Ubiquitous plastics may trigger hormone disruption in seabirds, new study finds
Scientists show how ingested microplastics have similar effects on the endocrine systems of fulmars and humans
Scientists find unexpected proteins in bacteria motors
A team of scientists, co-led by Karen Ottemann, a professor of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, recently found three unexpected proteins while studying the motors that power the flagella of a species called Helicobacter pylori. The proteins, which are normally found in another type of appendage on a separate group of bacteria, seem to exert control over the motion of the flagella. These proteins, known as PilN, PilO, and PilM, had never been found associated with a flagella before.
Environmental toxicologist Don Smith receives Outstanding Faculty Award
Don Smith, distinguished professor of microbiology and environmental toxicology, has been awarded the 2022-2023 Outstanding Faculty Award from the Division of Physical and Biological Sciences. The annual award is the division’s highest honor for faculty achievement, recognizing combined excellence in research, teaching, and service.
UCSC iGEM 2023 addressing harmful algal blooms through synthetic biology
https://news.ucsc.edu/2023/10/igem-2023-team.html
From friend to foe: Food strains share their toxic genes in E. coli
https://researchoutreach.org/articles/friend-foe-food-strains-share-toxic-genes-e-coli/
UC Santa Cruz offers new major in microbiology
UCSC is offering a new major in microbiology leading to a B.S. degree, administered by the Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology
UCSC scientists find microplastics in Monterey Bay water, anchovies, and seabirds
Microparticles recovered from some seabirds exhibited estrogenic activity with potential to disrupt hormone functions
Student researchers investigate toxic lead exposure in golden eagles
A gift from the Webster Foundation to UCSC’s Predatory Bird Research Group supports student interns helping to study lead poisoning in eagles and monitor peregrine falcons
UCSC graduate student wins HHMI Gilliam Fellowship for Advanced Study
Gilliam Fellowships support exceptional graduate students and their advisers who are committed to increasing diversity among scientific leaders.
Microbiologist Jacqueline Kimmey named Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences
Kimmey’s lab is investigating how susceptibility to infections is influenced by the daily biological cycles known as circadian rhythms.
Seed funding grants for early-stage research, creative projects given to 19 awardees
The UCSC Office of Research has awarded funds this month to 19 projects through its inaugural Seed Funding for Early Stage Initiatives program.
Manel Camps appointed faculty director of UCSC Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development
UC Santa Cruz has appointed Manel Camps, professor of microbiology and environmental toxicology and provost of Crown College, to serve as the director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development