Aug. 11, 2025

SPOP students dive into the tapestry of campus life in the Anteater Learning Pavilion. (Photo by Steve Zylius/UC Irvine)

UC IRVINE NEWS

Scientist takes a lesson from mollusk teeth

David Kisailus, professor of materials science & engineering, helped lead a study to understand how chitons, mollusks that feed on algae growing on seashore rocks, develop such hard, wear-resistant and magnetic teeth. The findings serve as a blueprint for more sustainable manufacturing of advanced materials for use in batteries, fuel-cell catalysts and semiconductors. “Chiton grow new teeth every few days that are superior to materials used in industrial cutting tools, grinding media, dental implants, surgical implants and protective coatings, yet they are made at room temperature and with nanoscale precision. We can learn a lot from these biological designs and processes,” said Kisailus, whose study appears in Science.

AI’s impact on youth

A survey by UC Irvine social ecologists sheds light on Californians’ perceptions and concerns regarding the impact of generative AI on children and adolescents. The study surveyed 2,143 adults across the state, including 870 parents and guardians, and reveals a complex landscape of opinions and usage patterns. For instance – adults surveyed have no trust in government, schools or tech companies to regulate AI. The research provides a key starting point for policymakers, educators and parents navigating the rapidly changing AI landscape.

UCI Health surgeons save woman’s severed arm after train accident

Ventura resident Elieah Boyd, 24, was pushing her 80-pound electric bike across train tracks on July 7 when a train clipped her bike, detaching her right arm from her body. Once her severed limb was located, she was airlifted to UCI Health – Orange, where a team of trauma, vascular, orthopedic and plastic surgeons successfully reattached it mere hours after the accident. She spoke to KTLA about her experience.

UC NEWS

UC Board of Regents welcomes new alumni regents

Charles Melton, left, and Karl Tokita will serve as regent-designates.

The UC Board of Regents welcomed Charles Melton and Karl Tokita as 2026-27 UC alumni regents. They will serve this year as regent-designates with their one-year terms as full voting UC alumni regents beginning on July 1, 2026. Tokita holds a master’s degree from the Merage School of Business, and for the past 20 years, he has worked in the Orange County medical community. He is a founder and the current chief operating officer of KSK Medical, an imaging and outpatient surgical services provider. He also serves as an alumni board member at UC Irvine.

#IamUCI

Music to heal

Fourth-year pharmaceutical sciences student Alec Chu plays piano for UCI Health – Orange patients as part of the Music to Heal program. “It’s presented me with the opportunity to use my musical knowledge to directly impact the well-being of others,” said Chu. “Volunteering is about giving to the community, but I feel that the community has also given a lot back to me as well."

#UCIconnected

UC Irvine featured in The New York Times Crossword

UC Irvine appears at 48 across in Saturday’s The New York Times crossword puzzle.

#UCIconnected spotlights interesting updates from the UC Irvine community. #IamUCI spotlights profiles of students, faculty, staff and alumni. Send submissions via email or post on social media with the #UCIconnected or #IamUCI hashtags.

UC IRVINE NEWSMAKERS

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