Scientists issue warning over newly discovered species that is already on the brink of extinction: 'Quite distinct'

UCR plant biologists Amy Litt and Tito Abbo discover a new species of native manzanita and its existence is already threatened by new development.
The Cool Down | April 22, 2025

We Haven’t Seen a Fight Like Harvard vs. Trump in Centuries

Distinguished Professor of Sociology Steven Brint addresses the Trump administration’s attack on Harvard University in this Chronicle of Higher Education essay. 

Trump’s NASA cuts would decimate U.S. Venus science

UCR astrophysicist Stephen Kane discusses the likely impact that preliminary budget cuts proposed by the Trump Administration would have on NASA’s twin missions to Venus, as well as on the global influence currently enjoyed by NASA scientists.
Forbes | April 18, 2025

Is this a hint of life on another world, or just a lot of hot air?

UCR astrobiologist Eddie Schwieterman says that although there are hints of life on another planet, people should not rush to conclude the findings are a sure sign. He also thinks it would not be surprising "if the signal went away" when other groups reanalyzed the data.
NPR | April 16, 2025

Estados Unidos y México tienen los mismos problemas y deben buscar juntos las soluciones

UCR Chancellor Kim Wilcox shared with Heraldo USA his perspectives on the potential for collaboration between Mexico and the USA to address challenges in the environment, trade, transportation, and education. The interview is in English.
El Heraldo USA | April 11, 2025

An app can change how you see yourself at work

Thomas Sy, UCR psychology professor, demonstrates how an app he helped design can change a workers' mindset for good.
MSN / Phys.org | April 3, 2025

New therapy with light-sensitive chemicals shows promise in treating breast cancer

UCR chemist Vincent Lavallo helps advance the science of light-activated cancer therapy, with 100% of tumors eradicated in mice.

From Worlds That Look Like Cotton Candy to Others Covered in Volcanoes, These Are the Strangest and Most Captivating Exoplanets

Smithsonian features the work of UCR planetary astrophysicist Stephen Kane, who is using an array of instruments to detect other planets, some of which may harbor life—and others that most definitely don’t.
Smithsonian Magazine | April 1, 2025

Pregnant women who consume menthol vapes may harm unborn babies

Pregnant women should avoid menthol-flavored vapes, warns new UCR research.
NBC Tri-Cities/Yakima | April 1, 2025

Can parasitic weeds be tricked into dying? Scientists think so

UCR plant biologists David Nelson and Julia Bailey-Serres may have found a way to eliminate plants that threaten global food security.
Earth.com | March 23, 2025

A defining look at Southern California

Susan Straight, UCR creative writing professor, writes about her friend and collaborator, Doug McCulloh of UCR Arts.
The Los Angeles Times | March 21, 2025

8 Schools Innovating With Google AI — Here’s What They’re Doing

At UCR, students are utilizing NotebookLM, Google’s AI-powered research assistant, to assist with debates, stress-test their arguments and uncover potential flaws. Matthew Gunkel, UC Riverside’s chief information officer, explains how UCR is also using AI to automate HR tasks like job posting creation and improve tracking, speeding up these workflows.
Forbes | March 20, 2025

Megalodon may have been ‘even longer’ than we thought

UCR biologists Tim Higham and Phil Sternes co-authored a paper showing the extinct mega-predator could have been about two school buses long, and that the newborn pups would have been as large as an adult great white shark.
Popular Science | March 9, 2025

Here’s an easy way you can help California native wildflowers thrive

A new study from researchers at UCR found that raking away dead plant debris produced by invasive plants can be an effective way to increase biodiversity of native plants.
LAist / KPCC 89.3 FM | March 6, 2025

UC Riverside student group fights hunger

UCR’s Hungry 4 Biscuits is trying to make sure no student goes hungry.
The Press Enterprise | March 5, 2025

Whatever happened to tangerines?

On BBC’s CrowdScience, UCR Citrus Variety Collection curator Tracy Kahn helps unravel the mystery of what became of the tangerines of yesteryear.
BBC CrowdScience | February 27, 2025

Scientists make astonishing discovery about plants at the molecular level — here's how it could help solve major problems in the medical field

Katie Dehesh, UCR molecular biochemist, recently discovered a chemical that plants produce that could help prevent infections in medical patients. Biofilm is a slimy bacterial layer that clings to surfaces. Dehesh's team discovered a compound produced by plants that prevents biofilm formation
MSN / The Cool Down | February 16, 2025

Americans may have had bird flu and not even know it, new study suggests

Elizabeth Jacobs, internal medicine physician and chair of the internal medicine department at the University of California, Riverside Health, on concerns about the virus spreading in humans undetected.
USA Today | February 13, 2025

NIH funding cuts could threaten valuable research, Southern California institutions say

Drs. Meera Nair and Declan McCole discuss how NIH cuts could impact their work.
The Press Enterprise | February 11, 2025

Understanding the environmental impact of AI

Shaolei Ren, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at UCR, discusses the challenges of dealing with AI's vast and growing energy footprint and water usage, as well as ways that artificial intelligence can be used to benefit the environment.
Iowa Public Radio | February 7, 2025