Avoiding online content trauma; U.S. Navy expands Med Center training

July 9, 2024

AirUCI hosted a video call from International Space Station astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson on July 8. (Photo: Steve Zylius/UC Irvine)

UC IRVINE NEWS

Researchers seek to counter health impacts of graphic online content

E. Alison Holman, a professor of nursing and psychological science

Viewing and sharing graphic images from the world’s conflict zones leads to habitual behavior by social media users that poses a profound public health threat, according to a new study by authors including E. Alison Holman, a professor of nursing and psychological science; and Roxane Cohen Silver, a Distinguished Professor of psychological science, public health and medicine. The study argues for public awareness programs to combat the content’s impact. “We must act with compassion as we grapple with how to inform the public without causing emotional overload,” said Holman (above). “Programs must be implemented that help prevent people from being pulled into a vicious cycle of misinformation, disinformation and stress.”

U.S. Navy to expand training program at UCI Medical Center

On June 26, representatives from the U.S. Navy, UCI Health and the School of Medicine approved an expansion of a two-year old training program to bring Navy surgeons to the UCI Medical Center’s critical care, burn and surgical intensive care units. “Working alongside the talented and experienced trauma teams at UCI Medical Center makes our fleet surgical teams more proficient,” said U.S. Navy Capt. John Steely, commander, force surgeon for Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, “ensuring the health and well-being of our U.S. Sailors and Marines.”

Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building construction update

Construction on the Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building is progressing on schedule, with several significant updates. The build-out of Levels 2 through 5 continues to advance, along with the installation of elevators and the loading dock. More information is available on the interdisciplinary research hub’s webpage.

UC NEWS

UC Board of Regents announces two appointments

On July 8, the University of California announced the appointment of Regent Janet Reilly as chair of the UC Board of Regents and Regent Maria Anguiano as the Board’s vice chair. Chair Reilly and Vice Chair Anguiano were selected for their leadership roles and will serve one-year terms. More information about the two Regents and their professional backgrounds is available in the announcement.

#IamUCI

Record-holding Anteater aims to make history in Paris Olympics

Tara Prentice, UCI Women's water polo all-team leading scorer

Tara Prentice, who became the all-time leading scorer in women’s water polo while earning two master’s degrees at UC Irvine, will play center for the U.S. team as it aims to make history with a fourth consecutive gold medal at the Paris Olympics this month. Prentice, whose parents immigrated to the U.S. from Ireland, first made the U.S. team in 2020. “She’s come back stronger and better than four years ago,” says Team USA coach Adam Krikorian, who has won 24 international titles since becoming head coach in 2009. Prentice hopes to bring back a medal for her fellow Anteaters. “Irvine has never had a women’s water polo Olympian,” Prentice says. “I want people to look at our Olympic team and see that it has a UC Irvine player.”

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