New Insights into DNA’s Regulatory ‘Conversations’

New Insights into DNA’s Regulatory ‘Conversations’

UC Irvine's genetic study unveils how DNA regions interact to drive development One of the enhancers used in the study turns on gene activity in the central nervous system of the developing mouse embryo. Joshua Alcantara Irvine, Calif., March 20, 2024 — Scientists...

Study finds drought fuels invasive species after wildfires

Study finds drought fuels invasive species after wildfires

Titled “Long-term drought promotes invasive species by reducing wildfire severity,” the research, led by Sarah Kimball, Ph.D., director of the Center for Environmental Biology at UCI, sheds light on the critical interplay of these factors and its profound implications for ecosystem health.

Diego A. Pizzagalli named founding director of UC Irvine depression research institute

Diego A. Pizzagalli named founding director of UC Irvine depression research institute

Diego A. Pizzagalli, Ph.D. – a leading researcher into the causes, manifestation and treatment of mood disorders, particularly major depression – has been named the founding director of a transdisciplinary depression research institute at the University of California, Irvine, following a nationwide search. The institute is supported by a record $55 million estate gift from philanthropist Audrey Steele Burnand.

Sweet smell of success: Simple fragrance method produces major memory boost

Sweet smell of success: Simple fragrance method produces major memory boost

When a fragrance wafted through the bedrooms of older adults for two hours every night for six months, memories skyrocketed. Participants in this study by University of California, Irvine neuroscientists reaped a 226% increase in cognitive capacity compared to the control group. The researchers say the finding transforms the long-known tie between smell and memory into an easy, non-invasive technique for strengthening memory and potentially deterring dementia.

Study reveals potential breakthrough in grapevine disease resistance

Study reveals potential breakthrough in grapevine disease resistance

A team of scientists – including UC Irvine’s Distinguished Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Brandon Gaut and UC Davis’ Professors of Viticulture & Enology Dario Cantù and Andy Walker – has made a significant breakthrough in the battle against a devastating disease affecting grapevines. Their study, recently published in Communications Biology, reveals the discovery of candidate genes for disease resistance in wild grape plants, offering hope for the future of the agriculture industry.

UC Irvine neuroscientists develop ‘meta-cell’ to move Alzheimer’s fight forward

UC Irvine neuroscientists develop ‘meta-cell’ to move Alzheimer’s fight forward

University of California, Irvine neuroscientists probing the gene changes behind Alzheimer’s disease have developed a process of making a “meta-cell” that overcomes the challenges of studying a single cell. Their technique has already revealed important new information and can be used to study other diseases throughout the body.