Feb. 17, 2026

Student Health Center staffers pose for a picture during tabling on ring road. (Photo by Steve Zylius / UC Irvine)

UC IRVINE NEWS

Through their eyes

When the parents at El Sol Science and Arts Academy picked up cameras for a youth wellness project led by Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health, they didn’t see themselves as researchers or community advocates. They were moms photographing the quiet hardships of daily life. Once their photographs went on display for the school community to see, in what is called a photovoice project, what emerged were depictions of struggle and resilience. It created a shared understanding among families and teachers.

Lunar New Year dishes for health and prosperity

Lunar New Year 2026 begins today, ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse. It’s a time to gather, reflect and welcome good fortune, health and abundance for the year ahead. For many Asian countries, Lunar New Year is the most important holiday of all. Jessica VanRoo, executive chef of the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, part of UCI Health, who creates recipes each month, was born and raised in Taiwan. She has special memories of this time of year. “Food always plays a central role in our celebrations, with dishes chosen not only for their flavor but also for their symbolism and nourishing qualities,” she said. “Here are two of my favorites that honor the holiday and my Taiwanese heritage.”

Enzyme that accurately synthesizes RNA

From vaccines and diagnostics to emerging gene-based therapies, RNA molecules are central to modern medicine. But as their use continues to grow, so does a fundamental challenge: producing RNA quickly, accurately and with the flexibility needed for new biomedical applications. UC Irvine researchers have taken a major step toward solving that problem with the creation of a DNA polymerase that can quickly and accurately produce RNA, overcoming a fundamental limitation of natural enzymes. “This work shows that enzymes are far more adaptable than we once thought,” said John Chaput, professor of pharmaceutical sciences. “By harnessing evolution, we can create new molecular tools that open the door to advances in RNA biology, synthetic biology and biomedical innovation.” The work was supported by the National Science Foundation. #SpeakUp4Science

UC NEWS

UC innovation

According to rankings released by the National Academy of Inventors, the University of California secured more U.S. utility patents than any other university in the world last year. The No. 1 position highlights UC’s unmatched record for innovation that drives societal progress and bolsters the economy. And it underscores the importance of federal funding and policy in powering America’s scientific and technological leadership on the world stage.

#IamUCI

Henry Samueli honored

Henry Samueli, Distinguished Adjunct Professor of electrical engineering and computer science and namesake of the Samueli School of Engineering, has been named a member of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. The honor spotlights his contributions to the internet and telecommunications technologies. “Induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame is a rare and highly prestigious recognition, so it’s fitting that Henry Samueli has been honored for his groundbreaking contributions to broadband communications,” said Chancellor Howard Gillman. “His leadership enabled technology to benefit human societies around the world, and his generosity to the University of California, Irvine is unparalleled.”

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