The university didn’t disappoint in its first full year after having been named one of the nation’s premier research universities. Newly anointed Association of American Universities member UC Riverside continued to be a world leader in research that offsets the effects of climate change on the foods we eat, drought, and wildfires. And the university bolstered its international reputation in research areas such as “forever chemicals” that taint our water supply, the environmental impacts of Artificial Intelligence, and vaccine research. That’s all in addition to its historic recognition as a leader in plant breeding, the development of new and better citrus cultivars, and the biological control of pests. But it also delved into the unexpected — at least for a non-coastal university: Newborn great white sharks and Megalodons; and even the novel, such as the cost of toxic masculinity in the workplace, and how much sitting is too much sitting. Below, in no particular order, is a sampling of 10 UCR research stories published on our news pages in 2024.
1. Vaccine breakthrough means no more chasing strains
UCR scientists devised a new approach to vaccines that works against all strains of a given virus. The new vaccine disables the part of the virus that impedes our ability to fight it. The virus is effectively a “universal vaccine”; the shot should never need to be reformulated.
2. First-ever sighting of a live newborn great white
A UCR doctoral student captured for the first time on camera a newborn baby great white shark, shedding its pure white outer layer.
3. ‘Forever chemical’ discovery can aid drinking water cleanups
A process identified by UCR research could help address the need to remove dangerous “forever chemicals” from drinking water. The process involves removing the chemicals by using the salt found in wastewater.
4. Cultural wars costs U.S. schools billions of dollars
For the first time, research including from UCR identified the cost of culturally divisive conflict in school districts. The cost of additional security, communications, and legal work tops $3.2 billion in K-12.
5. The Megalodon was less mega than previously believed
The prehistoric Megalodon did not have the monstrous proportions previously believed, a UCR study showed. It likely had a more slender, elongated body than is typically represented, including in popular culture.
6. Manliness concerns impede forgiveness of coworkers
Men who are concerned about appearing masculine can show disruptive behaviors in the workplace, research from UCR’s School of Business has shown. These men are less likely to forgive perceived affronts, and more likely to seek revenge.
7. AI’s deadly air pollution toll
Processing demands for AI are resulting in increased deadly air pollution from power plants and diesel generators, UCR and Caltech research has found. This builds on previous UCR research showing the environmental impacts of AI’s water consumption.
8. Too much sitting hurts even young, active people
Sitting for eight or more hours per day increases cholesterol rates and BMI, even in younger, physically active people, according to research from UCR and the University of Colorado Boulder.
9. Drought-friendly UCR turfgrass is now on the market
A new drought-friendly turfgrass could remake the landscape of California. The grass, now on the market, uses up to 65% less water.
10. Fathers’ unhealthy diets can cause cardiovascular disease in daughters
Environmental exposures, including unhealthy diet, can alter the RNA in sperm. The UCR research suggests fathers-to-be should eat a healthy, low-cholesterol diet.
