Aug. 14, 2025

On Nov. 30, 1965, the Anteater was officially chosen in a student election as the mascot of UC Irvine, as depicted in these illustrations circa 1965-1966. (Photo courtesy of UC Irvine Libraries Archives)

UC IRVINE NEWS

Alzheimer’s research

(Lead author Elizabeth Andrews, left, a Ph.D. candidate, with Elizabeth Head, professor of pathology.)

(Lead author Elizabeth Andrews, left, a Ph.D. candidate, with Elizabeth Head, professor of pathology.)

Women with Down syndrome have more advanced signs of Alzheimer’s disease than men do at the average age of diagnosis, which is the same for both sexes, UC Irvine researchers have found. Alzheimer’s disease is the primary cause of death for individuals with Down syndrome, who are genetically predisposed to develop the condition earlier in life. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating sex-specific approaches in both Alzheimer’s research and treatment planning, especially in the design of clinical trials. “This research could help tailor therapies more effectively, not just for people with Down syndrome, but for the broader Alzheimer’s population as well,” said Elizabeth Head, professor of pathology. The National Institutes of Health supported the study.

Uncovered cell structures

Digital camera images of the entire body (top left) and dorsal mantle (top right) of a squid show the splotches’ blue, green, yellow, orange and red iridescent (angle-dependent) colors. An individual splotch (bottom, from left) transitions from transparent to red to orange to green at 0, 60, 90 and 120 seconds, respectively, when subjected to chemical and neurophysiological stimuli. Gorodetsky lab / UC Irvine

UC Irvine researchers have uncovered cells and structures responsible for helping squid skin change from transparent to colored. The scientists drew inspiration from squid skin to develop an advanced material for use in camouflage, signaling and sensing. The insights gained from studying squid skin can be leveraged for improving a wide range of other optical technologies, such as lasers, fiber optics, photovoltaics and sensors. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research funded the research.

Survey reveals a shifting work landscape

a group of people fist bumping over a table

The latest UCI-OC Poll from the School of Social Ecology reveals a shifting work landscape. The survey of 800 Orange County adults explores remote work preferences, attitudes toward artificial intelligence and overall job satisfaction – providing valuable insights for business leaders and policymakers navigating the county’s evolving work landscape. The poll results show 74 percent of Orange County workers are satisfied with their work, and 52 percent of workers desire a hybrid work schedule.

UC NEWS

The University of California: Boldly Californian

The University of California: Boldly Californian video

Behind many breakthroughs or cures is the University of California's ingenuity. UC cares for over 11 million patients a year and drives the state’s economy with new inventions and businesses. Whether supporting farmers who feed communities, discovering new therapies and treatments, or strengthening national defense, the University of California drives the innovation that powers the state.

SAVE THE DATE

Interviewing for Academic Careers

Aug. 15, noon (sponsored by Graduate Division)


Books That Move Us Featuring Dr. Noah Askin

Aug. 21, noon (UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education)


For more events, visit UC Irvine Today.

#IamUCI

Assistant professor receives Distinguished Early-Career Faculty Award

Cherlyn Ng, assistant professor of cognitive science

Cherlyn Ng, assistant professor of cognitive science, has been recognized with the 2025 Distinguished Early-Career Faculty Award – an annual honor given to a UC Irvine assistant professor who makes extraordinary contributions to the campus’s educational mission. The award spotlights Ng’s style of making the substance and excitement of her discipline accessible to students – efforts her colleagues say make her a standout selection for this award.

#UCIconnected

UCI Health hospitals recognized

UCI Health – Orange (formerly UCI Medical Center) and UCI Health – Los Alamitos have been recognized with the Gold Antimicrobial Stewardship Honor Roll designation, the highest possible recognition from the California Department of Public Health Healthcare-Associated Infections Program. UCI Health – Fountain Valley was recognized with the Bronze Award. The designation goes to the top antimicrobial stewardship programs in California that promote the optimal use of antimicrobials, prevent emergence of antimicrobial resistance and C. Difficile infections, and demonstrate clinically meaningful outcomes from stewardship interventions.

#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.

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