Physical and Biological Sciences

Osterbrock Leadership Program awards mini-grants to six astronomy grad students

The Osterbrock Leadership Program provides experiences and opportunities for astronomy graduate students to develop leadership and management skills.

Two UCSC biologists receive Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professor awards

Biology professors Beth Shapiro and Erika Zavaleta won HHMI funding for their innovative science education proposals.

Physicist Tesla Jeltema probes the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy

Jeltema has a leading role in the Dark Energy Survey, a major international collaboration that is gathering precise measurements of the evolution of cosmic structure.

Heart monitors on wild narwhals reveal alarming responses to stress

As sea ice melts, new findings add to concerns about the effects of ocean noise and increased human activity on deep-diving Arctic whales.

Study finds variation within species is a critical aspect of biodiversity

Researchers compared the ecological consequences of variation within species and among species, and found similar effects in many cases.

UC Santa Cruz scientists and engineers among the most highly cited researchers

A list of the world's most highly cited researchers includes 16 scientists and engineers at UC Santa Cruz.

Global SPHERE Network promotes research opportunities for high school students

A coalition of top U.S. educational institutions has launched a mentor network and online database to increase access to STEM research opportunities for high school students.

Science comes alive with 'A Seal Named Patches'

A new children’s book by a pair of alumni scientists is making a splash.

A horse is a horse, of course, of course—except when it isn’t

An analysis of ancient DNA has revealed a previously unrecognized genus of extinct horses that once roamed North America.

Researchers seek clues to tropical biodiversity in study of spiral gingers

Biologist Kathleen Kay leads an investigation into the origins of plant diversity in the tropics with funding from the National Science Foundation.

Video tags reveal surprising details of blue whale feeding behavior

Like most vertebrates, blue whales tend to be 'right-handed,' but they roll to the left when attacking from below to feed on patches of krill near the surface.

Physicist Terry Schalk elected 2017 AAAS Fellow

Terry Schalk, adjunct professor emeritus of physics, has been awarded the distinction of AAAS Fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Passenger pigeon genome shows effects of natural selection in a huge population

A new analysis of DNA recovered from museum specimens explains the surprisingly low genetic diversity of the passenger pigeon population.

Pluto's hydrocarbon haze keeps dwarf planet colder than expected

A new analysis of Pluto's atmosphere explains why the New Horizons spacecraft measured temperatures much colder than predicted.

Study reveals structure and origins of glacial polish on Yosemite's rocks

Glaciers left smooth shiny surfaces on many of the rock formations in Yosemite, and geologists now understand how this 'glacial polish' formed.

Astronomer Xavier Prochaska receives Outstanding Faculty Award

J. Xavier Prochaska, professor of astronomy and astrophysics, has received the 2016-17 Outstanding Faculty Award from the Division of Physical and Biological Sciences.

Solar greenhouses generate electricity and grow crops at the same time, UC Santa Cruz study reveals

The first crops of tomatoes and cucumbers grown inside electricity-generating solar greenhouses were as healthy as those raised in conventional greenhouses, signaling that "smart" greenhouses hold great promise for dual-use farming and renewable electricity production.

Scientists identify hotspots of coastal risks in Latin America and the Caribbean

500,000 people are at high risk from coastal hazards, according to a new study by researchers at UC Santa Cruz and the University of Cantabria, Spain.

New center, fellows renew commitment to teaching

Twenty-two faculty fellows are supported by the new Center for Innovations in Teaching and Learning (CITL), which was established in July 2016 to revitalize the university's longstanding commitment to outstanding teaching.

MCD Biology launches undergraduate biomedical research initiative

Biology professor Jeremy Sanford is taking a bold new approach to the undergraduate biology lab experience.

UC Santa Cruz ranks in top 50 of global research universities, 5th for space sciences

UC Santa Cruz ranks fifth in the world for space sciences and is one of six University of California campuses ranked among the top 50 research universities overall, according to a study by U.S. News and World Report.

Geologist Gary Griggs publishes two new books on coastal issues

'The Edge' focuses on California’s unique coastline, while 'Coasts in Crisis' offers a global perspective on the issues facing coastal regions throughout the world.

Want to save 41 percent of the planet’s highly threatened vertebrates? Work on islands

A new study has mapped the world’s most vulnerable island species and identified invasive species as a key threat to their survival.

Physicist Michael Dine wins Sakurai Prize for Theoretical Physics

A UC Santa Cruz physicist has won the Sakurai Prize for the second year in a row.

Local cancer charity group funds four cancer researchers at UC Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group has given more than $450,000 in grants to the campus since 2005.

