gene repression to embryos.
September 18, 2014
Renowned astronomer Harland Epps to be honored at ‘Harfest’ conference Sept. 23-24
Leading astronomers from around the world will gather to honor UC Santa Cruz astronomer Harland W. Epps, who retired in July.
September 16, 2014
Native vegetation makes a comeback on Santa Cruz Island
Study led by UC Santa Cruz undergrads shows native shrubs reclaiming the island on their own after removal of introduced grazers.
September 11, 2014
Julie Packard: Philanthropy and pragmatism
Alumna (Crown '74, biology; M.A. '78) talks about investing in passion, working to make change, and expanding world views through the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
September 08, 2014
Study traces ecological collapse over 6,000 years of Egyptian history
Ancient Egyptian artworks helped scientists reconstruct how animal communities changed as climate became drier and human populations grew
August 31, 2014
Mixing in star-forming clouds explains why sibling stars look alike
New findings suggest chemical fingerprints can be used to identify stars born in the same cluster
August 21, 2014
Peter Raven, leading botanist and environmentalist, to speak at UC Santa Cruz Arboretum
Botanist Peter Raven will give a talk entitled "Saving Plants, Saving Ourselves" on September 9
August 20, 2014
Undergraduates present work at Summer Research Symposium
Research presentations featured UCSC students in a range of disciplines and others who came to UCSC for summer projects.
August 20, 2014
'Science Notes 2014' now available online
The weird and wondrous feeding habits of moray eels are among the featured stories in the Science Communication Program's magazine.
August 20, 2014
Pradip Mascharak wins Gandhi medal for non-resident Indians
Chemistry professor Pradip Mascharak will be honored by the Non-Resident Indians Welfare Society of India.
August 18, 2014
Breast Cancer Breakthrough Award funds search for new treatments
Cancer researcher Seth Rubin is working toward the development of a new class of drugs for treating breast cancer.
August 14, 2014
Construction of new Coastal Biology building to begin in November
Construction will begin in November on a new building near Long Marine Laboratory at the UC Santa Cruz coastal science campus.
August 06, 2014
UC Santa Cruz Cal Teach alum wins Knowles science teaching fellowship
The Knowles Science Teaching Foundation has awarded a 2014 teaching fellowship to alumna Brenda Minjares.
August 04, 2014
Old evidence leads to new ideas about earthquake hazards in Pacific Northwest
Sediment cores collected in 1960s by geologist Gary Griggs have attracted renewed scrutiny for clues to Cascadia earthquakes.
August 04, 2014
Earth scientist James Gill elected fellow of the American Geophysical Union
James Gill, professor of Earth and planetary sciences, has been elected a fellow of the American Geophysical Union (AGU).
July 30, 2014
Tidal forces gave moon its shape, according to new analysis
Most of the moon's overall shape can be explained by taking into account tidal effects acting early in the moon's history.
July 28, 2014
Cassini finds 101 geysers and more on icy Saturn moon
Scientists on NASA's Cassini mission have identified 101 distinct geysers erupting on Saturn's small, icy moon Enceladus.
July 28, 2014
Next-generation Thirty Meter Telescope to begin construction in Hawaii
The TMT has its roots at UC Santa Cruz, where astronomers have been working for years on the design of this powerful new telescope.
July 21, 2014
UCSC creates scholarship fund in memory of slain Soquel resident J. Gordon Smith
A scholarship fund honoring the late J. Gordon Smith has been established by his former colleagues at Long Marine Laboratory.
July 10, 2014
Earth scientist Patrick Fulton to receive Early Career Award from AGU
AGU's Jason Morgan Early Career Award recognizes Fulton for outstanding research contributions.
July 07, 2014
Two UC Santa Cruz Earth scientists honored by American Geophysical Union
Gary Glatzmaier and Thorne Lay will receive AGU medals in recognition of their breakthrough achievements in Earth science.
June 30, 2014
Astrophysicist Douglas Lin wins 2014 Brouwer Award
Douglas N. C. Lin earns recognition for outstanding contributions to the field of dynamical astronomy.
