Skull marks reveal clues about long-term immune health
For centuries, small pits found in ancient skulls were thought to signal poor health in childhood, but no one knew for sure. A new study led by UC Santa Barbara anthropology professor Michael Gurven has connected these bone marks, also known as porous cranial lesions, to weaker immune systems in living people.
Researchers CT scanned 375 adults from the Indigenous Tsimané community in Bolivia, whose environment is similar to those where these skull features often appear in archaeological remains. They found that individuals with certain lesions near eye sockets were more likely to have had tuberculosis and showed reduced cell activity.
The findings show that these marks are not just relics of the past but may still signal health challenges today. This opens the door to better understanding both ancient populations and how health issues can leave long-lasting traces on the human body.
Study finds teen gambling addiction often rooted in pre-existing mental health struggles
A new study from UCSB researchers suggests that excessive video gaming in teenagers is less about the games themselves and more about underlying mental health issues. While gaming disorder, characterized by compulsive play, social withdrawal and neglect of responsibilities, affects only a small portion of players, scientists wanted to know whether it’s the design of the games or the personal struggles of the players that drive addiction. By analyzing data from nearly 4,300 adolescents across several years, the research team found that kids already experiencing depression, anxiety or social challenges were far more likely to develop problematic gaming habits.
The study, led by graduate researcher Kylie Falcione and communication and psychological & brain sciences professor René Weber, used information from the National Institutes of Health-funded Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, tracking participants between the ages of 11 and 14. Their findings revealed that gaming often became a coping mechanism for kids dealing with emotional distress, bullying or difficult life events. Instead of games creating the problem, unhealthy gaming behaviors tended to appear as a symptom of deeper psychological struggles. This challenges the common belief that removing access to games alone can solve the issue.
According to the researchers, the results highlight the importance of treating the root causes of distress rather than focusing solely on gaming behavior. Left unaddressed, the cycle can become a “downward spiral,” where mental health issues worsen gaming addiction and vice versa. For parents, this means that intervention should start with supporting their child’s emotional and psychological needs, not just limiting screen time. The study’s insights could guide doctors and therapists in creating more effective treatments for gaming disorder by targeting the mental health challenges that often precede it.
NSF awards $19.8M to UCSB and UCLA to drive next-gen biomaterials with AI and robotics
The National Science Foundation has renewed nearly $20 million in funding for BioPACIFIC MIP, a joint initiative between UCSB and UC Los Angeles that develops cutting-edge biomaterials. Originally launched in 2020, the program serves as a national hub where scientists and industry partners collaborate to create sustainable, high-performance materials using synthetic biology, chemistry and automation, and artificial intelligence. This second round of funding secures another five years of research, workforce training and innovation with wide-reaching applications, from biodegradable plastics to advanced microelectronics.
A major focus of the renewal is the integration of robotics and AI to accelerate discovery. By enabling “autonomous experimentation,” researchers can test and refine new materials far faster than with traditional methods, reducing bottlenecks and moving innovations more quickly from lab to market. Since 2021, BioPACIFIC MIP has supported more than 130 projects across 22 states, giving researchers nationwide access to world-class equipment and expertise. Startups have already emerged from the program, demonstrating its ability to turn basic science into real-world solutions.
Beyond advancing research, BioPACIFIC MIP plays a crucial role in training the next generation of scientists. Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers gain hands-on experience in AI, robotics and bio-based material design, preparing them for careers at the intersection of science and industry. With this renewed support, BioPACIFIC MIP is positioned to expand its digital infrastructure, fuel data-driven discovery and strengthen United States leadership in sustainable materials innovation.
