University of California Los Angeles
Recent News About University of California Los Angeles
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UCLA showcases diverse voices in celebration of Iranian cinema
The UCLA Film & Television Archive will showcase Iranian and Iranian diaspora filmmaking with its Celebration of Iranian Cinema 2024 series, running over three weekends from June 14 to 30. The event features a selection of feature-length and short films that explore cultural divides and human experiences, spotlighting new directors while honoring the history of Iranian cinema.
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Study links genetic risk factors for autism directly to observable brain changes
A new study led by UCLA researchers has unveiled the most detailed view of the complex biological mechanisms underlying autism, showing the first link between genetic risk for the disorder and observed cellular and genetic activity across different layers of the brain.
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UCLA study reveals hidden pockets of biodiversity across Los Angeles
UCLA biologists have presented mixed findings regarding urban wildlife in Los Angeles. While unexpected pockets of biodiversity exist within the city, increasing overall biodiversity remains a challenge. Of all major taxonomic groups studied, only snails and slugs are commonly found, likely due to abundant landscaping and irrigation.
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Research reveals how sense of touch aids precise hovering in hummingbirds
Hummingbirds, known for their ability to hover near flowers with precision, have been the subject of extensive research concerning their flight mechanics. However, less is understood about how their sense of touch aids them in sipping nectar without colliding with flowers. While most studies on touch processing in the brain focus on mammals, bird brains differ significantly from mammal brains.
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UCLA 'Democracy Workshops' foster student voter education ahead of November election
A recent "Democracy Workshop," part of a series organized by BruinsVote and UCLA Campus Life, aimed to help students become more informed and active participants in elections. The event was an interactive, in-person version of online voter guides developed in collaboration with nonprofit newsroom LAist.
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New study reveals extensive gene-isoform diversity in developing human brain
Researchers at UCLA and the University of Pennsylvania have created a comprehensive catalog of gene-isoform variation in the developing human brain. This dataset provides significant insights into the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, potentially paving the way for targeted therapies.
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Women drive majority viewership for top streaming films
Women and people of color were the primary viewers for nine of the top 10 streaming films of 2023, according to the Hollywood Diversity Report. Households of color were also overrepresented among viewers for these films. The report highlights that while women and people of color find more opportunities in streaming than in theatrical productions, they still face limited resources compared to white male directors who helm high-budget projects.
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Expansión exitosa del programa nocturno Parks After Dark mejora seguridad comunitaria
El programa Parks After Dark del condado de Los Ángeles, que ofrece un espacio seguro y gratuito para la recreación nocturna, ha mostrado resultados positivos en términos de seguridad y bienestar comunitario. Según un informe del UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, el 96% de los encuestados sienten que el programa proporciona un sentido de pertenencia, y el 94% indicó que les ayudó a conocer mejor a sus vecinos.
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UCLA's major role in Getty's PST ART highlights art-science intersection
UCLA artists, research centers, and public arts programs are making significant contributions to the Getty’s initiative PST ART, previously known as Pacific Standard Time. This year's event is themed “Art & Science Collide” and will engage audiences throughout Southern California. Supported by nearly $20 million in grants from the Getty, more than 60 exhibitions and a wide array of programs will address topics such as climate change, Indigenous knowledge, artificial intelligence, and eco-acoustic art.
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Los Angeles expands nighttime recreation program showing significant success
A survey of attendees in 2023 found that 93% felt safe at Parks After Dark. Of attendees who did not meet the recommended activity guidelines for their age, 76% participated in at least one exercise or sports program at Parks After Dark. The vast majority of those surveyed expressed high levels of satisfaction, with 97% saying they would attend again.
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Berry Gordy donates $5 million to establish music industry center at UCLA
Berry Gordy, founder of the Motown record label, has pledged $5 million to establish the UCLA Berry Gordy Music Industry Center. The new center will launch in the 2024–25 academic year and aims to position the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music’s new music industry degree program as a national leader.
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UCLA's Luskin Center partners with NOAA to establish heat resilience hub
The Luskin Center for Innovation at UCLA will serve as a founding partner of the Center of Excellence for Heat Resilient Communities, a knowledge-sharing hub designed to identify and evaluate policies, protocols, and lessons for heat resilience. The center, which is funded by a $2.25 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will concentrate on strategies for local, data-driven heat mitigation and management in disadvantaged communities.
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UCLA team uses Grand Theft Auto to envision Los Angeles in 2050
In the year 2050, the Los Angeles River meanders peacefully, glistening under the sun's rays as the murmur of freeway traffic intertwines with the serene surroundings. On its banks, teenagers Kerstin and Yolanda form a pact to locate a missing electronic toy. Their mission and friendship are tested by their contrasting socioeconomic backgrounds.
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UCLA study reveals unmet mental health needs among adults with adverse childhood experiences
A recent study by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research has found that adults who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are not receiving adequate mental health care. According to the study, one in five California adults reported four or more ACEs, with this proportion being even higher among young adults and certain racial or ethnic groups.
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Study reveals strategic, not polite, use of the word "please
A recent study conducted by sociologists at UCLA has revealed that the usage of the word "please" does not always signify respect or politeness. The research found that "please" was used only 7% of the time, predominantly in situations where there was an inhospitable interactional environment to overcome.
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Detailed local journalism boosts voter support for infrastructure spending
A recent study conducted by UCLA and Duke University reveals that detailed local journalism about aging infrastructure can boost voter support for additional infrastructure investment. The research, published in the journal Political Behavior, indicates that reading fictionalized samples of news coverage with specific local details about infrastructure maintenance requirements led to as much as 10% more electoral support for infrastructure spending compared to basic reporting.
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UCLA women's water polo team clinches eighth NCAA title
The UCLA women's water polo team, ranked No. 1, secured its eighth NCAA title and the program’s 12th national championship with a 7–4 victory against the California Golden Bears in Berkeley on Sunday. This win completes the third undefeated season in the program's history, with a record of 26–0. The only other teams to achieve this feat were those of 2005 and 2008, both recording an impeccable 33–0.
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Two UCLA professors elected to National Academy of Sciences
Zvi Bern, a theoretical physicist, and Leonard Kleinrock, an early pioneer of the internet, have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences. This recognition is due to their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. The professors are among 120 new members and 34 international members recently announced by the academy. Membership is considered one of the highest honors a scientist in the United States can receive.
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Local journalism boosts public support for vital infrastructure funding: Study
A recent study by researchers at UCLA and Duke University has revealed a correlation between robust local newspapers and increased public support for funding essential infrastructure such as dams and sewers, which are critical to climate resilience. The study found that even a few additional paragraphs providing context could enhance support for spending on these projects and increase voters' willingness to hold local politicians accountable for neglecting infrastructure by voting them out of office.
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UCLA Scientist Discusses Climate Change Predictions in Upcoming Session
An informal survey conducted by the Guardian has revealed that numerous scientists affiliated with the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change now anticipate the world to reach at least 2.5° C of warming. UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain is set to provide his perspective on this matter on Friday, May 10, at 10 a.m PT. He will discuss his agreement and disagreement with both the public discourse and his scientific peers, as well as provide context about the likelihood of reaching certain targets.