NASA grant for Antarctic research; questionable COVID-19 ads

Oct. 31, 2023

Batty window decorations add a festive flair at the Science Library during last year’s Halloween season. (Photo: Steve Zylius/UCI)

UCI ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS

NASA funds UCI-led mission to record changes in Antarctica’s ice sheet

Eric Rignot, a professor of Earth system science

NASA has awarded a $2.8 million grant to UCI researchers for a five-year project to survey Antarctica’s ice sheet. Led by Eric Rignot, a professor of Earth system science, the project aims to provide the most detailed record yet of the condition of glaciers on the vast southern continent. This will be the fourth time NASA has approved financial support for the Making Earth System Data Records for Use in Research Environments program; each grant has covered a five-year period, for a total of 20 years.

UCI study exposes risks of direct-to-consumer COVID-19 therapy ads

Leigh Turner, professor of health, society and behavior

A UCI study reveals that in 2022, 38 North American businesses used direct-to-consumer advertising to promote unproven stem cell interventions and exosome products as purported treatments and preventatives for COVID-19. Health hazards posed by such untested interventions can range from minor complications to very serious adverse events, such as pulmonary embolisms, cardiovascular problems and acute bacterial infections.

UC NEWS

UC official addresses rising 2024 health insurance rates

Cheryl Lloyd, UC’s vice president of systemwide human relations, has issued a letter addressing employee concerns about rising 2024 health insurance rates. “Even with UC covering over 80% of the cost, next year’s medical premiums will make a bigger dent in paychecks that need to cover many other critical expenses,” states Lloyd. “I have been working with UCOP leadership and Systemwide Human Resources colleagues to figure out how to ease the burden of rising costs on our employees and retirees.” The rest of Lloyd’s letter is available on the UC Office of the President website.

#UCICONNECTED

Catching up with UCI women’s basketball’s Cecilia Russell-Nava

Cecilia Russell-Nava is entering her eighth year as a member of the UCI women's basketball staff and fourth as associate head coach. Russell-Nava has been instrumental in the Anteaters' recent success that was highlighted by the program's first Big West regular-season championship and first victory in a national postseason tournament in 2022-23. She has also been part of three of UCI's five 20-win seasons, including a school-record 25 victories last year. She recently reflected on her coaching career as well as her background and how it has helped shape who she is today.

#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.

UCI IN THE NEWS

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