Social Sciences
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California’s housing crisis could be raising risk of climate disasters, researchers fear
The Hill covered research being led by Sociology Professor Miriam Greenberg and Associate Professor of Sociology Hillary Angelo, which is testing the theory that lack of affordable housing in California’s urban centers may be fueling increased development in adjacent wildlands—exacerbating the impacts of climate change.
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The Budget and the end of ‘reform’
Distinguished Professor of Economics Nirvikar Singh wrote an opinion article for Financial Express arguing that the complex nature of modern manufacturing makes tariff policy difficult to implement perfectly in India, but minimal attempts at fine-tuning are a good sign.
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Could AI robots with lasers make herbicides — and farm workers — obsolete?
Chris Benner, professor of sociology and environmental studies and director of the Institute for Social Transformation, likened the disruptive potential of new agricultural tools. “We need more efficiencies in agriculture to improve profit margins and be able to pay workers in the field more, but that’s ultimately going to displace some people,” Benner said. “What do…
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The Northeast Indian YouTubers challenging cultural stereotypes through mukbang
Anthropology Professor Dolly Kikon says viral mukbang videos from Northeast India show an intimate relationship between tribal communities, their land, and natural resources. “In these videos, food from the source to the table is being emphasized," she told Rest of World. "There is [an] assertion of indigeneity, there is an element of ecology. In a…
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Harsh Florida law sees more Black kids tried as adults than white kids
The Miami Herald interviewed Psychology Professor Craig Haney about the possible impacts of a Florida law that has seen more juveniles tried as adults. “For young people who are in the process of development and haven’t fully learned social skills … this is an experience that damages their maturation,” Haney said.
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Chicago teachers demand climate solutions in their next contract
As heat and extreme weather become more prevalent because of the climate crisis, J. Mijin Cha, an environmental studies professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, said it makes sense that climate demands are turning up in union negotiations. “If you want a green school, you have to really think about what the challenges of…
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Extra moisture on West Coast allowing climate-sensitive Joshua trees to recover: Experts
The obligate mutualism between the moth and the Joshua tree is limited to a narrow belt where the trees grow best, as neither can survive at high elevations, but the tree cannot reproduce in low elevations either, according to research led by UC Santa Cruz professor of environmental studies Gregory Gilbert.
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Restating status as largest democracy
Distinguished Professor of Economics Nirvikar Singh wrote an opinion article for Financial Express analyzing outcomes from India's recent elections and their potential economic impacts.
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Don't cut them down: Letting dead trees rot can help make new life
“Wood-decay basidiomycetes are unusual in that they can break down a major compound of the wood called lignin,” says Gregory Gilbert, a professor of environmental studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz. “Once that is broken down, the easier-to-eat cellulose is available for other fungi, insects, and bacteria.”
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Put food and water on the policy table
In this opinion piece, Nirvikar Singh, a professor of economics, argues that redesigning agriculture policy around ideas of growing food and preserving water resources, and starting with farmers, makes political and economic sense.
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How to Help Build Peace in Sudan
Politics Professor and Legal Studies Program Director Mark Fathi Massoud wrote for Internationale Politik Quarterly about the steps EU policymakers must take to support Sudanese civil society, cut off weapons supplies to militias, and prevent a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
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Mountain lion prompts brief lockdown at Aptos High School
Environmental Studies Professor Chris Wilmers, founder of the Santa Cruz Puma Project, spoke with the Santa Cruz Sentinel about local mountain lion behavior.