'Science Notes 2017' now available online

Science Notes 2017, the illustrated online magazine published annually by the UC Santa Cruz Science Communication Program, is available online.

Understanding the coevolving web of life as a network

A new study exploring how mutualistic species coevolve suggests rapid environmental change can destabilize networks of interacting species.

Into the heart of a frozen continent

Antarctica has a hold on James McClintock (biology, ’78, Cowell), who has made 15 journeys to this unforgiving place. His research has included studies on ocean acidification, the effects of climate change on marine life, and the discovery of chemicals contained in seaweed and sponges.

First observations of merging neutron stars mark a new era in astronomy

A UC Santa Cruz team made the first ever observations of a visible event linked to the detection of gravitational waves, using the small Swope Telescope in Chile.

Astronomer Alexie Leauthaud wins prestigious Packard Fellowship

Leauthaud is the 13th UCSC faculty member, and sixth UCSC astronomer, to receive a Packard Fellowship.

Five research labs receive lab safety recognition awards

In recognition of outstanding success in developing and maintaining a safe and effective laboratory environment, the Office of Research and Environmental Health & Safety are pleased to announce the 2016-17 Lab Safety Recognition awards.

UC Santa Cruz to dedicate new Coastal Biology building on October 21

The newest building on UCSC's vibrant Coastal Science Campus is now home to the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.

Lick Observatory hosts Latino students and parents for night of astronomy

An evening event for high school students and their family members, called La Noche de las Estrellas, was the observatory's first Spanish-language event.

A megawatt researcher

Physics grad student Katie Hellier—who also has a degree in fashion—is doing research into new solar cell materials.

New faculty further campus scholarship, research

The new professors, spread across all five divisions, further build on campus strengths in many key areas.

UC Santa Cruz student Saloni Gupta earns Sutter scholarship for medical school

Saloni Gupta, a senior studying human biology, was awarded the annual Primary Care Physician award, a $10,000 scholarship.

New mirror-coating technology promises dramatic improvements in telescopes

An electrical engineer teamed up with astronomers to improve telescope mirrors using thin-film technology from the electronics industry

Geologists to deploy vast array of seismometers along Alaska Peninsula

A team of geologists will deploy a vast array of seismometers along the Alaska Peninsula in an experiment they hope will solve long-standing mysteries.

UC Santa Cruz ranked third worldwide for research influence

In a new analysis of the world’s top universities, UCSC ranked third in research influence as measured by the number of times its faculty’s published work is cited by scholars around the world.

UC Santa Cruz hosts international workshop for Thirty Meter Telescope

Work on TMT is in high gear at UC Santa Cruz and other partner institutions and countries around the world.

SciCom graduates spanned the country to cover the solar eclipse

From NASA to the New York Times, graduates of the Science Communication Program played a major role in conveying the scientific and societal impacts of the August 21 solar eclipse to eager readers.

Coastal wetlands dramatically reduce property losses during hurricanes

A new scientific study reports that coastal wetlands significantly reduce annual flood losses and catastrophic damages from storms.

Study uncovers hidden factors that shape sea life around islands and seamounts

A study of reef fish on a chain of volcanic seamounts and islands off the coast of Brazil has enabled scientists to extend to marine organisms the landmark theory of island biogeography.

American pika disappears from large area of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains

Study documents local extinction of pikas from the largest area yet reported and projects climate change will cause drastic decline for the charismatic mammal within decades

Century-old seal pelts reveal changes in Ross Sea ecosystem

Scientists found valuable samples for comparison to modern Weddell seals in the huts of Antarctic explorers Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott.

Giving fish a fighting chance

Alumnus Brycen Swart identified how warmer river temperatures were hurting Chinook salmon fry—and he earned a medal for conserving them.

What causes algal blooms to become toxic?

NOAA grant funds an investigation to find what triggers production of the toxin domoic acid by marine algae in events that can harm wildlife and close coastal fisheries.

Launchpad offers a boost to innovation

Launchpad, managed by the Industry Alliances & Technology Commercialization (IATC) Office, will be offering $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000 grants to promising UCSC technologies in science and engineering. Applications will be accepted until Sept. 28.

Florida flood risk study identifies priorities for property buyouts

A study of flood damage in Florida proposes prioritizing property buyouts based on flood risk, ecological value, and socioeconomic conditions.

Chasing the eclipse

Douglas Duncan, director of the Fiske Planetarium at the University of Colorado, and a distinguished UC Santa Cruz astronomy grad, is leading an eclipse-watching trip to Wyoming.

Biochemist Carrie Partch honored by the Biophysical Society

The Biophysical Society has chosen UCSC biochemist Carrie Partch to receive the 2018 Margaret Oakley Dayhoff Award.

