Physical and Biological Sciences

A year of risks and rewards at UC Santa Cruz

From a dramatic Quarry renovation groundbreaking to an extraordinary recognition for groundbreaking research, 2016 at UC Santa Cruz was full to bursting with accomplishments and accolades

Campus inventors recognized for recent patents

The Office of Research is working to bolster patent activities and services for technology transfer, part of an effort to help faculty, students and staff commercialize inventions and discoveries.

Growing mosquito populations linked to urbanization and DDT's slow decay

Rising temperatures due to climate change were found to have less influence on mosquito populations than land use changes and the decay of residual DDT in the environment.

Some bats develop resistance to devastating fungal disease

White-nose syndrome has decimated the little brown bat, but researchers found populations that appear to have developed resistance to the disease.

UC Santa Cruz biologist Harry Noller wins $3 million Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences

From antibiotics to the origins of life, Noller's findings on the protein factories of all cells have broad implications.

New faculty rejuvenate Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics

New astronomy faculty bring with them a wide range of expertise in some of the most exciting areas of astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology.

Marine scientist Adina Paytan named 2016 ASLO Fellow

Paytan will be honored as a fellow of the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO).

Chemistry professor Pradip Mascharak receives Outstanding Faculty Award

Mascharak received the 2016 Outstanding Faculty Award from the Division of Physical and Biological Sciences.

New analysis adds support for a subsurface ocean on Pluto

A liquid ocean deep beneath Pluto's frozen surface is the best explanation for features revealed by NASA's New Horizons spacecraft.

Astronomer Sandra Faber awarded California Academy of Sciences Fellows Medal

The California Academy of Sciences has awarded its highest honor, the Fellows Medal, to Sandra Faber, professor emerita of astronomy and astrophysics, and elected professors Karen Holl and Erika Zavaleta as new Academy Fellows.

At Long Marine Lab, scientists and marine mammals are partners in research

Marine mammals reveal hidden aspects of their biology to scientists working to understand the challenges facing wild populations

Hispanic-Serving Institutions grant offers opportunities for Latino students to transfer to UCSC

Cultivamos Excelencia is meant to motivate and retain Hispanic/Latino and other high-need students at San Jose City College to complete their bachelor’s degrees at UC Santa Cruz.

Toxins from freshwater algae found in San Francisco Bay shellfish

Study shows toxins from freshwater algal blooms can also contaminate coastal waters and marine shellfish.

Enormous dome in central Andes driven by huge magma body beneath it

Magma injected into the crust from below has contributed to the uplift of the spectacular Altiplano-Puna plateau.

Coastal wetlands save hundreds of millions of dollars in flood damages during hurricanes

Study led by UCSC researchers finds wetlands prevented more than $600 million in property losses during Hurricane Sandy.

High-tech sensors monitor ecosystems in climate change research program

UC Santa Cruz scientists lead a UC-wide consortium using the Natural Reserve System as a climate impacts laboratory.

Astronomer Ryan Foley wins prestigious Packard Fellowship

Foley is the 12th UCSC faculty member, and fifth UCSC astronomer, to receive a Packard Fellowship.

Physicist Howard Haber wins Sakurai Prize for Theoretical Physics

Haber, a distinguished professor of physics at UCSC, was honored by the American Physical Society.

Astrophysicist Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz honored by American Physical Society

Ramirez-Ruiz, professor and chair of astronomy and astrophysics, will receive the 2017 Edward A. Bouchet Award.

Local group funds four UC Santa Cruz cancer researchers

The Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group continues its support for cancer research at UC Santa Cruz with new grants.

Study implicates glial cells in fragile X syndrome

Genetic defect behind a common cause of mental retardation affects not only neurons but also the more numerous glial cells in the brain.

Ocean conditions contributed to unprecedented 2015 toxic algal bloom

A new study connects the unprecedented West Coast toxic algae bloom of 2015 to the unusually warm ocean conditions.

UC Santa Cruz embarks on equity initiative for Latino, low-income students in STEM fields

The UC Santa Cruz Science Education & Mentorship In Latino Lives in Academia (SEMILLA) Project,will enable the campus to create a comprehensive set of interventions—guided by analysis and research teams—to support students in clearing the barriers they face inside and outside the classroom.