June 11, 2014
Energy demands of raising a pup push sea otter moms to the limit
Study by UCSC biologists reveals just how much it costs a sea otter mom to raise her pup.
June 11, 2014
SCIPP director Steve Ritz testifies at congressional hearing on physics research
As chair of a panel charged with setting national priorities for particle physics research, Ritz testified before a House subcommittee
June 10, 2014
Eight faculty members honored with Excellence in Teaching awards
One of the highest honors a UC Santa Cruz faculty member can receive is an Excellence in Teaching Award given each spring by the Academic Senate's Committee on Teaching.
June 05, 2014
New book features stunning photos of California coast from the air
California Coast from the Air, the latest book by coastal geologist Gary Griggs, features aerial photographs of the state's coastline.
June 04, 2014
UCSC selects acclaimed New York firm to design Institute of Arts and Sciences
The University of California, Santa Cruz, announced today that the award-winning New York firm, Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, has been selected to design the campus’s new Institute of the Arts and Sciences.
June 03, 2014
Astronomers detect two planets orbiting nearby ancient star
An international team of scientists has reported two planets orbiting a nearby and very old star known as Kapteyn's star.
May 30, 2014
Marine scientist Adina Paytan honored by Geochemical Society
Adina Paytan, a research scientist in the Institute of Marine Sciences, will be honored as a Geochemical Fellow.
May 29, 2014
Congrats, Class of 2014!
Ideally, we'd profile every one of UCSC's talented, passionate, and determined graduates--but the three students featured here serve as excellent representatives of the Class of 2014.
May 29, 2014
UCSC receives major grant to revamp introductory science courses
A $1.5 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute supports efforts to increase the number of students earning science degrees
May 28, 2014
Communicating science
Student Nick Lounsbury saw a problem at UCSC: there was cutting-edge research happening on campus, but no one knew about it. His answer? The creation of UC Santa Cruz's first student-run scientific magazine: Scientific Slug.
May 27, 2014
NSF grant funds development of alternatives to phthalate plasticizers
Chemistry professor Rebecca Braslau has developed a new approach that could lead to a safe and affordable alternative to widely used phthalates
May 23, 2014
The impact of wildfires
A grad student who came to the U.S. from Nigeria with dreams of becoming a scientist discovers a hidden consequence of fires.
May 21, 2014
Astronomer Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz wins fellowship at Harvard's Radcliffe Institute
Astrophysicist Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz is among a select group of 50 artists and scholars chosen for the Radcliffe Fellows Program.
May 20, 2014
Focus on excellence: Student Achievement Week recognizes outstanding work
Student Achievement Week from June 2-6 honors high academic achievement and creativity. Highlights include a science and mathematics poster symposium and the 40th annual Print Sale.
May 16, 2014
Astronomer Harland Epps honored by Astronomical Society of the Pacific
Harland Epps, a pioneer of astronomical optics, will receive the ASP's Maria and Eric Muhlmann Award.
May 14, 2014
Cancer biologist Joan Brugge to give annual Sinsheimer Lecture May 22
Joan Brugge from Harvard Medical School will deliver the 2014 Sinsheimer Distinguished Lecture in Biology on Thursday, May 22.
May 13, 2014
Coral reefs provide valuable protection for coastlines
A new study shows that coral reefs offer cost-effective protection from coastal storms, flooding, and rising sea levels.
May 12, 2014
Awards recognize top presentations at Graduate Research Symposium
Graduate students from all divisions shared their research at the 10th Annual Graduate Research Symposium.
May 07, 2014
Cosmologist Tom Abel explores the early universe in public lecture May 27
Inaugural Mandel Lecture will provide a fascinating journey through the first billion years of our universe
May 06, 2014
Thorne Lay honored by Seismological Society of America
Harry Fielding Reid Medal is the second major honor in one week for Lay, who was just elected to the National Academy of Sciences
May 02, 2014
Grad students in the spotlight at Graduate Research Symposium May 9
The 10th annual Graduate Research Symposium will take place on Friday, May 9, at McHenry Library.
