Science & Tech

November 24, 2009

Speculated Supernova Shows Up in Star Data

By Richard Lau

Scientists at UC Berkeley have found a new breed of interstellar explosion -- just as UCSB astrophysicists had predicted.

November 17, 2009

Comet Powder Brings Leonid Meteor Shower

By Roger Jackson

Tonight, thousands of specks of light will permeate the night sky as a stream of interstellar particles burning through the Earth's atmosphere reaches its peak.

October 27, 2009

Professor Disproves Long-Believed Theory

By Jenna Ryan

UCSB anthropology professor Michael Gurven has discovered that chronic inflammation may not be an indicator of cardiovascular disease -- a discovery that contradicts currently accepted medical research.

October 20, 2009

Scientists Unlock Squid Secret

By Nader Heidari

Researchers at UCSB have found a protein in a species of iridescent cephalopods that allows them to dynamically change their color and reflectivity, providing them with a way to attract mates and camouflage even in shall...

October 20, 2009

Labs To Stick Up for Safety

By Josie Rushton

UCSB Environmental Health and Safety and Laboratory Research And Technical Support staff are collaborating to reduce energy costs, prevent laboratory accidents and decrease CO2 emissions in university laboratories by rep...

October 2, 2009

Mussel Glue Grips Rocks

By Nader Heidari

Scientists at UCSB, with the help of a species of somewhat malevolent mollusks, may soon find a sticky solution that can allow people to glue things together under water.

September 25, 2009

Lasers Trigger Drug Delivery

By Nader Heidari

Scientists at UCSB have developed a nanoparticle-based drug delivery system that uses non-harmful lasers to send chemicals directly into cells, which may lead to improved drug efficacy and fewer side effects.

September 25, 2009

Island Marine Sanctuary at Risk

By Matt Matejcek

A report released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has identified several threats to the health of California's Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.

August 26, 2009

Break Some New Ground

By Nader Heidari

It is not uncommon for this fine college campus to be criticized for being a “party school.” However, while it is known for its sun, surf and significant contribution to Natural Light’s market share, th...

August 26, 2009

Short Science Snippets

By Nader Heidari

Ocean Research That's Anything But Fishy In addition to being one of the top universities in energy research, UCSB is home to Bren Hall, the first building to be awarded two platinum standings by the U.S. Green Buildi...

May 20, 2008

Aggressive Squids Have Scientists Running for the Labs

By Nader Heidari

UCSB biologists and engineers attempt to understand the unusual composition of the strong, sharp Humboldt squid beak and its applications in the world of science. According to Herbert Waite, UCSB biology professor and co...

April 15, 2008

UCSB Researchers Study Nanotechnology Development in China

By Nader Heidari

China is attempting to "leapfrog" the United States in nanotechnology research, according to two UCSB researchers.

April 8, 2008

Visiting Professor Explores Light Perception in the Infrared

By Nader Heidari

In infrared light, water and sky look black and smooth like a chalkboard, plant leaves glow like bioluminescent jellyfish, and the red and white colors of a stop sign blend together to make a dull grey-colored octagon.

March 4, 2008

Researchers Map Out Global Human Impact

By Nader Heidari

Scientists at the UCSB National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis have put the total human impact on the oceans on the map.

March 4, 2008

New Student Energy Forum Holds Inauguration

By Nader Heidari

Nobel Laureate and UCSB physics professor Walter Kohn told students to flex their brain power and try to solve the global energy problem at the UCSB Energy Forum inauguration last Tuesday.

February 20, 2008

Spiny Lobster Population Scrutinized

By Nader Heidari

Hoping to maintain a balance between lobsters on plates and lobsters in the ocean, local fishermen and UCSB researchers are working together to preserve both the fisheries and habitats of the spiny crustacean just off th...