NPR features UCI experts for ‘Academic Minute’ segments

Researchers find ‘pseudo’ health benefits in chronic marijuana use

Frequent cannabis consumers are more likely to be lean and less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, but there’s a price to pay, according to a recent UCI study. Researchers gave low doses of THC—tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive component of marijuana—to adolescent mice. As adults, the mice had reduced fat mass but they also had a reduced ability to use fuel from fat stores—a consequence that can interfere with tasks like moving and thinking, and especially sustaining attention.

Before You Borrow: Exploring College Financing Options
Thursday (sponsored by HR Wellness)

Life Resources Program Orientation
Thursday, noon (sponsored by UCI Wellness)

Ready, Set, Goal: Creating Healthy Habits
Thursday, noon (sponsored by Kaiser Permanente for UC employees)

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#IamUCI: Kent Nitta ’23, B.S. materials science and engineering

Kent Nitta is the lead engineer on a project seeking to use a type of graphene foam in the development of efficient and durable energy storage and transfer systems. The high-achieving student and researcher has a relaxing outlet in archery, an activity he took up as a child. Nitta recently spoke about his hobby and how it taught him to seek perfection while remaining patient about the process of achieving desired results.

#IamUCI: Jazette Johnson ’23, Ph.D., informatics

Jazette Johnson will be the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in informatics from UCI’s Donald Bren School of Information & Computer Sciences. Much of her research focuses on using social media to support caregivers. During Johnson’s time at UCI, she has worked with the nonprofit Alzheimer’s Orange County to understand the organization’s challenges and help find technology-driven solutions.

#IamUCI: Luis Cuevas ’23, B.S., biochemistry and molecular biology

In the lab of chemistry professor Michael T. Green, Luis Cuevas explored synthesizing an enzyme that breaks down carbon and hydrogen to harness its potential for pharmaceuticals and for the removal of toxic substances from soil and water. Cuevas, who has made the dean’s list every quarter, plans to continue working in lab and classroom settings as he applies to doctoral programs.

#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.

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