West LA Times

L.A.'s potential car-free Olympics raises questions about long-term climate impact

By West LA Times | Aug 15, 2024

Can car-obsessed Los Angeles manage a car-free Olympics in 2028? UCLA public transit researcher Jacob Wasserman says lessons from Paris and Los Angeles in 1984 suggest it is feasible. However, whether it can have a lasting climate impact remains uncertain. Wasserman states:

Study finds selective benefits in social dynamics through non-aggressive frustration sharing

By West LA Times | Aug 14, 2024

Venting about frustrations to a friend may not necessarily reduce anger, but it can improve the listener's perception of the person venting, according to UCLA psychologists. Their experiments suggest that under certain conditions, venting can be an effective form of competition that strengthens bonds between the speaker and the listener while diminishing affection for the target.

UCLA researchers identify molecule restoring cognition in Alzheimer's mouse models

By West LA Times | Aug 13, 2024

In a new study, a molecule identified and synthesized by UCLA Health researchers was shown to restore cognitive functions in mice with symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease by effectively jumpstarting the brain's memory circuitry.

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West LA Times area weekly mass times

By West LA Times | Aug 10, 2024

The following parishes in the West LA Times coverage area hold weekly mass at these designated times.

Weekly recap of Los Angeles County home sales during week ending Aug. 3

By West LA Times | Aug 10, 2024

There were 92 reported residential sales in Los Angeles County in the week ending Aug. 3, according to BlockShopper.com.

Researchers develop new passive technology for building temperature regulation

By West LA Times | Aug 8, 2024

Researchers at UCLA have identified a novel mechanism to cool buildings while conserving energy. A study led by Aaswath Raman, an associate professor of materials science and engineering at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, demonstrates a new passive cooling technology that involves coating walls and windows with materials that better manage heat movement between buildings and their surroundings at ground level.

Experts highlight adaptive strategies for mitigating climate change impacts

By West LA Times | Aug 8, 2024

Whether it’s roads still paved in heat-radiating black asphalt instead of cool pavement or a city budget decision to cancel a prescribed burn that could have halted the currently raging Park Fire, solutions to address climate change exist. However, decision-makers need to understand the options and choose the right ones, says UCLA public health professor Michael Jerrett.

Study reveals high levels of discrimination against L.A.'s homeless population

By West LA Times | Aug 8, 2024

For the estimated 75,000 people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County, material hardships are compounded by an alarming level of discrimination and vulnerability to physical and sexual violence, according to a recent study by researchers at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health and colleagues.

American Jewish University continues to mandate “COVID” mRNA injections

By West LA Times | Aug 7, 2024

American Jewish University in Los Angeles, California, continues to require “COVID” mRNA injections for students to attend their classes.

NASA's NEOWISE spacecraft retires after decade-long mission

By West LA Times | Aug 6, 2024

NASA's NEOWISE spacecraft, known for its contributions to near-Earth object (NEO) discovery, is set to be decommissioned this week. Over nearly 11 years, the spacecraft captured 27 million infrared images and discovered 215 NEOs, including the notable NEOWISE comet in 2020. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory will shut down the spacecraft due to solar activity that has lowered its orbit, leading to an expected atmospheric burn-up by year-end.

Scientists propose sustainable solutions for California's climate challenges

By West LA Times | Aug 6, 2024

A diverse group of scientists has reviewed the state of sustainability in California in this week’s special issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Led by UCLA professor Glen MacDonald and San Diego State University professor Janet Franklin, researchers connected issues such as the affordable housing crisis and increased wildfire damage. They aim to apply solutions globally for California, the U.S. state with the largest population, largest economy, and third-largest landmass.

Fulbright awards given to five UCLA graduates for global assignments

By West LA Times | Aug 5, 2024

The Fulbright Program has awarded five recent and soon-to-be UCLA graduates U.S. Student Fulbright Awards, and Chris Hanscom, a professor of Asian languages and cultures, a yearlong Fulbright fellowship to conduct research abroad. The program, primarily funded through the U.S. Department of State, facilitates cultural exchange and understanding through international academic and professional exchanges.