2025 Media Watch Archives
Dementia: Herbal tea shown to reverse age-related brain decline may offer 'new path toward treatment'
GB News -
Having acquired critical - and medical - acclaim for its booming array of health benefits, green tea is often hailed as the herbal beverage to beat. Now, researchers at the University of California, Irvine, have revealed how two naturally occurring substances in the drink may rejuvenate deteriorating brain cells and eliminate protein accumulation associated with Alzheimer's disease. Read More
OC Leader Board: The Joy of Building a 1917 BiPlane
Orange County Business Journal -
At the University of California, Irvine, the Henry Samueli School of Engineering is buzzing with activity as students immerse themselves in hands-on learning. At the heart of UCI’s engineering program is the philosophy of translating theory into practice. The help realize this philosophy, the department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) offers more than 20 interdisciplinary project courses …. The goal of these projects is to prepare well-rounded engineers who can tackle real-world problems. The school of engineering is supporting these efforts by opening a new Office for Experiential Learning and an engineering makerspace. Read More
Scientists Discover Natural Compounds That Clear Alzheimer’s Proteins
SciTechDaily -
“As people age, their brains show a decline in neuronal energy levels, which limits the ability to remove unwanted proteins and damaged components,” said lead author Gregory Brewer, adjunct professor of biomedical engineering at UC Irvine. “We found that restoring energy levels helps neurons regain this critical cleanup function.” Read More
The Bizarre Biological Trick That Makes These Teeth Tougher Than Steel
Gizmodo -
A new study published August 7 in Science presents a detailed investigation into what makes chiton teeth so strong and durable. … The new paper lays out the underlying mechanisms of this process, which the researchers believe could inform future advances in the fabrication of advanced materials. “We can learn a lot from these biological designs and processes,” said [co-author David] Kisailus, a materials scientist at the University of California, [Irvine]. Read More
Nature's toughest teeth inspire next-generation materials
Earth.com -
“Chiton grow new teeth every few days that are superior to materials used in industrial cutting tools, grinding media, dental implants, surgical implants and protective coatings, yet they are made at room temperature and with nanoscale precision. We can learn a lot from these biological designs and processes,” David Kisailus, UC Irvine professor of materials science and engineering explained. Read More
UC Irvine Scientist Draws Inspiration from Ultrahard, Wear-Resistant Mollusk Teeth
Bioenginner.org -
One of the study’s most striking revelations is the comparison of chiton teeth to human-made materials. According to Professor David Kisailus, lead author and materials science expert at UC Irvine, these biological structures surpass human tooth enamel not only in hardness and stiffness but also exceed industrial benchmarks set by high-carbon steel, stainless steel, zirconium oxide, and aluminum oxide ceramics. Read More
Commentary: A ‘truce’ over free speech in Iran?
The Christian Science Monitor -
Iran is nearing “water bankruptcy,” according to Amir AghaKouchak, a University of California, Irvine professor of engineering. But the roots of the problem are not just environmental; they are “deeply political and systemic,” he told CNN last week. “Iran’s water crisis cannot be separated from its broader governance crisis.” Read More
Bringing Metallurgy Into the 21st Century
Caltech -
Using a transmission electron microscope (TEM) at the UC Irvine Materials Research Institute, the Caltech researchers were able to show that alloys produced using their HIAM method form more homogenously, resulting in higher degrees of symmetry throughout their crystal structure, [the lead author of the paper Thomas] Tran explains. Read More
Could Iran's water crisis be the regime's tipping point?
The Week -
Tehran is running out of water. … The country is in the midst of a terrible drought, but the water supply crisis has been compounded by "excessive groundwater pumping, inefficient farming practices and unchecked urban water use," said CNN. The result "can only be described as water bankruptcy," said Amir AghaKouchak, a civil engineering professor at the University of California, Irvine. Read More
Iran capital Tehran could run dry 'within weeks'
Radio New Zealand -
Human activities, including excessive groundwater pumping, inefficient farming practices and unchecked urban water use have pushed the region “toward what can only be described as water bankruptcy,” said Amir AghaKouchak, a professor of civil and environmental engineering and Earth system science at the University of California, Irvine. … The capital “is grappling with a systemic, long-term imbalance that threatens the very foundations of water security for its residents,” AghaKouchak told CNN. Read More