Science
-

The best pollinators can drive evolutionary changes in flowers, new study finds
Researchers find hummingbirds to be better pollinators of mountain flowers than bees, prompting the plants to adopt traits that favor the fast, feathered carriers over the fuzzy, buzzy ones
-

The frontier of brain science: AI and organoid research takes center stage in Silicon Valley
At a meeting of minds, researchers discussed a platform that could finally reveal the intimate workings of the human brain, and what happens if we succeed.
-

Ancient DNA offers hope for California’s critically endangered black abalone
UC Santa Cruz researchers have, for the first time, sequenced whole genomes from mollusk shells, unlocking 1,500 years of genetic history for a species on the brink
-

Astrophysicist Stan Woosley awarded two of astronomy’s top prizes for seminal studies of supernovae
Longtime professor wins the 2026 Shaw Prize in Astronomy and the 2026 Gruber Cosmology Prize back to back
-

UC Santa Cruz partners with NASA’s Ames Research Center to create opportunities for students and research collaborations
The partnership, established as a Space Act agreement, builds on a collaboration between campus and the government research center that was first forged in 2003
-

Astronomers clarify exoplanet atmospheres with new cloud-detection technique
Discovery led by UC Santa Cruz Ph.D. of daily cloud cycle on a hot Jupiter exoplanet provides unique window into its make-up
-

Astrophysicist Stan Woosley awarded Gruber Cosmology Prize for theoretical work on supernovae
UC Santa Cruz professor shares one of cosmology’s highest honors with Alex Filippenko at UC Berkeley and Ken Nomoto at the University of Tokyo
-

Investing in the future: UCSC retirees Edward and Miriam Landesman champion excellence in teaching and research
UC Santa Cruz retirees Ed and Miriam Landesman continue to support the university philanthropically, investing in areas close to their hearts like Cal Teach and the Emeriti Association, and expanding accessibility to excellence in teaching and research through the Landesman Lectures. Ed worked at UC Santa Cruz for 28 years before retiring in 1994, and…
-

The 2026 Science Division Distinguished Alumni Award recipients
Gregory Reyes (Kresge ’76, biology), Larry de Ghetaldi (Merrill ’76, biology and chemistry), and Nicholas Suntzeff (Ph.D. ’80, astronomy) are recognized for careers of exceptional distinction in biomedical research, healthcare policy, and observational cosmology.
-

A 25-year commitment
UC Santa Cruz alumnus and Director of the Año Nuevo Reserve Patrick Robinson shares what philanthropy makes possible for the reserve and why he gives.