Physicist Anthony Aguirre appointed to endowed chair in physics of information

Faggin Family Presidential Chair for the Physics of Information supports research and teaching to address fundamental questions

Arboretum holds Fall Plant Sale on Saturday, October 15

The Fall Plant Sale offers dazzling, year-round color for Central Coast gardeners.

New senate faculty further campus expertise across divisions

UC Santa Cruz has more than three dozen new senate faculty members joining this academic year, bringing the campus total up to 568.

ARCS Foundation scholarships support UCSC graduate students

Eleven UC Santa Cruz graduate students have received scholarships worth a total of $110,000 from the ARCS Foundation.

Erika Check Hayden will be new director of Science Communication Program

Veteran science journalist Erika Check Hayden will become the program's third director in January 2017.

Astronomer Garth Illingworth to receive Astronomical Society's Berkeley Prize

Illingworth will receive the 2016 Lancelot M. Berkeley – New York Community Trust Prize for Meritorious Work in Astronomy.

Big questions to be explored at Silicon Valley Campus grand opening

The celebration, showcasing the multidisciplinary teaching and research hub, will feature an open house, a ribbon cutting, and a handful of engaging talks by leading campus thinkers.

UCSC Natural Reserves director Gage Dayton appointed to endowed chair

The Wilton W. Webster Jr. Presidential Chair for the UC Santa Cruz Natural Reserves provides support for research, teaching, and infrastructure at the reserves.

Anomalous grooves on Martian moon Phobos explained by impacts

Planetary scientists explain mysterious grooves on the surface of Mars' moon Phobos.

In Memoriam: Charles Daniel (1933–2016)

Charles Daniel, professor emeritus of biology and a founding faculty member, died in Berkeley on August 10.

'Science Notes 2016' now available online

Annual multimedia magazine published by the Science Communication Program features a wide range of stories.

Early exposure to manganese causes attention deficits in rats

New findings support concerns about the adverse effects of excess manganese on children.

Most island vertebrate extinctions could be averted, concludes new study

Control and eradication of invasive species could prevent as much as 75 percent of all island-level extinctions.

Female fish can favor sperm from preferred males despite external fertilization

A new way in which a female can choose the best father for her offspring is seen in a colorful Mediterranean fish.

Undergraduates exhibit summer research projects at annual symposium

More than 100 student research projects were featured at the seventh annual Summer Research Symposium.

Three UC Santa Cruz Ph.D. candidates awarded AAUW fellowships

Three UC Santa Cruz Ph.D. candidates have been awarded 2016-2017 fellowships from the American Association of University Women (AAUW).

Chemist Phil Crews earns mentorship award for work with undergrad researchers

A $20,000 grant from the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation supports undergraduate research in chemistry.

Analysis of metastatic prostate cancers suggests treatment options

A new study of prostate cancer provides computational approaches to identify individualized targets for therapy.

Energetic cost of rearing a pup seen in soaring metabolic rate of sea otter mom

New measurements show resting metabolic rate of a female sea otter increases by over 50 percent when she is nursing a pup.

Reorganization of Divisional Undergraduate Affairs Office

The Division of Physical and Biological Sciences is reorganizing its undergraduate advising unit.

Seismologist Susan Schwartz elected fellow of the American Geophysical Union

Schwartz was honored by the AGU for exceptional contributions to the Earth sciences.

UC Santa Cruz grad Cecilia Im earns Sutter scholarship for medical school

$10,000 annual scholarship established by Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center and the Central California Alliance for Health.

Geophysicist Robert Coe honored by American Geophysical Union

The AGU has awarded the John Adam Fleming Medal to Robert Coe, professor emeritus of Earth and planetary sciences.

Follow-up of Kepler data yields more than 100 confirmed exoplanets

International team reports the biggest haul of new worlds yet uncovered by NASA's K2 mission.

Undergrad publishes field guide to campus spiders

Spider guide is the first in a series of natural history field guides produced by the UCSC Campus Natural Reserve.