April 29, 2014
Two UCSC professors elected to National Academy of Sciences
Ecologist James Estes and seismologist Thorne Lay have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences.
April 28, 2014
Leon Panetta touts 'real grit,' blasts congressional gridlock at Launch celebration
Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta fired up a crowd of 275 with shout-outs for ingenuity and “sheer grit" at Launch! A celebration of the UCSC student experience
April 25, 2014
Alumna Kathryn Sullivan on Time's '100 Most Influential People' list
UCSC alumna Kathryn Sullivan is featured on Time magazine's 2014 list of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."
April 24, 2014
$1 million gift from alumna Julie Packard funds student programs at UCSC
UCSC has received a $1 million gift from alumna Julie Packard, executive director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
April 22, 2014
De-extinction: Building future worlds with extinct organisms?
De-extinction and the accompanying moral and ethical questions will be probed Wednesday, April 23 as the UC Santa Cruz Science and Justice Working Group hosts “De-Extinction: Building Future Worlds with Extinct Organisms?”
April 15, 2014
'Condor Watch' enlists citizen scientists to help an endangered species
Biologists studying the endangered California condor have launched a new web site to enlist the help of citizen scientists.
April 07, 2014
Orbital physics is child's play with 'Super Planet Crash'
An online game and educational resources are offshoots of the software astronomers use to find planets beyond our solar system
March 31, 2014
Music and stargazing draw summer visitors to Lick Observatory
For over 30 years, the summer programs at UC's Lick Observatory have drawn music lovers and astronomy buffs to the top of Mt. Hamilton.
March 28, 2014
Seymour Center honors Ocean Conservancy's Andreas Merkl with Global Oceans Award
Ocean Conservancy president and UCSC alumnus Andreas Merkl was honored at the Global Oceans Awards Gala.
March 27, 2014
UCSC Arboretum holds annual Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, April 12
The Arboretum offers new, colorful, drought-tolerant, and unusual plants for creating dynamic central coast gardens.
March 25, 2014
Lick's Automated Planet Finder: First robotic telescope for planet hunters
In its first months of operation, the APF has found two new planetary systems, giving astronomers a taste of planetary riches to come
March 24, 2014
Exxon Valdez oil spill was a turning point for biologist Terrie Williams
Twenty-five years ago, the Exxon Valdez ran aground off the coast of Alaska and spilled 11 million gallons of crude oil.
March 20, 2014
UCSC alumnus Hoyt Peckham awarded Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation
Hoyt Peckham has been awarded a 2014 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation to expand on work he began as a UCSC grad student.
March 17, 2014
Reintroduction experiments give new hope for a plant on the brink of extinction
A critically endangered plant is inching back from the brink of extinction thanks to a UCSC plant ecologist and her students.
March 07, 2014
UCSC alumna Kathryn Sullivan confirmed as NOAA administrator
The U.S. Senate has confirmed UCSC alumna Kathryn Sullivan as under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere.
March 04, 2014
Experts discuss science and policy at first UCSC Climate Science conference
More than a dozen nationally prominent climate scientists and policy makers gathered for the first Climate Science and Policy Conference at UCSC organized by the divisions of Social Sciences and Physical and Biological Sciences.
March 03, 2014
Yosemite bears and human food: Study reveals changing diets over past century
A new study reveals how much human food has contributed to the diets of Yosemite bears over the past century.
February 27, 2014
UCSC physicists to answer questions at special screening of "Particle Fever"
Award-winning documentary about particle physicists opens with special screening followed by Q&A panel with UCSC faculty
February 27, 2014
UCSC students shine at CAMP Statewide Symposium
Five UC Santa Cruz undergraduates received awards for their research presentations at the 2014 CAMP symposium
February 26, 2014
Spotted seal study reveals sensitive hearing in air and water
Two spotted seals at Long Marine Lab are giving scientists a rare opportunity to learn about how these arctic seals perceive their environment.
