April 27, 2026

As part of Earth week, the Sustainability Resource Center, Campus Planning & Sustainability and Student Housing hosted a volunteer tree planting in Middle Earth. (Photo by Steve Zylius / UC Irvine)

UC IRVINE NEWS

Digital devices linked to behavior problems

For many parents, handing a phone or tablet to a fussy baby or toddler can feel like an easy solution in a distressing moment. But a new study by UC Irvine researchers suggests that this type of screen time might displace opportunities for 9- to 30-month-old children to cultivate self-regulation skills and possibly lead to behavior problems. “Digital devices are incredibly effective at capturing children’s attention, especially when they are upset or bored,” said Stephanie M. Reich, professor of education and lead author. “But when devices are used to calm or distract children, they may displace opportunities for children to develop self-regulation skills – skills that are critical for long-term social and emotional development.”

Collective caretaking

Marizen Ramirez (right), Wen Public Health professor of environmental and occupational health, leads a community panel discussion with (from left) Maria Haddad of Latino Health Access, Roberto Bustillo of Communities for a Better Environment and Erika Ramirez-Mayoral of GREEN-MPNA.

For National Public Health Week, the Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health convened researchers, students, community leaders and Orange and Los Angeles county residents for a conversation that felt less like a traditional academic event and more like a shared reflection on what public health can – and should – be. Across presentations and discussions, speakers returned to a consistent theme: Community members should not be passive participants in research; rather, they are its foundation, its drivers and its leaders.

UCI Moves More May begins May 4

Get moving this May! A little more movement goes a long way, so consider joining your UC Irvine and UCI Health co-workers in a month dedicated to movement – whether you join the UC Moves challenge, attend a webinar, sign up for a gym membership or take the stairs. Visit the UCI Moves More May webpage to motivate and inspire you to get and stay moving.

UC NEWS

Retiring July 1? Here’s what you need to know

The UC Retirement Administration Service Center created a guide of available online resources to help members planning to retire. RASC has a dedicated team of accredited financial professionals available for personalized retirement counseling by appointment. The retirement counselors help members of the UC Retirement Plan make informed decisions about retirement. Schedule an appointment online.

#UCIconnected

A cosmic nest

When students walk into the religious studies program meeting space, the first thing they see is a riot of color, greeted by the faces of a coyote, cougar, birds, rabbits and insects emerging from the foliage, along with crescent moons and a sun. These are some of the features of a new mural recently created by local artist Jamie Kough – who drew inspiration from the patterns of traditional African tribal masks, fabrics from various cultures and regions, arches symbolic of gateways to spiritual spaces and references to the Ecological Preserve. The religious studies program office is not just a space for students who study religion; it is also open to everyone Monday-Friday noon-5 p.m. (4 p.m. on Fridays).

#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

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