Aug. 13, 2026

Anteater Time Machine: A microbiologist works with petri dishes of bacterial samples in a lab, circa 2001. (Photo courtesy of UC Irvine Libraries Archives)

UC IRVINE NEWS

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Opennote co-founders, from left, Abhi Arya, Rishi Srihari and Vedant Vyas.

The story of Opennote – a chatbot-turned-note-taking app created by undergraduate entrepreneurs Abhi Arya and Rishi Srihari – did not begin in a polished boardroom or a Silicon Valley office. It began in a student apartment at UC Irvine. “The ANTrepreneur Center was really helpful in terms of initial ideation and getting this off the ground,” said Arya. “We’ve felt like we can come to the center for anything we need, and they’ve been incredibly helpful and supportive throughout our journey.”

No link between crime and unauthorized immigration

For more than two decades, Charis E. Kubrin, Chancellor’s Professor of criminology, law and society, has followed the data wherever it leads. She has built a career studying one of America’s most politically charged questions: does immigration drive crime? Now, in one of the most geographically detailed studies of its kind, Kubrin and colleagues have an answer. “Consistent with the research base more generally, unauthorized immigration does not drive crime rates in U.S. neighborhoods,” said Kubrin, the study’s lead author. “It’s well beyond time to rethink immigration enforcement in this country – these policies are largely ineffective at enhancing public safety and may actually do more harm than good.”

Integrative Preconception Care Program

The Integrative Preconception Care Program – led by Karen Lindsay, early-career Samueli Endowed Chair and registered dietitian nutritionist, and naturopathic doctor Lilian Au – was developed to address a critical and often overlooked need in women’s health. With fertility challenges on the rise, there is immense emotional and physical stress on families. The Integrative Preconception Care Program provides evidence-informed, whole-person care to optimize health before pregnancy and help improve conception success and pregnancy health.

UC NEWS

UC admits record number of California students

The University of California has announced a record year for California admissions, offering 102,031 California first-year students admission for fall 2026, the highest number in University history. The preliminary admissions results reflect UC’s long-standing commitment to serving California, where approximately 85 percent of the University's currently enrolled undergraduate students are state residents. “For generations, a University of California education has been one of the state’s most powerful engines of social mobility, opening doors for talented students from every background and region of the state,” said UC President James B. Milliken. “The record number of California students we’re welcoming this year reflects UC’s enduring commitment to expanding opportunity while preparing the next generation of leaders, innovators, educators and public servants."

SAVE THE DATE

UC Irvine Angels Night

Aug. 15, 5:08 p.m. (sponsored by UC Irvine Athletics)

Freezer Friendly: Cook Once, Nourish All Week

Aug. 19, 5:30 p.m. (sponsored by Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute)

For more events, visit UC Irvine Today.

#IamUCI

Dr. Valery Vilchez Parra receives 40 Under 40 Award

Dr. Valery Vilchez Parra, UCI Health colorectal surgeon and researcher, has been honored by the National Hispanic Medical Association with its 40 Under 40 Award for exemplifying leadership, innovation and commitment to advancing Hispanic health and health equity. Vilchez Parra specializes in laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgical techniques to treat colon and rectal diseases.

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