February 18, 2014
When a black hole shreds a star, a bright flare tells the story
A new study shows what happens during the disruption of a star as it falls into a black hole
February 18, 2014
UCSC planetary scientist Ian Garrick-Bethell wins Sloan Research Fellowship
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation has awarded a Sloan Research Fellowship to Ian Garrick-Bethell, assistant professor of Earth and planetary sciences.
February 18, 2014
Beat-keeping sea lion back in the spotlight
Ronan, the sea lion who became an Internet sensation last year for her beat-keeping ability, is in the news again.
February 18, 2014
In Memoriam: Bruce Rosenblum
Bruce Rosenblum, professor emeritus of physics at UCSC, died on February 9, 2014, in Santa Cruz.
February 14, 2014
UCSC researchers receive safety equipment at campus-wide distribution
More than 680 UC Santa Cruz researchers were fitted with custom-designed lab coats and eye protection at a distribution event hosted by UCSC's department of Environmental Health & Safety.
February 07, 2014
UCSC climate conference draws distinguished scientists, policymakers
Distinguished climate scientists, policymakers, and commentators will participate in a major national conference on climate science and climate change at UC Santa Cruz on Friday, February 28 and Saturday, March 1, 2014.
February 06, 2014
Friends of Long Marine Lab supports 16 student research projects
Friends of LML Student Research and Education Awards will support studies of sea otters, sperm whales, extreme waves, and more.
February 05, 2014
Amborella genome sequenced using material from UCSC Arboretum
The UCSC Arboretum provided plant material from the its collections to researchers working on the Amborella genome project.
February 04, 2014
UCSC ranked second for research influence in world university rankings
In an analysis of the world's top universities, UCSC ranked second in research influence.
January 29, 2014
UCSC appoints Scott Brandt as vice chancellor for research
As vice chancellor for research, Scott Brandt provides executive leadership and coordination for UCSC research administration and planning.
January 24, 2014
Howard Haber and Abraham Seiden to give Faculty Research Lecture on Feb. 11
"The Higgs Boson Unleashed" will be a joint presentation by UCSC physicists Howard Haber and Abraham Seiden
January 21, 2014
Institute of Arts and Sciences third LASER talk on Jan. 28
UCSC’s Institute of the Arts and Sciences will present its third “LASER” talk on Tuesday, January 28, beginning at 6:45 p.m. in the Digital Arts Research Center (DARC building, Room 108). 
January 21, 2014
Astronomer Sandra Faber to give public talk Feb. 5 on our cosmic future
Renowned UC Santa Cruz astronomer Sandra Faber will give a free public lecture on astronomy and cosmology on Wednesday, February 5.
January 19, 2014
Distant quasar illuminates a filament of the cosmic web
UCSC astronomers discovered a distant quasar illuminating a vast nebula of diffuse gas, revealing part of the cosmic web.
January 15, 2014
Astrophysicist Piero Madau wins Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics
Piero Madau, professor of astronomy and astrophysics, has been chosen to receive the 2014 Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics.
January 13, 2014
New campus office provides services to broaden societal impacts of research
The Broader Impacts Office will help researchers respond to new requirements from funding agencies.
January 10, 2014
Decline of large carnivores creates dire environmental ripple effect
UC Santa Cruz environmental researchers contributed to an analysis of 31 carnivore species that shows for the first time how habitat loss, persecution by humans, and loss of prey combine to create global hotspots of carnivore decline.
January 08, 2014
Marine scientist Adina Paytan honored at AGU meeting
Adina Paytan was chosen to give the Rachel Carson Lecture at the 2013 Fall Meeting of the American Geophysical Union in San Francisco.
January 07, 2014
UCSC astronomers discover ultra-bright young galaxies
Astronomers have discovered four surprisingly bright galaxies that are among the earliest and most distant galaxies ever observed.
January 07, 2014
World's most powerful exoplanet camera looks skyward
Much of the key technology for the Gemini Planet Imager was demonstrated and validated at UCSC's Laboratory for Adaptive Optics.