Recent News

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  Andrew Chisholm and Emily Troemel Elected AAAS Fellows

  Eight researchers at UC San Diego, including School of Biological Sciences Professors Andrew Chisholm and Emily Troemel, have been elected 2025 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, one of the world’s largest general scientific societies.

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  Bee Dancing is Better with the Right Audience

  Precision of the food-directional ‘waggle dance’ fluctuates with audience size and who’s in attendance

  Dance like nobody’s watching? Not quite, at least not for honey bees. A new study finds that bees performing the “waggle dance,” a form of food source communication, are not simply broadcasting a predetermined message. Rather, the precision of the performer’s directions depends on the audience.

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  Nobel Laureate and BioSci Alumnus Fred Ramsdell to Address Class of 2026

  Nobel laureate and UC San Diego School of Biological alumnus Fred Ramsdell ’83 will serve as the keynote speaker at the 2026 All Campus Commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 13.

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  UC San Diego Neurobiologist Ryan Hibbs Receives Prestigious NIH Javits Award for Pioneering Brain and Muscle Research

  Professor Ryan Hibbs has been honored with the NIH’s Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award. This prestigious grant is awarded to scientists who have demonstrated exceptional scientific productivity and a history of high-impact research in the field of neurology.

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  Researchers Rebuild Microscopic Circadian Clock That Can Control Genes

  By understanding how circadian clocks control genes at the molecular level, researchers can develop biological tools to biosynthesize target molecules at specific times of day

  Circadian clocks play a crucial role in our health and well-being. Scientists are now getting closer to understanding how these clocks operate at their core by solving how such clocks within bacteria are able to precisely control when different genes are turned on and off during the 24-hour cycle.

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  Next Generation Genetics Technology Developed to Counter the Rise of Antibiotic Resistance

  UC San Diego biologists leverage gene drive advances to stop genes responsible for drug resistance

  Drug resistance has accelerated in recent years with the emergence of deadly bacteria and “superbugs.” In response to this global health crisis, UC San Diego biologists have developed a new CRISPR-based technology capable of removing antibiotic-resistant elements from populations of bacteria.

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  Fatty Acids Found to Influence Immune Defense During Chronic Infections

  Study of molecules related to metabolism uncovers new perspectives on weight loss tied to serious illness

  Biologists have reported new insights on the influences related to metabolism and the environment surrounding CD8 T cells, the soldiers of the immune system. Their research led to intriguing insights on the role of fatty acids in chronic infections and other persistent conditions, such as tumors.

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  Plastic Pollution Promotes Hazardous Water Conditions, New Study Finds

  Tests in aquatic ecosystem ponds revealed that bio-based plastics have a substantially smaller environmental footprint

  A new UC San Diego study reveals that fossil fuel-based plastic pollution may be promoting toxic water conditions by removing animals that keep water at safe levels. Biologically based plastics had a much smaller impact, the study found.

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  New AI Tool Accelerates Hearing Research with Unprecedented 3D Views of Sensory Cells

  Advancement leverages deep learning to offer unparalleled insights essential for investigating hearing loss caused by damaged inner ear hair cells

  Scientists have developed a 3D, AI-based tool for viewing hearing cells. To understand hearing damage from noise and aging, and develop new treatments, scientists need detailed images of hair cells. The new VASCilia tool uses deep learning to accelerate sensory cell image processing and analysis.

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  New Research Connects Heart Attacks to Brain, Nervous and Immune Systems

  Uncovering ‘three node’ links opens a path to new treatments for world’s leading cause of death

  UC San Diego scientists have uncovered a transformative new understanding of heart attacks. The research, which connects the heart, brain and nervous and immune systems, shows that blocking key signals can lead to new treatments for heart attacks and minimize their resulting damage.

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