Recent News

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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.

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  Goeddel Family Technology Sandbox Initiates Fellows Program

  The Goeddel Family Technology Sandbox has launched a Fellows Program, an initiative designed to build a pipeline of academic and industry facility directors and technical experts. Program fellows are highly trained specialists with expertise in instrument operation, data acquisition and analysis.

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  Founding Faculty Awards Honor Research by Emily Armbruster and Pierce Ford

  The School of Biological Sciences has made an annual tradition of celebrating outstanding graduate student research. The 2025-2026 Biological Sciences Founding Faculty Awards have been presented to Emily Armbruster and Pierce Ford.

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  ‘Why Ecosystems Matter’ Authored by Biological Sciences Professor Wins Book of the Year

  School of Biological Sciences Professor Christopher Wills’ book describing ecosystem insights from across the globe, “Why Ecosystems Matter, Preserving the Key to Our Survival,” has been honored with the 2025 Marsh Book of the Year Award from the British Ecological Society.

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