New analysis casts doubt on predicted decrease in Oklahoma earthquakes

Seismologists say a significant seismic hazard continues despite recent reductions in injection of wastewater from oil and gas production.

Four Earth-sized planets detected orbiting the nearest sun-like star

Four Earth-sized planets orbit the nearest sun-like star, tau Ceti, which is about 12 light years away and visible to the naked eye, astronomers say.

Marine biologists John and Vicki Pearse honored at international conference

Marine biologists John and Vicki Pearse were honored for their contributions to echinoderm research at the 2017 North American Echinoderm Conference.

Superluminous supernova marks the death of a star at cosmic high noon

At a distance of 10 billion light years, a supernova detected by the Dark Energy Survey team is one of the most distant ever discovered and confirmed.

Did life begin on land rather than in the sea?

A paradigm-shifting hypothesis laid out by UC Santa Cruz astrobiologists David Deamer and Bruce Damer could reshape our idea about the origin of life.

'Little Cub' gives astronomers rare chance to see galaxy demise

A primitive galaxy that could provide clues about the early universe has been spotted by astronomers as it begins to be consumed by a gigantic neighboring galaxy.

Lick Observatory kicks off popular Summer Series

Natalie Batalha, who earned her doctorate in astrophysics from UC Santa Cruz, was the keynote scientist on the second evening of the 37th annual Summer Series at the Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton.

First-generation stories: Headed to UCLA to continue cancer research

Our podcast catches up with new grad Hector Navarro, a first-generation college student who's off to big things.

Astronomy grad students honored by International Astronomical Union

Caroline Morley and Morgan MacLeod are among the first winners of the IAU Ph.D. Prize in recognition of outstanding scientific achievement.

Worm studies investigate how grandparents' experiences can affect our genes

In the hot field of epigenetics, Susan Strome's lab is studying tiny roundworms to understand the mechanisms behind surprising observations in human populations.

Knight Foundation funds project on breaking 'filter bubbles' in science journalism

The Science Communication Program will explore ways to broaden the reach of science journalism and improve civic discourse on science-related issues.

Looking for life

Alumna Natalie Batalha, who made Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people on Earth, has discovered approximately 4,000 new planets—some of which may turn out to be capable of supporting life.

Astronomer Jerry Nelson, pioneering designer of large telescopes, dies at age 73

Jerry Nelson, a pioneering astronomer known for his innovative designs for advanced telescopes, died June 10 at his home in Santa Cruz.

Campus preparing for commencement 2017

More than 4,800 UCSC students are earning undergraduate and graduate degrees for work completed during the 2016-2017 academic year.

Materials Science and Engineering Initiative focuses on sustainability

UC Santa Cruz researchers are developing new materials for a wide range of devices and products, from solar cells to surfboards.

'Hail Mary' mechanism can rescue cells with severely damaged chromosomes

Understanding the mechanisms involved in chromosome repair, and how they can fail, may lead to new strategies to combat cancer.

STEM Diversity graduation honors student achievement

"You are already catalyzing change," a speaker told students at the end-of-year celebration for graduating seniors and others in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

Koret scholars present research at poster slam

The Koret Scholars Undergraduate Research Slam will feature poster presentations about topics as diverse as a protein link to heart disease, female authorship in science fiction and horror genres, and the qualitative impact that research opportunities can have on the undergrad experience.

Evolutionary biologist John Thompson awarded Darwin-Wallace Medal

Named for Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, the prestigious award recognizes major advances in evolutionary biology.

Prion study reveals how abnormal proteins damage nerve cells in the brain

Research on the prion protein may explain why nerve cells degenerate in prion diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

New coral reef fish species shows rare parental care behavior

Evolutionary biologist Giacomo Bernardi and his students discovered a new species of damselfish that cares for its young.

Astronomer Sandra Faber awarded Gruber Cosmology Prize

Faber's groundbreaking studies of galaxies helped establish many of the foundational principles of modern cosmology.

Gary Griggs stepping down after 26 years as director of Institute of Marine Sciences

Peter Raimondi, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, will serve as director on an interim basis starting July 1.

Study unveils T cell signaling process central to immune response

Recognition of an antigen by the T cell receptor triggers the first steps leading to an immune response.

'Ecosystems of California' wins gold medal in California Book Awards

Coedited by UC Santa Cruz ecologist Erika Zavaleta, the book will be honored by the Commonwealth Club of California.

Climate scientist James Zachos elected to National Academy of Sciences

Election to the academy is one of the highest honors a U.S. scientist can receive.

