Recent News

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  Eject! Bacteria Discovered with the Ability to Jettison Cells as a Survival Mechanism

  Researchers observe the first known case of an ‘escape pod’ mechanism in bacterial communities previously linked to ocean animals

  Researchers have observed a cell ejection phenomenon in communities of bacteria (biofilms), similar to how jellyfish eject stingers. Biofilms eject cells to ensure the community survives in new colonies. They leveraged the discovery as a possible new way to eliminate antibiotic-tolerant bacteria.

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  UC San Diego Researchers Uncover Precision Medicine Strategy for Rare Inherited Muscle Disorders

  Study reveals how disease-causing mutations disrupt muscle signaling and identifies new therapeutic opportunities

  Researchers have revealed the structures underlying a family of debilitating genetic disorders. They discovered how genetic mutations disrupt communication links between nerves and muscles. The findings open pathways for developing customized medicines tailored to each patient’s genetic mutations.

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  Neurobiologists Improve Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease with Targeted Brain Stimulation in Mice

  International team identifies disrupted neural circuits behind the disorder, then applies cutting-edge technique to restore more normal brain activity and improve movement

  Many details behind Huntington’s disease, a devastating brain disorder, have not been clearly understood. Researchers have now identified neurons involved in the disease’s progression. They used a light-based technique to activate these neurons and improve the debilitating deficits of the condition.

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  New Cohort of Postdoctoral Scholars Announced by Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind

  The fifth cohort of postdoctoral scholars has been selected by UC San Diego’s Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, whose mission is to bridge disciplinary boundaries to further our understanding of the origins, evolution and mechanisms of human cognition.

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  Researchers Offer New Insights on Cells that Build Protective Brain Barriers

  UC San Diego biologists uncover an unexpected role for ‘zombie’ cells in the developing brain

  UC San Diego biologists have found new details about barrier-forming cells that protect and nourish the brain. Their findings focused on senescent cells, which traditionally have been labelled as “zombie” cells, and their formative role in the developing brain and beyond.

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  Nobel Laureate and UC San Diego Alum to Discuss the Future of American Science at Public Forum

  All are invited to join a Deep Conversation with Fred Ramsdell, June 11 at UC San Diego’s Great Hall

  On June 11, Nobel Laureate and BioSci alum Ramsdell will join School of Biological Sciences Dean Kit Pogliano for a discussion on the nation’s scientific enterprise and its foundation that has delivered bold breakthroughs and transformed lives through research and innovation.

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  Arshad Desai Elected to National Academy of Sciences

  The National Academy of Sciences elected three faculty members from UC San Diego to membership, one of the most prestigious honors awarded to American scientists and engineers. Among the newly elected was Arshad Desai, professor and chair, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology.

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  New Grant Targets Viral Toxins that Exacerbate Viral Diseases

  Coefficient Giving provides funding to study newly discovered vascular ‘leak’ phenomenon as an underlying trigger of disease severity for multiple viruses

  Coefficient Giving has awarded a grant to study on how viruses may have evolved a process that enables them to disseminate, promoting disease development and spread. The grant will support research on viral toxins that are used to compromise integrity of cellular barriers, promoting virus spread.

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  Researchers Uncover Strategy to Help Exhausted Immune Cells Fight Tumors

  New study reveals that proper protein recycling can help burned out T cells regain their fighting capabilities to help clear tumors

  BioSci researchers have identified a way to reinvigorate immune system cells, which can become exhausted after fighting disease. They found that protein recycling malfunctions after a cell burns out. Restoring a proper recycling system allows T cells to regain their cancer-fighting functions.

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  Meet the Grad Student Who Launched an App That Relays Disease-Carrying Insect Risks

  Vector Guard provides valuable public health risk data at a hyperlocal scale and a built-in justice model

  Biological Sciences graduate student Ellie Fausett took an unusual path to her new passion project: Masterminding a new app that brings safety-minded people together with resources to keep them safe outdoors. Learn about her journey and the tool that’s helping people navigate insect disease risks.

To read more about the School of Biological Sciences happenings, see the News Archives.