Laura G. Shields | Science Writer
Item List
Clips
October 15, 2020
The cell whisperer
An engineer sways tissue samples to behave in the lab like they would inside us. Such advances in growing organoids can drive precision health.
February 28, 2019
Painted wolves: The colorful carnivores of the African wild
A pack of long-legged, big-eared mammals chirps its way to one of the highest known hunting success rates. Yet, the painted wolves' hunting strategy brings them into areas that threaten their very existence.
October 28, 2018
Thinking outside the body
On a mission to help researchers grow cells in 3-dimensional structures, a materials scientist is making connections in cell biology. (STORY & PODCAST)
June 24, 2018
Treating genetic disease: Is a cure a cut away?
On the cusp of moving from the lab to patients, genetic surgery offers new hope to those suffering from debilitating disorders. (VIDEO)
April 16, 2018
Playing their way into the geosciences
Childhood play experiences, like playing with construction-based toys, help explain gender disparity and more in undergraduate students’ spatial abilities.
April 9, 2018
UC Berkeley research shows squirrel behavior is not so nutty
UC Berkeley research shows that the furry critters display sophisticated problem-solving skills in determining what to eat — and when to eat it.
March 5, 2018
Some caves remove methane from the atmosphere, new tests reveal
Caves may be dark and eerie, but now they are a little less mysterious. That is, at least, when it comes to what happens to the atmospheric methane entering them.
January 3, 2018
Researchers develop model that could reduce wave-induced injuries to Delaware beachgoers
Being pummeled by a large wave can quickly ruin a perfect beach day. But researchers are developing a model to predict the likelihood of such injuries.
December 22, 2017
Promising new wildfire behavior model may aid fire managers in near real-time
A new big-data solution for predicting wildfire spread is heating up, and it may become a useful tool in the firefighters’ arsenal.
December 12, 2017
Did air pollution cause a deadly Chinese landslide?
Researchers now think they have found an unanticipated risk from air pollution that can kill instantly: landslides.
December 4, 2017
Monterey Bay advocates ready to fight marine sanctuaries executive order
Californians are gearing up to defend the national marine sanctuaries that they fought so hard for years ago. (FRONT PAGE SUNDAY EDITION)
December 1, 2017
Moonstruck: New study proves more wildlife-vehicle collisions occur during full moon
The brightness of a full moon has a dark side: an increased risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions.
October 25, 2017
UC Santa Cruz chancellor inspires Pajaro Valley students
Chancellor Blumenthal finds ways to connect with high school students while delivering his message that college education is achievable.
October 14, 2017
Watsonville residents take skills to Texas disaster relief efforts
A local food bank sent one employee and one volunteer to food banks in Texas to help with the relief efforts following Hurricane Harvey.
April 1, 2013
Turtle patrol on the Cobourg Peninsula
Patrolling the beach for nesting marine turtles near the top of Australia is no easy feat. Is that sweat from the heat or fear?
January 7, 2019
Unintentionally engineered worlds reveal the keys to survival in extreme conditions
Researchers dive deep to explore how microbial communities live in the harsh environment of fracking wells. These microbes are like contestants on a survival game show, whisked away to a foreign land.
December 6, 2018
Two-dimensional materials skip the energy barrier by growing one row at a time
A new study dives into how some materials can self-assemble and helps uphold a theory that has remained unproven for over a century. (PRESS RELEASE)
September 28, 2018
Redesigning poplar trees to take the drought... and the salt and the heat
When it's hotter, drier, and saltier, can you take it? Researchers on a multi-institutional team are redesigning poplar plants that can.
June 11, 2018
Student-run program sends SJSU rocket club to new heights
Finals are over, but two dozen students head to a quiet San Jose State University campus two evenings a week. Their mission? To design a rocket that will reach an altitude of 100,000 feet. (STORY & PHOTOS)
April 11, 2018
Bees are back buzzing at Happy Hollow
Throw on a bee suit and check out the newly rebuilt apiary located behind-the-scenes at Happy Hollow Zoo & Park in San Jose. (VIDEO)
April 3, 2018
Oil spill response knowledge grows, but new risks emerge
An oil spill expert discusses lessons learned from Deepwater Horizon, dangers of aging infrastructure and atomized dispersants, and a Russian plan that imperils Arctic waters.
February 6, 2018
Damage assessment by laser could focus postearthquake response
Airborne lidar surveys taken before and after a powerful earthquake in Japan revealed the potential for such surveys to identify hard-hit buildings quickly.
January 2, 2018
Building the ultimate ultimate disc
Five siblings team up to reinvent the one piece of equipment you need to play the sport previously known as "Ultimate Frisbee."
December 21, 2017
Organic aerosols in remote areas have shorter lives than scientists assumed
Ambient aerosols play important roles in Earth’s climate, so much so that scientists are heading to remote locations to better understand them.
December 8, 2017
Second whale entanglement since start of Dungeness crab season spotted Wednesday
A response team prepares to rescue a entangled whale, the second one spotted within three weeks.
December 4, 2017
The curious case of the phantom hippo teeth
Think of the illegal wildlife trade, and elephant tusks and rhino horns come to mind. But another of the world’s largest mammals is slipping under the radar.
November 8, 2017
Following the science: How to chase stories across borders
Panelists at a session on cross-border journalism at the World Conference of Science Journalists spill their tips on how to work beyond a journalist's national borders.
October 23, 2017
Aptos library launches community-wide book club
A new community-reading program is starting at the Aptos Library. Several books were considered for 2018.
October 8, 2017
UC Santa Cruz raises more than $335 million
The Campaign for UC Santa Cruz exceeded its goal in its first comprehensive fundraising campaign. Donors were able to specify where the funds will be used.