Alumni Weekend 2017: Glorious weather, vibrant events bring Slugs home

Revelers took a Fun Run, got a crash course in activism, rekindled old friendships, let their hair down, and paid tribute to Sammy the Slug at UC Santa Cruz Alumni Weekend 2017.

Cultivating potential: How UC Santa Cruz is helping undocumented students thrive

Thanks to more than a half-dozen programs, undocumented students on campus have been able to get support, assistance, and encouragement—and the campus benefits from nurturing their passion and talent.

Ripples in cosmic web measured using rare double quasars

Astronomers have made the first measurements of small-scale ripples in the primeval hydrogen gas left over from the Big Bang.

Inspiring young students to branch into STEM

This spring, an enterprising group of Watsonville High School students put on lab coats and safety goggles and got a behind-the-scenes look at the labs of UC Santa Cruz's Science Hill.

Lyme disease researchers seek consensus as number of cases grows

Reported cases of Lyme disease in the United States have tripled in the past 20 years.

Planet hunting alumna Natalie Batalha among Time's 100 most influential people

Natalie Batalha, a NASA scientist who earned her Ph.D. in astrophysics at UC Santa Cruz, has been named to Time magazine's annual list of the "100 most influential people in the world."

UC launches climate video series featuring UCSC alumnus M. Sanjayan

Climate Lab is an innovative six-part video series on climate change solutions produced in partnership with Vox.

Planet hunting citizen scientists produce quick results for astronomers

The Exoplanet Explorer project led by UCSC astronomer Ian Crossfield got a big boost from a live television broadcast in Australia

Star Party slated for Alumni Weekend

UC Observatories/Lick Observatory and the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics are joining forces to put on a Star Party, replete with jazz, informative talks from foremost experts on astronomy, constellation identification, and telescopes for viewing celestial objects once night falls.

Hearst Foundations grant supports UCSC Science Communication Program

Two-year grant will help fund instructional costs, multimedia training, and recruitment efforts.

Undergrad wins prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

Physics major Andrea Antoni has been named a 2017 Goldwater Scholar by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation.

Climate experts release latest science on sea level rise projections

A report led by UCSC geologist Gary Griggs addresses how much the ocean will rise along California's coast in coming decades.

Five graduate student alumni return for awards

The five honorees will be presented with the first Distinguished Graduate Student Alumni Award and be part of panel discussions where they’ll share their stories on career and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Lick Observatory's summer series brings a wide variety of musicians and scientists to Mt. Hamilton

Lick's summer program features live music, evening lectures by world-renowned astronomers, and opportunities for the public to view celestial objects through two historic telescopes.

UCSC and Chinese officials sign agreement for Graduate Student Scholars Program

New program will bring top Chinese students to UC Santa Cruz for graduate studies in astronomy and astrophysics.

Arboretum holds Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, April 8

Gardeners will find hundreds of varieties of drought-tolerant and extraordinary plants at the sale, as well as expert garden advice from the Arboretum's curators.

Astronomers observe early stages of Milky Way-like galaxies in distant universe

New observations reveal massive, dusty galaxies with high rates of star formation and large, extended layers of gas.

Universe's ultraviolet background provides clues about missing galaxies

A new technique to detect the cosmic ultraviolet background radiation may show why there are so few small galaxies.

Colorful new species of sea slug named after Long Marine Lab's Gary McDonald

McDonald, who has spent decades studying and documenting California nudibranchs (sea slugs), was honored by fellow researchers.

Scientists reveal how an ancient biological clock works

Scientists at UC Santa Cruz, UC Merced, and UC San Diego have determined the molecular basis of the cyanobacterial circadian clock.

Need for speed may contribute to dolphin and whale strandings

The energetic cost of swimming at high speed when startled may be a factor in strandings of dolphins and whales.

Lick Observatory offers new Public Evening Tours of telescopes in 2017

Growing demand has led to expanded opportunities for the public to see and view through the observatory's telescopes.

Flowering times shift with loss of species from a grassland ecosystem

Loss of biodiversity may exacerbate changes in the timing of biological events already being driven by climate change, study finds.

Study shows how river channels adjust to large sediment supplies

New findings undermine a common assumption about gravel-bedded river channels.

Reef madness: A coral grows at UC Santa Cruz

Hundreds of students and community members are contributing their handiwork to the Crochet Coral Reef, a massive participatory art project that combines higher geometry with handicraft while calling attention to the disappearing wonders of the marine world.

Study supports increased funding for long-term ecological research

Despite critical importance to scientists and policymakers, funding for long-term ecological and environmental studies has declined while funding for short-term studies has increased.