Hydrogeologist Andrew Fisher honored by Geological Society of America

Fisher's Recharge Initiative aims to replenish California's depleted groundwater supplies.

Astronomers find evidence of water clouds in first spectrum of coldest brown dwarf

Difficult spectroscopic observations reveal properties of the coldest known object outside of our solar system.

‘The Blob’ overshadows El Niño

The Blob and El Niño are on their way out, leaving behind a disrupted marine ecosystem along the West Coast.

Graduate research on toxic metals earns international award

Environmental toxicologist Kingsley Odigie received the Kharaka Award from the International Association of Geochemistry.

Ecologist Kristy Kroeker named Faculty Climate Action Champion for 2016-17

Kroeker will address how environmental changes in the ocean could affect human health.

Stories of research, excitement, and surprise at Graduate Research Symposium

UC Santa Cruz storytelling project StoryCruz captures first-person narratives from graduate students describing their research and their hopes.

Why the climate change fight needs a new type of entrepreneur

Physicist Sue Carter says entrepreneurs have a critical role to play in finding solutions to climate change.

Undergrad wins prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

Kfir Dolev, a double major in physics and computer science, was named a 2016 Goldwater Scholar.

Play depicts the struggles, lessons of ALS

The one-woman performance of The Voice Bank, brought to UC Santa Cruz as a faculty member suffers from ALS, is about finding strength in the face of the disease—and about letting go.

Novel capping strategy improves stability of perovskite nanocrystals

Organometal-halide perovskites are promising materials for solar cells, LEDs, and other applications.

Alzheimer's researchers find clues to toxic forms of amyloid beta

A subtle change to the amyloid beta protein stabilizes an intermediate form with enhanced toxicity.

Biology grad wins seed funding for biotech startup company

Antonio Lamb followed his passion for molecular biology, and his biotech startup now has $100,000 in seed funding.

The sky is no limit for planet-hunting grad student

Astronomy grad student Jennifer Burt helped write software that turned a powerful telescope at Lick Observatory into the first automated planet finder in the world.

Nine faculty members honored with Excellence in Teaching awards

The awards honor instructors who have demonstrated exemplary and inspiring teaching. Students make the nominations and more than 620 were received this year.

Ice age bison fossils shed light on early human migrations in North America

Scientists used bison fossils to date the opening of an ice-free corridor along the Rocky Mountains during the Pleistocene.

Gary Griggs honored by Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Geologist Gary Griggs received the Laura Hecox Naturalist Award from the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.

Carrie Partch honored by Society for Research on Biological Rhythms

Biochemist Carrie Partch was recognized for her research on biological clocks.

This solar greenhouse could change the way we eat

Thanks to solar technology developed at UC Santa Cruz, greenhouses are enjoying a new moment in the sun.

Astronomer Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz awarded Niels Bohr Professorship

Award from the Danish National Research Foundation provides $5 million to fund research in theoretical astrophysics.

Malignancy-associated gene network regulated by an RNA binding protein

An extensive regulatory network associated with tumor metastasis was found in pancreatic cancer cells.

Astronomer Sandra Faber to receive honorary degree from Amherst College

Faber will receive an honorary degree from Amherst College during its commencement exercises on May 22.

Shellfish response to ocean acidification depends on other stressors

Researchers found the vulnerability of mussels to harmful effects from acidic seawater varies among different locations.

Shallow slow-motion earthquakes detected offshore of New Zealand

Scientists documented slow slip in the shallow portion of an offshore subduction zone for the first time.

LASER talk to feature research in astrophysics, film, art, and marine biology

UC Santa Cruz’s Institute of the Arts and Sciences will continue its series of LASER talks on campus this spring on Wednesday, May 11, at 7 p.m. in the Digital Arts Research Center.

Drought helps predict how climate change might affect an endangered species

A study documenting the effects of California's drought on an endangered lizard provides a glimpse into the future.

Awards recognize top presentations at Graduate Research Symposium

Graduate student researchers from across the divisions explained their work to a diverse audience during the symposium.

