Objects of the dead; drug-resistant superbugs

March 2, 2023

Anteater Time Machine: Then and now photos from under the Humanities bridge - 1967 shot by Ansel Adams

Anteater Time Machine: Then and now photos from under the Humanities bridge appear in the latest issue of UCI Magazine. Above, a 1967 shot by Ansel Adams; below, a 2023 pic by UCI’s Steve Zylius.

Anteater Time Machine: Then and now photos from under the Humanities bridge - a 2023 pic by UCI’s Steve Zylius.

UCI ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS

‘Objects of the Dead’ exhibit becomes a book

An attention-grabbing exhibit that paired items owned by dead people with prose and poetry has been turned into a book co-authored by UCI English lecturer Lorene Delany-Ullman. Featuring photos of an antique slot machine (left), a prosthetic leg, a set of forks from World War II and other keepsakes, Saved: Objects of the Dead explores how survivors memorialize deceased loved ones. The touring collection, which made a stop at UCI in 2020, garnered national media coverage. In a Q&A, Delany-Ullman discusses the project’s background and her approach to writing and teaching about grief, memory and mourning.

Combating antibiotic-resistant superbugs

The number of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant germs is on the rise. But Dr. Susan Huang, medical director of epidemiology and infection prevention for UCI Health, has developed a method to dramatically lower the risk for patients in intensive-care units. She explains why drug-resistant superbugs are a growing danger and steps people can take to reduce the threat.

UC NEWS AND GENERAL NEWS

Half of California no longer in drought

Rain and snowfall since late last year have freed half of California from drought, but low groundwater levels remain a persistent problem, according to U.S. Drought Monitor data released today.

The collectors who spend thousands on rare Hot Wheels

How did some of Mattel’s one-time 59-cent toy cars become five-figure collectibles? And what drives grown men and women to spend princely sums chasing them? The Hustle explores the history of Hot Wheels and their evolution into an expensive hobby.

UCI IN THE NEWS

Note: Some news sites require subscriptions to read articles. The UCI Libraries offer free subscriptions to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Orange County Register and The Washington Post for students, faculty and staff.

Toilet Paper May Be a Source of Cancer-Causing PFAS in Wastewater, Study Says

Healthline, March 1
Cited: Scott Bartell, professor of environmental and occupational health

Columnist: Futuristic vaccine to prevent Alzheimer’s starts local trial

The Orange County Register, March 2
Cited: David Sultzer, professor of psychiatry & human behavior

How Is AI Technology Being Implemented In K-12 Classrooms?

LAist, March 1
Cited: Mark Warschauer, professor of education and informatics, director of Digital Learning Lab

#UCICONNECTED

Women in Tech @ UCI announces 2023 Applause awards

Not every UCI star ends up decorating the side of a bus (see below), but that doesn’t mean their accomplishments go unrecognized. For Women’s History Month, Women in Tech @ UCI is honoring 10 Applause Program recipients who embody the group’s “Advance. Inspire. Empower. Act.” motto in the workplace. The recipients were nominated by colleagues.

Rehana Morita majors in Asian American studies and film & media studies.

Anteater Express buses showcase UCI shining stars

This week, we’re highlighting some of the UCI shining stars whose images appear on the sides of Anteater Express buses. The ad campaign features 10 students, faculty, staff and alumni who are dedicated to enhancing lives through teaching, cutting-edge research or public service. Be on the lookout for buses with these stellar Anteaters. #UCIPride

#UCIconnected spotlights student, alumni, faculty and staff photos, essays, shoutouts, hobbies, artwork, unusual office decorations, activities and more. Send submissions via email or post on social media with the #UCIconnected hashtag.

COVID-19 NOTIFICATION & HEALTH RESOURCES

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Daily COVID-19 symptom check

By coming to campus each day, students and employees are attesting they are free of COVID-19 symptoms and are not COVID-19 positive. If you currently have symptoms of COVID-19 or recently tested positive, do not come to campus, or if you currently live on campus stay in your residence, and follow instructions for reporting your case or assessing symptoms on the UCI Forward page. Close contacts to a COVID-19 case are not required to stay home or quarantine, but should follow guidance for close contact instructions for masking and testing on the UCI Forward page.

Potential workplace exposure

UCI provides this notification of a potential workplace COVID-19 exposure. Employees and subcontractors who were in these locations on the dates listed may have been exposed to the coronavirus. You may be entitled to various benefits under applicable federal and state laws and University-specific policies and agreements. The full notification is available on the UCI Forward site. If you have been identified as a close contact to a COVID-19 case, the UCI Contact Tracing Program will contact you and provide additional direction.

UCI Forward – information on campus status and operational updates

UCI Health COVID-19 Updates – important information related to UCI Health

UCI Coronavirus Response Center – available at covid19@uci.edu or 949-824-9918

Contact Tracing and Vaccine Navigation Services – assistance with vaccines and vaccine uploads or to report a case, available at contacttracing@uci.edu or 949-824-2300

For questions specific to your personal health situation, please contact your doctor or healthcare provider.