Saving victims of deadly toxic mushrooms

Alumnus Todd Mitchell headed a clinical trial on using an extract of milk thistle seeds to overcome toxic mushroom poisoning and developed what has come to be known as the "Santa Cruz Protocol."

Astronomer Ruth Murray-Clay appointed to chair in theoretical astrophysics

Investiture ceremony honors Murray-Clay as the inaugural holder of the E. K. Gunderson Family Chair in Theoretical Astrophysics

Dean Paul Koch receives 'Insight Into Diversity' magazine's Giving Back Award

National award honors university administrators for their commitment to diversity and for giving back to others

UCSC Grad Slam winner envisions surfing on shrimp shells

John Felts, a second year Ph.D. electrical engineering student, earned top marks for his talk about creating environmentally friendly surfboard foam from shrimp shells.

With more than 100 featured projects, UC Santa Cruz hosts Giving Day 2017

The website site will go live at 12:01 a.m. on March 8 for donors to make gifts and track their favorite projects in real-time. Giving Day 2017 builds on the success of last year’s event, when nearly 3,000 donors came together to collectively give $340,000.

Climate change experts focus on solutions in face of shifting U.S. policy

UCSC Climate Conference brought together top climate scientists and policy experts for a series of talks and panel discussions.

Campaign for UC Santa Cruz enters home stretch

The campaign is the university’s first campuswide effort to build a culture of giving in support of students, faculty, and campus programs. Launched in 2009 and publicly announced in fall 2013, the campaign has raised $311 million in gifts.

In Memoriam: Mary Zavanelli (1955 - 2017)

Mary Zavanelli began teaching for the biology department in 1995 and continued for 21 years as a full-time lecturer.

Vast luminous nebula poses a cosmic mystery

Glowing nebula appears to be part of the cosmic web of filaments connecting galaxies, but what's lighting it up?

The Conversation editor to encourage faculty expertise on pressing issues

Exploring the dark waters of grief

Alumna Shannon Fowler, whose life changed in an instant with the tragic death of her fiancé, finds acceptance of death and grief—and has rediscovered her love of the ocean.

Hummingbird Day at the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum is Saturday, March 4

Hummingbird Day is a family-oriented event celebrating one of nature’s vibrant aerial acrobats, the hummingbird.

Astronomy team releases planet-search data, finds more than 100 candidates

The HIRES spectrometer, designed and built by UCSC astronomer Steven Vogt, has been a planet-hunting workhorse for over two decades.

'Ecosystems of California' book wins PROSE Award for Excellence

Coedited by UCSC ecologist Erika Zavaleta, the book won two prestigious awards from the Association of American Publishers.

Chancellor appointed to governing board of state stem cell agency

Chancellor George Blumenthal has been appointed to a seat on the governing board of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

The mighty Phyllis returns after record-shattering swim

The tagged elephant seal's landing at Año Nuevo means she swam about 7,400 miles, longer than any elephant seal recorded over two decades—then she gave birth to a baby boy.

Drought identified as key to severity of West Nile virus epidemics

Researchers found that drought dramatically increases the severity of West Nile virus epidemics in the United States.

Waves Passing in the Night: a talk about astrophysics, harmony, and boundaries

Acclaimed writer and UC Santa Cruz alumnus Lawrence Weschler will join Academy Award-winning sound and film editor Walter Murch, and noted campus astronomer Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz on Feb. 13, in the Music Center Recital Hall.

UCSC climate conference draws top scientists, policy makers Feb. 24-25

UCSC will host a national conference on climate change featuring top climate scientists and policy experts from across the country.

Black hole meal sets record for length and size

New observations confirm a theoretical model developed by UCSC astrophysicists of a black hole tearing apart a star.

Science Internship Program creates opportunities for high school students

SIP alumni and their families are raising funds to extend the program's reach and support need-based scholarships.

New book explores why the discovery of sex in plants took so long

The scandalous idea of sexual reproduction in plants was hotly debated for 150 years before finally gaining acceptance in the 19th century.

UC Santa Cruz receives $2.2 million for innovation and entrepreneurship program

New support program will help bring research innovations to the marketplace and spur economic development in the Santa Cruz area.

Moore Foundation grant funds UC Santa Cruz groundwater sustainability project

The $854,000 grant supports research and solutions for the sustainability of groundwater in California.

Geologist Gary Griggs to speak on natural disasters at Rio Theater on January 19

'Perils in Paradise' talk will give a brief history of geology and natural disasters in Santa Cruz County.

Physicist Joel Primack to serve as president of scientific honor society Sigma Xi

The scientific research honor society Sigma Xi has announced the election of Primack as president-elect designee.