New book by ecologist James Estes recounts pioneering research in Alaska

Known for groundbreaking research on sea otters and coastal ecosystems, Estes tells the story of his influential career in marine science.

Percolating ideas

Grad student Sarah Beganskas is studying what could become part of the solution to California’s water crisis: collecting storm runoff so it can seep into the ground instead of being diverted to rivers and seas.

Astronomer Lucianne Walkowicz will give annual Mandel Lecture on May 10

Astronomer and artist Lucianne Walkowicz will discuss the search for life in the universe in a free talk on Tuesday, May 10.

Astronomer Jonathan Fortney prepares for Cassini mission's grand finale

NASA has tapped Fortney to support the final act of its Cassini mission and serve on a science team starting to plan for a potential future mission to Uranus or Neptune.

Enthusiasm, excitement for discovery drives Grad Slam winner

Planetary science student Michael Nayak has opened up new fields of study and planetary data analysis.

Student entrepreneurs pitch business ideas at annual showcase in Silicon Valley

This year's Business Design Showcase competition in Silicon Valley featured 16 entries.

Alumni Weekend Teach-Ins, 2016: self-persuasion and woolly mammoths

Attention, Slugs. Legendary social psychologist Elliot Aronson and MacArthur “Genius” award–winning evolutionary microbiologist Beth Shapiro are about to call their Teach-Ins to order.

Biologist Randy Schekman to give annual Sinsheimer Lecture on May 5

Nobel Prize-winning cell biologist will deliver the 2016 Robert L. Sinsheimer Distinguished Lecture in Biology.

More concerts and public telescope viewings planned for annual summer series at Lick Observatory

The observatory's 2016 program will feature more live music and lectures by renowned astronomers.

Grad Slam highlights research—but also ability to explain it

Fun, informative event celebrates grad student research while conveying the necessity of clear, compelling communication to a broad audience.

Alumni Weekend 'bioblitz' will document biodiversity on UCSC campus

Teams of naturalists and citizen scientists will fan out across campus to document the area's biodiversity.

Arboretum holds Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, April 9

Annual sale offers a wide range of colorful, water-wise plants from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and California.

Faculty experts share research, insight with public in Original Thinkers speakers series

The Original Thinkers speaker series, launched in May 2014, has faculty members traveling across the country to share their work and insight in a format designed for the general public.

Lick Observatory field trip available to undergraduate students

Seeing and Knowing in Art and Astronomy offers undergraduates a chance to learn about the Lick Observatory's history and take part in workshops.

An eccentric 'hot Jupiter' yields clues to planet formation and evolution

Astronomers investigate how some gas giant planets end up so feverishly close to their stars.

Study shows biodiversity benefits of removing invasive mammals from islands

A global study documents conservation gains from efforts to eradicate invasive species from island ecosystems.

Current rate of carbon emissions is unprecedented in past 66 million years

New analysis shows that carbon emissions from human activities are moving the Earth's climate system into uncharted territory.

Coral analysis reveals how ocean ecosystems responded to climate shifts

Long-lived deep-sea corals hold clues to past ocean conditions in their growth rings.

Ocean acidification takes a toll on California's tide pools at nighttime

Ocean acidification will put many marine organisms at risk by exacerbating normal changes in ocean chemistry.

Pluto's varied landscape reveals surprisingly complex geology

Pluto's icy surface shows an astonishing variety of landscapes and evidence of active geological processes in images from New Horizons.

Leukemia study reveals role of RNA binding protein in driving cancer

A protein abnormally expressed in cancer cells was found to promote the proliferation of B cells in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Cellular response to tissue stiffening may delay progression of breast cancer

Study identifies cellular signaling pathway associated with better prognosis for breast cancer patients

UC researchers publish roadmap for successful groundwater governance

UC Santa Cruz hydrologist Andrew Fisher coauthored recommendations for forming Groundwater Sustainability Agencies.

Bats in Asia found to have resistance to white-nose syndrome fungus

Some declining North American bat species could eventually evolve resistance to the devastating disease, scientists say.

Earth scientist James Zachos honored by European Geosciences Union

Zachos will receive the 2016 Milutin Milankovic Medal for his groundbreaking contributions to climate science.

