News
Influential marine biologist John Pearse dies at 84
August 5, 2020
A leading authority on marine invertebrates and intertidal ecology, Pearse was a beloved teacher and mentor to generations of marine biologists.
Is COVID-related reduction in marine traffic reducing stress in whales?
July 17, 2020
Whale researchers are taking advantage of changes in boat traffic in Monterey Bay during the pandemic to collect data on stress hormones in humpback whales.
A call for caution, personal responsibility
July 2, 2020
If people simply wait around for federal, state, and local governments to save them from the COVID-19 pandemic, rather than take precautions to keep themselves and their communities safe, “we will lose the economy and our lives,’’ said infectious disease expert A. Marm Kilpatrick this week.
Researchers honored for work in UCSC-NOAA Fisheries Collaborative Program
July 1, 2020
Three researchers affiliated with the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) at UC Santa Cruz have received awards from the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center for their outstanding contributions to research in 2019.
Hellman Fellows Program and UC announce $125 million commitment to faculty research
June 23, 2020
The Hellman Fellows Program and the University of California announced a plan to permanently support the Hellman Fellows Program on all 10 campuses in the UC system.
NOAA funds new Cooperative Institute for Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Systems
June 3, 2020
CIMEAS supports the ongoing collaboration between UC Santa Cruz and the National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Fisheries Science Center.
Two vital buffers against climate change are just offshore
June 1, 2020
A new study underscores the need to conserve and restore mangroves and coral reefs for coastal protection.
Emerald predators: Ohlone tiger beetles reclaim territory with the help of local scientists
May 28, 2020
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists released 43 Ohlone tiger beetles to a new home in Santa Cruz County earlier this year with the help of UC Santa Cruz students and reserve managers
Field courses boost STEM diversity, study reveals
May 19, 2020
The challenge of diversifying STEM fields may get a boost from the results of a new study that show field courses help build self-confidence among students—especially those from underrepresented groups.
Crabeater seal data used to predict changes in Antarctic krill distribution
April 27, 2020
Tracking the feeding behavior of crabeater seals allowed researchers to build an oceanographic model of krill habitat and project how it is likely to change in the future.
Watch UCSC participants talk about hope during TEDx Santa Cruz
April 23, 2020
Last December, TEDx Santa Cruz hosted a day-long extravaganza of talks curated around the theme of "The Art of Hope." Those talks, including ones by several UCSC affiliates, are now available for online viewing.
UCSC researchers are taking on the coronavirus challenge on multiple fronts
April 1, 2020
From developing diagnostic tests to conducting surveys of infection prevalence, campus researchers are doing what they can in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recruiting raptors for rodent control along the Pajaro River levee
March 24, 2020
UCSC’s Predatory Bird Research Group is working with the Santa Cruz County Flood Control District to encourage hawks and owls to patrol the levee for rodent control.
Tracking data used to identify biodiversity hot spots in Southern Ocean ecosystems
March 18, 2020
An international team of scientists used electronic tracking data from birds and marine mammals to identify areas of ecological significance in the waters around Antarctica.
Grad student Melissa Cronin wins Seafood Sustainability Contest
March 10, 2020
The $45,000 prize will support Cronin’s efforts to to reduce the mortality of manta rays and devil rays incidentally caught during tuna fishing.
Aquaculture to benefit people and the environment
February 20, 2020
Two graduate students have received a one-year, $150,000 grant to create environmentally sound seaweed and sea cucumber farms on the coasts of Kenya and The Gambia.
Researchers get a ‘whale’s-eye view’ of Antarctic sea ice
February 19, 2020
Cameras attached to a rare species of Antarctic whale are giving scientists an unprecedented view of how the whales survive in their sea ice habitat.
Proposed hydropower dams pose threat to Gabon’s fishes
February 6, 2020
Proposed hydropower dams in Gabon pose a substantial threat to the African nation’s most culturally and economically important fishes, according to a new study.
$2.6 million grant funds program to increase diversity of conservation leaders
January 16, 2020
New funding for the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at UC Santa Cruz builds on the program’s successes in training the next generation of diverse conservation leaders.
The mysterious case of the ornamented coot chicks has a surprising explanation
December 30, 2019
The bright colors of the chicks of American coots help their parents choose favorites, according to a new study.
How genetics and social games drive evolution of mating systems in mammals
December 19, 2019
From monogamy to promiscuity, a new model explains the evolution of diverse mating systems based on the conflict between cooperative and competitive behaviors.
California’s sea otter population could triple by recolonizing San Francisco Bay
December 10, 2019
A new study highlights the importance of estuaries as prime habitat for the endangered southern sea otter.
Students power resurvey of UC Santa Cruz natural reserves
December 9, 2019
Student teams are conducting surveys of the birds, plants, fish, fungi, insects, vascular plants, mammals, bryophytes, and lichens at all four of the campus’s Natural Reserves.
Island 'soundscapes' show potential for evaluating recovery of nesting seabirds
December 5, 2019
Conservation biologists are taking a holistic approach to acoustic monitoring for evaluating the effectiveness of restoration efforts.
Nine UCSC speakers join TEDx Santa Cruz extravaganza Dec. 7
December 2, 2019
Nine UCSC affiliates will join novelist Jonathan Franzen and a host of other speakers for TEDx Santa Cruz, a daylong extravaganza focused this year on the "Art of Hope," on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Fish in California estuaries are evolving as climate change alters their habitat
November 21, 2019
Comparison of current stickleback populations with fish collected in the 1970s shows the populations are evolving as California's climate becomes hotter and drier.
Rachel Carson College: Training the green generation
November 19, 2019
UC Santa Cruz’s eighth college is a haven for sustainability-minded, environmentally conscious students hoping to lead and empower others .
Public invited to view Norris Center art-science residency projects
October 31, 2019
Several examples of art-science collaborations will be on view at the Museum of Art and History on Sunday, Nov. 10 from 10-5 p.m. and at the Norris Center for Natural History on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 15-16 from noon to 5 p.m.
Whole genome sequencing could help save pumas from inbreeding
October 18, 2019
The first complete genetic sequences of individual mountain lions point the way to better conservation strategies for saving threatened populations of the wild animals.
Plant scientist Jean Langenheim honored by Graduate Women in Science
January 11, 2012
The Graduate Women in Science organization Sigma Delta Epsilon has awarded its highest honor, national honorary membership, to UC Santa Cruz plant scientist Jean Langenheim in recognition of her outstanding achievements in scientific research.
QUEST TV profiles biologist Dan Costa
July 27, 2011
UCSC biologist Dan Costa is featured in a new episode of KQED's QUEST TV program.
Loss of large predators has caused widespread disruption of ecosystems
July 14, 2011
The decline of large predators and other "apex consumers" at the top of the food chain has disrupted ecosystems all over the planet, according to a review of recent findings.
