UCLA Life Scientists named 2013 Sloan Fellow

Yi Xing, an associate professor in the department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics and a member of UCLA’s Institute for Molecular Medicine is among a select group of young scientists to receive a 2013 Sloan Research Fellowship from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Newly identified natural protein blocks HIV, other deadly viruses

Graduate student Su-Yang Liu and Genhong Cheng, a professor of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics worked alongside collaborators to identify a protein with broad virus-fighting properties that potentially could be used against deadly human pathogenic viruses such as HIV, Ebola, and Rift Valley Fever.

Brain scientists examine Arial Sharon’s brain post-brain hemorrhage

A team of American and Israeli brain scientists, including Martin Monti, an assistant professor of psychology and neurosurgery at UCLA, tested former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to assess his brain responses, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Surprisingly, Sharon showed significant brain activity.

‘Cool’ kids in middle school bully more

Bullying, whether it’s physical aggression or spreading rumors, boosts the social status and popularity of middle school students, according to a new UCLA psychology study that has implications for programs aimed at combatting school bullying.

UCLA’s ‘Secret’ Garden

Joshua Siskin’s story highlighting UCLA’s seven-acre Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden, located on the Westwood campus, with its collection of more than 5,000 tropical, sub-tropical and Mediterranean plant species.

Why older adults are more susceptible to swindlers

Shelley E. Taylor, UCLA distinguished professor of Psychology, and her colleagues, including lead author Elizabeth Castle, have found that “older adults seem to be particularly vulnerable to interpersonal solicitations, and their reduced sensitivity to cues related to trust may partially underlie this vulnerability.