Author: Tim Stephens
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George Somero, director of Hopkins Marine Station, to give Sinsheimer Lecture at UC Santa Cruz on Friday, May 24
People usually think of genetic mutations as negative, causing birth defects or leading to diseases like cancer. But mutations can also be beneficial. In fact, they are at the core of evolution, helping organisms to adapt to changes in their surroundings by creating proteins that work slightly differently. This process of molecular evolution will be…
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Researchers shed light on bacterial infection linked to ulcers and stomach cancer
About 40 percent of the U.S. population is infected with a bacterium that can cause stomach inflammation and ulcers and increases the risk of stomach cancer. Although the bacterium, called Helicobacter pylori, was discovered in the 1980s, scientists are just now beginning to understand how it causes infections in the stomach lining. Karen Ottemann, assistant…
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UC Santa Cruz computer scientist wins National Science Foundation grant for research on software engineering
James Whitehead, an assistant professor of computer science at the University of California, Santa Cruz, has received a prestigious award from the National Science Foundation’s Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program. Whitehead will use the grant of $300,000 over five years to support his research on configuration management systems, which help teams of software developers…
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Two UC Santa Cruz astronomers elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Two professors of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of California, Santa Cruz–Douglas Lin and Claire Max–have been elected to membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The academy honors the nation’s most distinguished artists, scientists, and business and political leaders. The selection of Lin and Max brings the number of academy fellows…
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UC Santa Cruz scientist honored for communicating physics
The American Institute of Physics has awarded its 2002 Andrew Gemant Award for communicating physics to Michael Riordan, adjunct professor of physics at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Riordan is being honored for his teaching and writing, which explain physics concepts and history so that they are accessible to a wide audience. A citation…
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Expert on chemical and biological weapons to give a public lecture on biosecurity at UC Santa Cruz on Tuesday, April 30
Graham Pearson, retired director general of the United Kingdom Chemical and Biological Defense Establishment, will visit the University of California, Santa Cruz, this month and next as a Regents’ Lecturer. During his visit, from April 29 to May 10, Pearson will give a public lecture on biosecurity, meet with UCSC faculty and students, and take…
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MEDIA ADVISORY: Bugs and birds and bones, oh my! ‘Illustrating Nature’ exhibit returns to Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
What: “Illustrating Nature,” an exhibit of science and nature illustrations When: May 4 through June 9, 2002 Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details: “Illustrating Nature” is an annual exhibit of detailed science and nature illustrations by students in…
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Distinctive color patterns in coral reef fish are not necessarily associated with different species, according to genetic studies
For centuries scientists have used physical characteristics like size and color to separate one species from another. But new genetic studies show that these traits can be misleading, at least in certain kinds of fish. Giacomo Bernardi, an associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and his colleagues…
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UC Santa Cruz researchers featured in PBS documentary series on fishing crisis
Cuddly animals such as pandas and sea otters usually steal the limelight in conservation programs. But a new PBS documentary series spotlights fish as animals in desperate need of protection. Two UC Santa Cruz researchers are featured in the two-part series, which explores problems associated with fishing and fish farming. Part one of the series,…
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MEDIA ADVISORY: Change in schedule for center dedication
The dedication of the Center for Adaptive Optics at UC Santa Cruz, with NSF Director Rita Colwell, has been postponed until June The dedication of the Center for Adaptive Optics at the University of California, Santa Cruz, has been postponed until June to accommodate a change in the schedule of featured guest Rita Colwell, director…
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Space-based missile defense systems could jeopardize astronomical research and space exploration
EMBARGOED: Not for release until 11 a.m. Paris Time (5 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time) Friday, April 19, to coincide with Joel Primack’s talk at a UNESCO conference. The Bush administration’s plan to develop space-based missile defense systems has generated heated debate, but most commentators have overlooked an important and potentially destructive consequence of placing weapons…
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UC Santa Cruz Arboretum will hold annual spring plant sale on Saturday, April 20
The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum is holding its annual Spring Plant Sale in conjunction with the California Native Plant Society on Saturday, April 20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The sale will take place at the Arboretum Eucalyptus Grove on High Street near the intersection with Western Drive. The sale will feature plants that…