Chemical widely used in antibacterial hand soaps may impair muscle function

An antibacterial chemical in hand soap and other common hygiene products seems to weaken skeletal muscles in both humans and animals, according to a UC Davis study.

Too much fructose sets up metabolic trouble

A UC Davis study explains how fructose is a major factor in metabolic syndrome, which can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Pet therapy without the pet

Oncologists at UC Irvine are studying whether robotic stuffed animals can help reduce stress and anxiety in chemotherapy patients. The cuddly robots obey commands, and they're hypoallergenic, too.

Game on! Researchers use online crowd-sourcing to diagnose malaria

UCLA researchers have created a crowd-sourced online gaming system in which players distinguish malaria-infected red blood cells from healthy ones by viewing digital images obtained from microscopes.

'Text therapy' may ease isolation

Text messaging often gets a bad rap for contributing to poor spelling and high-risk behavior such as reckless driving. But a UC Berkeley study has found an upside to texting, especially for people who feel stressed out, isolated, and alone.

Knowing the ending enhances the story

Reading the final chapter of a book first or finding plot-spoiling movie reviews online before going to the cinema could actually enhance your entertainment experience, rather than lessen it, according to a UC San Diego study.

Anti-aging cosmetics give skin 'ion overload'

Scientists, including from UC Davis, discovered a mechanism that plays a role in skin physiology and temperature sensitivity. It could lead to better anti-aging cosmetics.

Researchers determine costs of gene expression

Bioengineers at UC San Diego made a major advance in developing a method of modeling an organism's metabolism and gene expression. This research opens up a slew of questions and ideas about the cellular impacts of gene expression and data.

Patients trust doctors but consult the Internet

Patients look up their illnesses online to become better informed and prepared to play an active role in their care, not because they mistrust their doctors, a UC Davis study suggests.

Which ads are winners? Your brain knows better than you do

Advertisers and public health officials may be able to access hidden wisdom in the brain to more effectively sell their products and promote health and safety, UCLA neuroscientists report in the first study to use brain data to predict how large populations will respond to advertisements.

UC Merced developing avatar care for aging baby boomers

Graduate students are creating a software program that uses avatars to provide physical therapy to the elderly.

Tweens aim for fame above all

A UCLA study shows that kids between the ages of 9 to 11 see fame as their number one value. Researchers say a major shift is needed to avoid a negative impact on the future goals and successes of youth.

When it pays to be overconfident

Overconfidence helps people gain respect, prominence and influence, according to UC Berkeley study. It also showed that overconfidence led to higher social status.

Meet the man who invented the instructions for the Internet

Steve Crocker was among a small group of UCLA researchers who sent the first message between the first two nodes of the ARPAnet, the U.S. Department of Defense-funded network that eventually morphed into the modern internet.

Email 'vacations' decrease stress, increase concentration

Being cut off from work email significantly reduces stress and allows employees to focus far better, according to a new study by UC Irvine and U.S. Army researchers.

Want to understand the fluid dynamics of the oceans and atmosphere?

A film created by UCLA physicists with film students and alumni is believed to be the first comprehensive elementary video on the topic.

Scientists see movies in the mind

UC Berkeley researchers were able to reconstruct YouTube videos from viewers' brain activity. It is a feat that might one day offer a glimpse into our dreams, memories and even fantasies.

Study sees way to win spam fight

Computer scientists at UC Berkeley and San Diego looked at billions of unwanted email to find a choke point that could greatly reduce the flow of spam.