California’s jobs recovery is starting to lose steam. Here are the numbers

Taner Osman, manager at the UCR School of Business Center for Economic Forecasting and Development, says the state cannot afford any economic slowdown associated with a surge in new COVID cases.
The Los Angeles Times | July 16, 2021

Can Playing Brain Games Really Keep Your Mind Fit? Brain Experts Set the Record Straight

Brain health is similar to the other muscles in your body: If you don't use it, you'll lose it. However, Aaron Seitz, psychology professor and director of UCR's Brain Game Center, says figuring out how best to promote cognitive health is challenging.
Real Simple | July 15, 2021

Phosphine In Venus’ Atmosphere Points To Volcanics, Not Life, Says Paper

Planetary astrophysicist Stephen Kane tells Forbes it has long been suspected that Venus is volcanically active. However, there remains a great deal of mystery regarding the atmospheric chemistry in the planet's middle and deep atmosphere, where products of volcanic outgassing would play a major role.
Forbes | July 14, 2021

Do vaccines protect against the COVID Delta variant, are booster shots needed, and can vaccinated people get symptoms?

Brandon Brown, an associate professor in the School of Medicine, says fully vaccinated people can still transmit the Delta variant to others due to how transmissible the strain is. 
Ladders | July 13, 2021

Vacuuming carbon from the sky no joke for rapidly warming world

Electrical and computer engineering professor Mihri Ozkan estimates that capturing one ton of carbon from the air using solar and energy storage could run between $430 and $690, the most expensive renewable option.

Vaccines are terrific, but where are the COVID-19 treatments?

Microbiologist Juliet Morrison says it’s important to know that it’s not the virus itself that puts people in the ICU, but rather the immune system’s response to the virus. That means the most effective treatment for those infected would stop the coronavirus before it makes the immune system go haywire.
The Los Angeles Times | July 9, 2021

How to Manage Depression Triggers

Jeannie Lochhead, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry, and Kate Sweeny, professor of psychology, offer practical tips for staying positive, like looking for silver linings when something upsetting happens.
WebMD | July 9, 2021

Robert Jinkerson Discusses Urban Agriculture

Robert Jinkerson, assistant professor of chemical and environmental engineering, shares the benefits of urban agriculture and how he’s working to meet future global food needs by growing tiny tomatoes.
KVCR | July 7, 2021

Opinion: Normal may be a long way off for about 10 million immunocompromised Americans

Andrea Polonijo, assistant professor of sociology, co-authored a piece warning that for 10 million immunocompromised Americans, vaccines may not signal the end of the pandemic. 
San Diego Union Tribune | July 6, 2021

The COVID-19 Delta Variant Is In Northern California. Here’s What You Need To Know.

David Lo, UC Riverside immunologist, says the biggest concern with the Delta variant of COVID-19 is that it will infect the unvaccinated. 
Capital Public Radio | July 2, 2021

UC Riverside will help with slavery database co-created by new dean

New CHASS Dean Daryle Williams will involve UCR students and faculty in the collection of data about the lives of enslaved people for the online database Enslaved.org.
The Press Enterprise | July 1, 2021

Promising technology arises in fight against potentially devastating citrus disease

Work by citrus pathology specialist Georgios Vidalakis and plant virologist Kiran Gadhave could allow farmers to treat their orchards for diseases and help them fight the insects carrying them.
Yahoo News | July 1, 2021

Focusing on Asian giant hornets distorts the view of invasive species

Entomologist Doug Yanega does not feel the Asian giant hornet is particularly newsworthy, given that there are many invasive insect species present in the U.S., some who have the potential to cause much more harm.
Science News | July 1, 2021

NASA’s Curiosity Is Likely Detecting Methane From Mars’ Deep Subsurface After All

Earth's example shows there are multiple pathways by which methane can be produced in the complete absence of biology, Timothy Lyons, a distinguished professor of biogeochemistry, explained to Forbes.
Forbes | June 30, 2021

Younger kids: To vax or not to vax? That is the question

Parents who vaccinated themselves might not want the same for their kids, explained Richard Carpiano, a public health scientist and medical sociologist. 
Los Angeles Daily News | June 28, 2021

Following Cockroach Photobomb, Could ‘The Talk’ Set Be Infested?

Doug Yanega, senior museum scientist at UCR's Entomology Research Museum, says a single roach on set may not indicate an infestation. The roach is able to fly quite well, and is attracted to lights, therefore may have flown solo.
The Hollywood Reporter | June 26, 2021

Being Vaccinated Isn’t a Private Matter. It’s Everyone’s Business.

Richard Carpiano, a professor of public policy and sociology, says though trust in celebrities may be misplaced, their influence is undeniable.
The New Republic | June 24, 2021

Geckos are skilled hunters even after they lose their tails

Marina Vollin and Tim Higham, in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, find that losing a tail doesn't mean geckos will be unable to capture prey.
Earth.com | June 23, 2021

Geckos that lose their tails are still deadly predators

New research from biologists Marina Vollin and Tim Higham shows geckos are still able to hunt, albeit awkwardly, after defensively dropping their tails.
BBC Science Focus | June 23, 2021

If You’re Anxiously Awaiting News, Do This One Thing to Feel at Ease – Researchers Say

Psychology professor Kate Sweeny has found that awe, a transportive mindset brought on by beautiful music, or a deeply affecting film, is the best antidote to anxiety induced by having to wait for information.
Good News Network | June 22, 2021