Jan. 7, 2025

Students walk between classes on the first day of winter quarter instruction. (Photo: Steve Zylius/UC Irvine)

UC IRVINE NEWS

New technique triggers immune response in cells with damaged DNA

Rémi Buisson (center), UC Irvine associate professor of biological chemistry. He’s flanked by postdoctoral fellow Elodie Bournique and graduate student Ambrocio Sanchez. School of Medicine

Biological chemistry researchers have found a way to trigger an inflammatory immune response in cells with damaged DNA, a discovery that may lead to more effective treatments for cancer. Their study found that UV irradiation or certain chemotherapeutic drugs activate a specific response when cells are too damaged to be repaired correctly, preventing them from becoming cancerous. “The implications of this research are far-reaching, because it reveals how cells can respond to injury even when they’re severely compromised,” says Rémi Buisson, an associate professor of biological chemistry, shown above, flanked by postdoctoral fellow Elodie Bournique and graduate student Ambrocio Sanchez.

Discovery boosts quantum computing and electronics

Xiaoqing Pan, UC Irvine Distinguished Professor of materials science and engineering as well as physics and astronomy, Henry Samueli Endowed Chair in Engineering, and director of the Irvine Materials Research Institute

Scientists led by Xiaoqing Pan, a Distinguished Professor of materials science & engineering and physics & astronomy, have uncovered the atomic-scale mechanics that enhance superconductivity in an iron-based material. The discovery is an important step toward using superconductors for quantum computers, mass transportation through magnetic levitation, and advanced medical diagnostic and treatment devices.

Binge drinking on the rise

The number of deaths from excessive alcohol consumption in the U.S. rose 29% between 2016 and 2021, according to the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Those numbers explain why UCI Health family medicine physician Dr. Charles Vega focuses so much effort on formally screening patients for problem drinking, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

UC NEWS

Growing UC enrollment

Total California resident undergraduate enrollment across UC campuses grew by 3,910 students in 2024 – a 2%rise over the previous year. The numbers also show significant growth among underrepresented groups, transfer students, Pell Grant recipients and graduate students. “The University of California is committed to expanding access and opportunity, helping our state’s brightest students from all backgrounds realize the value and promise of a UC degree,” said President Michael V. Drake. “These enrollment figures reflect the state’s investment in California students and the dedication of our staff, faculty and campus leaders to providing a world-class education.”

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Continuing education classes open to all curious adults

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UC Irvine is a key initiative of the Division of Continuing Education, which helps people gain knowledge, develop skills and explore a wide range of courses and programs. While it primarily focuses on professional learning, OLLI provides an option for anyone transitioning out of full-time work or simply interested in various topics. “OLLI is learning for the joy of it. There are no tests and no homework,” says Linda Robinson, vice president of marketing outreach for the institute. “Because curiosity never retires, OLLI is the ideal opportunity for people who want to continue their learning journey.” Spring registration starts Jan. 22 for classes that begin Feb. 17.

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