News

A gel for wounds that won’t heal

Jules Bernstein — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0800

UC Riverside researchers have developed an oxygen-delivering gel capable of healing injuries that might otherwise progress to limb loss. 

Incentive program for teachers yields long-term student gains

John Sanford — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0800

A teacher-incentive program in South Carolina has led to striking long-term benefits for students, including lower rates of felony arrest and reduced reliance on government assistance in early adulthood, a new study reports. Ozkan Eren, a professor of economics at UC Riverside, co-authored the study with colleagues at the University of Michigan and University of South Carolina.

A superbloom ahead of schedule

Jules Bernstein — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0800

UC Riverside plant ecologist Loralee Larios weighs in on the outlook for a wildflower superbloom show this year, where one might see it, and how flower lovers can protect the blooms for years to come. 

UCR report urges broadband to be a state utility

David Danelski — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0800

California should regulate broadband internet providers like public utilities — imposing rate controls, universal access requirements, and reliability standards to ensure every resident has affordable, high-speed internet access, according to a new UC Riverside public policy report.

UCR Theatre presents 'Fuenteovejuna'

J.D. Mathes — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0800

February 12 is opening night for UCR Theatre’s production of “Fuenteovejuna, or Like Sheep to Water,” which runs through Feb. 21.

Trace gases play unseen role in cloud droplet formation

David Danelski — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0800

UCR-led study finds that tiny, invisible gases long thought to be irrelevant in cloud formation appear to play a major role in determining whether clouds form—and possibly whether it rains. This realization runs counter to more than a century of assumptions about the physics behind cloud droplet formation.

What you should know about your heart

Iqbal Pittalwala — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0800

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. February is American Heart Month, established in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson to encourage Americans to prioritize and protect their heart health.

UCR Chancellor Hu inaugurated at campus ceremony

Imran Ghori — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0800

UC Riverside Chancellor S. Jack Hu, who took office in July, was officially inaugurated as the campus’s 10th chancellor Thursday, Feb. 5 at a ceremony where he celebrated the university’s past and shared his vision for its future. In an inaugural address delivered to family, friends, the UCR campus community, and local and state dignitaries at the University Theatre, Hu expressed his gratitude for the welcome he’s received since he began his new role.

Black and Latino teens show strong digital literacy

David Danelski — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0800

A study by UC Riverside and USC education scholars found that Black and Latino teens are significantly more adept than their white peers at detecting online disinformation—particularly content related to race and ethnicity. These youth are quicker to identify false claims and racist propaganda and also more likely to verify posts with credible sources and respond with corrective, fact-based content, a study found.

Shaping the future of education

Devlin Smith — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0800

A UCR alumni couple creates a scholarship fund to support teaching credential students.

How fire-loving fungi learned to eat charcoal

Jules Bernstein — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800

Wildfire causes most living things to flee or die, but some fungi thrive afterward, even feasting on charred remains. New University of California, Riverside research finds the secret to post-fire flourishing hidden in their genes. 

The science behind a great guacamole

Annie Cao — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800

Guacamole is a game-day favorite, but what does it take to perfect it? Researchers at UC Riverside are peeling back the science of what makes a great avocado and how to turn it into a winning bowl of guacamole. 

Scientists find hidden diversity inside common brain parasite

Iqbal Pittalwala — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800

UC Riverside study reshapes understanding of toxoplasmosis and identifies new paths for treatment

Shrubs curb carbon emissions in China’s largest desert

Jules Bernstein — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800

An experiment in western China over the past four decades shows that it is possible to tame the expansion of desert lands with greenery, and, in the process, pull excess carbon dioxide out of the sky.

James Webb Space Telescope reveals new details about dark matter in the universe

UCR News — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800

Findings allow scientists to learn more about dark matter’s influence on stars, galaxies, and planets

UCR Chancellor S. Jack Hu to be inaugurated at campus ceremony

Imran Ghori — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800

Almost seven months after joining UC Riverside, Chancellor S. Jack Hu will be formally inaugurated at a Feb. 5 ceremony that will include University of California leaders and campus faculty, staff, and student representatives.

How a single gene shapes gut health and IBD risk

Iqbal Pittalwala — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800

UC Riverside studies reveal PTPN2’s role in keeping harmful bacteria in check and preventing inflammation

Stingrays inspire smarter ocean robots

Jules Bernstein — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800

Using robotic fins, researchers have learned how stingrays are able to swim with impressive control. These insights could help underwater vehicles avoid disastrous ground collisions. 

No clear path for U.S. in Venezuela, Cuba, scholar says

John Sanford — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800

With Venezuela in the thrall of U.S. oil demands and Cuba confronting massive fuel shortages due to an American blockade, the two countries face a more uncertain future than at any time since becoming close allies at the start of the 21st century.

UCR Orchestra to perform music inspired by American optimism, Welsh folk, and an operatic classic

J.D. Mathes — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800

Join the UCR Orchestra, conducted by Ruth Charloff, on January 31 at 8 p.m. and February 1 at 3 p.m. in the University Theatre. Tickets are available now.