University News & Events

Featured story ${alt}

Long-accepted theory explaining the nature of our universe may need updating, new analysis indicates

The standard model of how the universe works involves the widely accepted theory that dark energy is a fundamental constant of nature that drives the accelerating expansion of the universe. But a new analysis announced today by the international Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) collaboration raises the possibility that this theory may need to be updated.  more »

  • computer-generated rendering of three cell types within an embryoid modelMarch 20, 2025

    Scientists program stem cells to mimic first days of embryonic development

    Using CRISPR-based engineering methods to prompt stem cells to organize into embryo-like structures, scientists at UC Santa Cruz were able to create “programmable” cellular models of embryos without ever experimenting with any actual embryos.

  • March 20, 2025

    New eye-tracking VR experience, Face Jumping, wins XR Audience Award at SXSW

    After debuting at South by Southwest (SXSW) 2025, Face Jumping won the conference’s XR Experience audience award among the 15 creators working at the intersection of technology and immersive art who participated in the XR Experience competition.

  • corner of a rose with cobija de tripas or gut blanket written on itMarch 20, 2025

    New exhibition examines the messier side of life through art and environmental research

    The annual Environment Art and Social Practice (EASP) Exhibition offers a glimpse into a world where art meets science. This year’s exhibition, opening on April 2 at the Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery, embraces the theme Cobija de Tripas or Gut Blanket and tries to map the body through art and research, raising questions about how human, nonhuman and environmental bodies exist in a state of perpetual negotiation with cultural and ecological forces.

  • March 18, 2025

    UCSC Dining Serves Up Success at Clam Chowder Cook-Off

    UCSC Dining Services showcased their culinary talents at the 44th annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off, earning three awards—including 1st Place People’s Choice for Manhattan Clam Chowder—and celebrating a total of 25 wins since first competing in 2004.

  • March 18, 2025

    New lactation spaces open for nursing mothers on campus

    Across the UC Santa Cruz campuses, nursing mothers now have access to 21 lactation rooms where they can express milk and nurse their babies. The spaces on the residential, coastal, Scotts Valley, and Silicon Valley campuses, some new and others renovated, provide a safe, quiet, and relaxing space where they can maintain their lactation goals.

  • women in red shirt holds phone near her mouthMarch 17, 2025

    Workshop aims to create speech AI for all

    To address the poor performance of speech AI systems for this community, a team of researchers is studying and seeking solutions to the technical and design challenges of speech AI, as well as the policies and norms that surround this reinforcement of the existing difficulties associated with variations in speech patterns.

  • March 17, 2025

    Student Health Services Welcomes New Medical Leadership, Reaffirms Commitment to Student Healthcare

    Read an important message from John Bollard, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Health and Wellness and Chief Well-being Officer, about Student Health Services’ ongoing commitment to accessible, high-quality care and student well-being. In this message, AVC Bollard also introduces Dr. Wang, Medical Director, and Dr. Garcia, Associate Medical Director, to campus.

  • March 13, 2025

    An interview with Jennifer Finney Boylan: Celebrated trans author and advocate visits UC Santa Cruz during a critical moment for trans rights

    Bestselling author Jennifer Finney Boylan, one of the nation’s most influential and recognizable advocates for trans rights, is currently serving as scholar-in-residence at UC Santa Cruz during a fraught time for both trans rights and the humanities.

  • Scuba diver planting coral on sea floorMarch 12, 2025

    Forum captures urgency to use ecosystems now to keep people safe from looming natural disasters

    The National Practice Forum on Nature-Based Solutions was held in Irvine on February 4 and 5, and sponsored by UC Santa Cruz’s Center for Coastal Climate Resilience (CCCR). The forum drew over 500 attendees from around the country to discuss how our ecosystems can protect us from natural disasters.

  • Gloved hand holding a rainbow troutMarch 12, 2025

    New study shows how microalgae could help advance sustainable trout farming

    Researchers at UC Santa Cruz created a successful experimental aquaculture feed formulation for rainbow trout that fully replaces traditional fishmeal ingredients sourced from wild-caught fish with leftover marine microalgae from the human dietary supplement industry. Their findings support efforts to increase the variety and quality of fish-free feed options, so that aquaculture can expand food production while also taking pressure off of wild fish stocks.

  • March 11, 2025

    Supporting early career alums: Finding hope in challenging times

    In a time of uncertainty, where environmental challenges grow more complex and the future feels unpredictable, two UC Santa Cruz alumni share their insights on adapting to professional challenges while staying true to their core values.

  • Aerial photo of humpback whale with calfMarch 11, 2025

    Whale waste helps health of oceans by funneling nutrients to the tropics, new study shows

    New research shows that whales move nutrients thousands of miles—in their pee and poop—from as far as Alaska to Hawaii, supporting the health of tropical ecosystems and fish. UC Santa Cruz professors Dan Costa and Ari Friedlaender contributed their marine-mammal expertise to the study, which was published on March 10 in the journal Nature Communications.

More stories