Astronomers break cosmic distance record (again)

UCSC astronomer Garth Illingworth and his collaborators have been pushing the limits of current telescopes to study the most distant galaxies, breaking the record twice within a year

Determined to increase diversity in the sciences

Alumnus Blake Riggs uses his own story of prejudiced encounters, personal stumbles, and tenacity to encourage students of color.

Expect the unexpected is the new climate normal

Expect the unexpected was the key message from a distinguished group of climate experts and policymakers who gathered for the third annual Climate Science and Policy Conference at UC Santa Cruz.

Geophysicist's YouTube channel brings science to the people

Steven Ward's simulations of tsunamis and other natural disasters have been viewed more than 2 million times.

Autonomous acoustic sensors help researchers find endangered seabirds

Technology to detect and record bird calls may be more cost-effective than surveys by field biologists.

Two UC Santa Cruz professors win Sloan Research Fellowships

Astronomer Andrew Skemer and ecologist Kristy Kroeker are among the 2016 Sloan Research Fellows.

UC Santa Cruz Arboretum holds annual Hummingbird Days March 5-6

Hummingbird Days is a family-oriented educational event celebrating nature's vibrant aerial acrobats.

Researchers use 3D printing to make ultrafast graphene supercapacitor

Supercapacitor advances could lead to highly efficient energy storage systems for smartphones and other devices

Astronomers plan science projects for powerful new space telescope

UCSC astronomers are involved in planning for WFIRST, a powerful new space telescope now under development by NASA.

In Memoriam: Robert S. Edgar (1930-2016)

ACE Program marks 30 years of academic support for STEM students

Academic Excellence Program's 30th Anniversary celebration and reunion will be held during Alumni Weekend 2016.

Former Secretary of Energy Steven Chu headlines Climate Science and Policy Conference

Steven Chu, former U.S. secretary of energy and winner of the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics, will speak on "Climate Change and a Low-Cost Path to Sustainable Energy" at the Fred Keeley Lecture on Environmental Policy during the third annual Climate Science and Policy conference at UC Santa Cruz.

Inaugural Fred Keeley Coastal Scholars learn by doing

Erica Ferrer (Cowell, ’16, marine biology) and Linda Pineda (College Eight, ’16, Earth sciences) are the inaugural recipients of the Fred Keeley Coastal Scholarship–a new program that supports hands-on summer research for UC Santa Cruz students interested in coastal sustainability.

Astronomy retiree Arnold Klemola establishes endowment for graduate students

Gift of $400,000 establishes the James Keeler Fund for Excellence in Astronomy and Astrophysics.

New analysis shows insect diversity is nothing new

An unbiased statistical analysis of insect fossil records finds diversity unchanged over the past 125 million years.

Study documents drought's impact on redwood forest ferns

California's prolonged drought has taken a toll on ferns in the understory of coastal redwood forests.

Prestigious Switzer Fellowship awarded to UCSC grad student

Graduate student Joseph Hoyt has been awarded a Switzer Environmental Fellowship.

Mercury levels in rainfall are rising in parts of North America, study finds

Trends are consistent with increased mercury emissions in Asia and decreased emissions in North America.

Wells Fargo funds coastal sustainability fellowships and graduate program

$560,000 grant will support graduate fellowships and development of a new graduate program.

LASER talk to spotlight research on pumas, filmmaking, river people, and ancient DNA

UC Santa Cruz’s Institute of the Arts and Sciences will present its first LASER talk of 2016 on Tuesday, February 2, on campus at the Digital Arts Research Center.

Women in Science Summit on January 28 to spotlight diversity

UCSC faculty helped organize a Women in Science Summit at the California Academy of Sciences,

Active learning movement gains momentum

Classrooms across campus are seeing less lecturing and more student engagement.

Students, chapter recognized for work in advancing science diversity

The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science gives undergraduate students opportunities to meet with professionals in their fields, showcase their work, and ask questions about graduate school and career development.

Sue Carter receives leadership award from UC President Napolitano

Award recognizes Carter's efforts to deepen climate change teaching and research at UC Santa Cruz.